| Training | |
| Sensitivity to strangers | |
| Affection for family | |
| Suitable for first-time owners | |
| Ease of grooming | |
| Energy level |
Contents
Affectionate even with children, the English Springer Spaniel is an excellent hunting dog.
The English Springer Spaniel is one of the most famous and ancient British dogs: a true English Lord. The Springer is considered the ancestor of all Spaniels. It has a very fascinating history, which makes it a truly legendary dog in its homeland. It is basically a hunting breed, used to lift and retrieve prey.
Its name defined its destiny. The term “Springer” derives from the word “spring”, which in this case is not translated as the most beautiful season of the year, but as the way the dog jumps when hunting. Did you think the name referred to the season of the year when flowers bloom? Have you already imagined a Springer puppy jumping from flower to flower? Nothing could be further from the truth. However, this breed loves to be outdoors.
The analogy with the spring refers to the dog’s agile gait and to the fact that during the hunt, the Springer can chase away its prey by making it jump “like a spring” from its burrow or hiding place.
The latter is a characteristic of all Spaniels, which as we know are skilled hunters.
English Springer Spaniel: Origins
As we have mentioned, the origins of this breed are sufficiently ancient to consider the English Springer Spaniel the “father” of all Spaniels. On a strictly “bureaucratic” level, the official documents testifying and certifying the presence of this breed in the United Kingdom date back to 1812.
In these documents the first specimen of the breed called Mop I was registered. From its name, it can be said that it intended to start its own dynasty. This dog belonged to a noble family:The Boughey family of Aqualate in Shropshire. But after undergoing court proceedings, the official recognition of the English Springer Spaniel took place almost a century later.
In 1902, the Kennel Club of the United Kingdom named this breed as the “English Springers other than Clumber, Sussex and Field”. Since that time, the centuries-old history of the Springer has allowed it to be known today as the oldest of the “Made in Britain” hunting dogs.
It is a skillful dog for ground and water tracking. It has a robust structure and an energetic character. Let’s take a look at the main characteristics of the English Springer Spaniel.
English Springer Spaniel: Physical Characteristics
Although it is not a particularly lean breed, it does not have the physical build of a mastiff. It is an agile and resistant dog. At sporting level, this breed has a high performance.
Without being a giant, the English Springer Spaniel shows strength and power. On average, males and females stand 20 inches (50 cm) tall at the shoulder and they weigh 44 lb (20 kg). Therefore, this breed belongs to the group of medium-sized dogs.
Its body is well proportioned and harmonious with the head. Although its body is clearly not like that of a hound, its limbs make it look like a real hunting machine. Its temperament and its look are very different away from the hunting ground. They express tranquility and gentleness. Its slightly almond-shaped eyes are dark hazel.
What about its coat? There are no surprises in terms of coat color.
In general, the shades of the coat are the ones most frequently found in hunting dogs.
- White and brown are probably the prevailing colors,
- followed by the black and white combination,
- The fawn color tends to purplish red,
- The tawny spots on the coat can obviously vary.
However, you should keep in mind that it is rare to find a specimen of only one color, a feature that is not included in the official breed standards, in case you are thinking of enrolling in the sectorial competitions. As for the characteristics of the coat of the English Springer Spaniel, we can say that its hair can be straight or wavy, and, in general, it is quite thick.
This is very useful during a “working” day: The coat of this breed is also partially water repellent. All these aspects combined make it a cold and weather resistant breed.
A coat with these characteristics also becomes a useful armor against the dangers of vegetation that the Springer has always faced during outdoor hunting sessions.
Miniature English Springer Spaniel: The Classic Version Variety
It should be noted that there is a kind of “subcategory” of the English Springer Spaniel, which is a bit smaller than the original one. Do not be confused by the word “miniature”. This does not mean that it is the mini version of the classic variety, but that the specimens are slightly smaller than the original and that they are particularly suitable for some activities.
An example to better understand this concept is the so-called “working springer“, which are particularly suitable, versatile and flexible in hunting. Working springers are slightly smaller specimens with a lighter coat and a more elongated muzzle shape.
Another quite common variety is the American one
Like everything Americans create is meant to stand out, this breed is designed for the ring show. They are smaller specimens, with a more compact physical structure and longer than average ears.
English Springer Spaniel: Temperament
The English Springer Spaniel is not an overly lively or invasive dog, but it is certainly a very active dog. In fact, you will almost always see it on alert and watchful, but it will never be intrusive or aggressive.
Versatile and patient, this breed is a dog that needs to exercise and not stay indoors all day long. It will find its balance if you give it the right space. You will notice its presence at home in a calm and elegant way. It is affectionate with everyone, even with children. It also gets along very well and without problems with other dogs.
English Springer Spaniel: Health
The Springer does not require special grooming. This breed does not suffer from any particular congenital diseases or disorders. In fact, they are long-lived and very resistant dogs, having a life expectancy ranging from 12 to 14 years.
The only thing to keep in mind is that this breed loves physical exercise. Spaniels should enjoy exercising freely in the open air. This is a fundamental aspect of their life that will keep them healthy from a physical and emotional point of view, since this way they will always be lively and cheerful.
English Springer Spaniel: Breeders, Price, and Puppies For Sale
Have you fallen in love with this breed and want to buy an English Springer Spaniel after reading our article? We can tell you for sure that there are specialized breeders in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia. Also with a little patience you can find the puppy you want in Canada, Ireland, Scotland, and other European countries.
Its price varies according to the country where it is purchased. The price of an English Springer Spaniel puppy ranges between 800 and 1200 dollars, about 700-1000 English pounds. In some countries, only a few puppies are born each year, so all those who wish to acquire a specimen of this breed, should reserve it in advance.
Now that we have clarified all the most important aspects, you can go in search of your new 4-legged friend, who is surely waiting for you.
You may be interested in reading another article related to other dog breeds such as:
- Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
- Keeshond
- Cocker Spaniel
- Berger Picard
- Skye Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Spanish Water Dog
- Barbet
- English Springer Spaniel
- Welsh Corgi
