English Springer Spaniel

Not a breed to be called a couch potato, the English Springer Spaniel is a high-energy dog with a hunting background. This happy and friendly dog is great with children.

Hailing from England where the popular Spaniel was a falconer assistant, hunter and gundog since the beginning of the 18th century, the Springer has become a popular domestic pet with its merry disposition and fondness of children. Today the Springer is still used as a hunting assistant and expertly flushes and retrieves game, second to none.

Personality

Extremely energetic
Happy, non-aggressive, friendly, sensitive, sociable and full of limitless energy

Size

48-53 pounds
18-22 inches at the withers (shoulder)

Lifestyle

This high-energy breed is the exact opposite of a couch potato
Excellent with children but too lively for the elderly
Need time and attention; not well suited for a household that is too busy or chaotic

Training

Keen to learn and eager to please; respond best to lively, motivated training sessions
Puppies can be both exasperating and destructive, so it is best to start training early on
Pet birds and Springers do not mix, given the Springers natural hunting instinct of fowl

Exercise

Tireless; need plenty of exercise to be content
Need several long walks every day, regardless of the weather; ideally should be taken for two hour-long walks per day, along with off-leash play in a dog run or secured park
Love playing fetch with tennis balls or other retrievable items

Coat

The soft, smooth coat can be liver and white, black, white or either, with some tan markings
Often fall into one of two categories: field-bred or show-bred. The first is a hunting type with a coarser, wiry coat and the latter a more domestic, refined dog with a silkier, softer coat
Daily brushing and combing will keep the coat silky and unmatted
Professional grooming three to four times a year will keep them clean and shining

Care

Springers are inclined to develop red tear stains under their eyes; prevent this by using a pet wipe
Long ears have a tendency to pick up mud, leaves or goop; a daily combing will keep them looking clean

Health

Extremely healthy and rugged
Like most long-eared breeds, they can be susceptible to ear infections
Can be prone to the rare fusosidosis, a disease of the nervous system

Lifespan

10-14 years

Rescue

Visit English Springer Spaniel Rescue America for more information

PHOTO: Heinz Höfling

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