The English Springer Spaniel sprang from the original Norfolk Spaniel. the Duke of Norfolk kept a kennel of these fine hunting dogs with liver and white coloring who were noted as "Springers" because of their usefulness in "springing" game for the hawk or the gun. Of all of the land Spaniels, the Springer was longer on leg and a taller dog. It has always a popular hunting dog in England and widely used in the field as a dog to roust up the birds and also to retrieve.
The English Springer Spaniel in Great Britain has retained much of its hunting ability and traditional uses as a hunting animal. Meanwhile in the United States the Springer Spaniel has very nearly evolved into a completely different breed. Since its inception into the American Kennel club in the early 1900s the breed has been bred almost exclusively for showing and the form of the dog has become very exaggerated, with a longer neck and more sloping back. Furthermore the beauty of the coat and length of coat has been emphasized, to the detriment of its purpose, which is meant to be a weather resistant fairly short coat for use in the field.
The divergence has become so great that in 1993 the English Springer Spaniel club voiced its wish to become completely separated from the American counterpart of the English Springer. It began to become more apparent as time went on that the American Springer Spaniel was moving further away from the "standard" in the same way that the American Cocker Spaniel moved away from its English counterpart. The American counter part of the English Springer Spaniel is now denoted as the "Springer Spaniel."
The English Springer Spaniel should be an "un-exaggerated" breed in all respects. It should have a balanced disposition as well, being gentle and non aggressive and accepting of training. The American Springer Spaniel has unfortunately become known as a possibly aggressive dog, this is a a distressing development for any breed and particularly for those people who cherish and breed for this dog's reputation as a dependable and affectionate hunting companion.
In fact, a particular incidence of the condition called "Rage Syndrome" has developed in the American Springer Spaniel which is actually called "Springer Rage Syndrome" and it is felt that there may be a genetic component of this particular behavior. Thankfully, more American breeders are attempting to regain the Spaniels' reputation as a solid and stable companion dog. The reputation of the breed on the other side of the world, in Great Britain, remains that of a reliable and non aggressive animal.
It is important that buyers of a Springer Spaniel meet the parents of the puppy and investigate the qualifications of the breeder. Rage Syndrome does not appear at this time to be a condition which can be "tested" genetically, but it is increasingly apparent that an important factor for suitable temperament in any breed of dog is the temperament of the parents. Breeders will tell you that temperament is most definitely an inherited factor. The Springer Spaniel should be a non aggressive, gentle and reliable hunting dog and family pet.
The English Springer Spaniel is a good choice for an apartment if you are willing to jog with her or exercise her several times a day. She will do better with access to a properly fenced in area that affords her room to run. She is very good with most other dogs and pets but possibly not so good with birds. She loves older children. As a reminder, never leave children unsupervised with a puppy or dog.
Approximate Adult Size
The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male English Springer Spaniel is 19 to 21 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 45 to 55 pounds. The female ranges from 18 to 20 inches to the withers and 40 to 50 pounds.
Special Health Considerations
Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the English Springer Spaniel is no exception. Be on the look out for canine hip dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), Progressive Retinal Atrophy (inherited disease of the retina that can cause vision loss and blindness), hypothyroidism (sluggish thyroid gland which can result in weight gain), and Rage Syndrome (an odd situation where the dog goes crazy for a time and may even bite), thought to be associated with epilepsy. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.
Grooming
The English Springer Spaniel has a moderately long coat which is composed of an inner and outer coat. The outer coat is wavy or flat while the inner coat is short and soft. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.
Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.
Life Span
The English Springer Spaniel can live between 10 and 15 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
History
They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1910.