Physical Characteristics

Breed Group:

Sporting/Gun Dog

Weight:

50 – 55 pounds

Height:

18 – 20 inches

Color(s):

Four color combinations are possible:
Black and white
Liver and white
or
Either of the above with tan markings

Coat:

English Springer Spaniels have straight, weather resistant coats, with moderate featherings on their ears, forelegs, torso and hindquarters.

Overview

Character:

The English Springer Spaniel has a naturally happy disposition and is a great companion dog. The working (field-bred) show-bred lines have very different appearances, and their gene pools have been completely separated for a long time. The working breed has shorter coat and superior athletic abilities, while show-quality English Springer Spaniels are selected for appearance and performance in obedience trials. Both lines have similar personalities and will be good family pets.

Country of Origin:

United Kingdom

History:

Like many other spaniels, English Springer Spaniel was a cherished hunting companion breed. They were not considered a separate breed until the 1800s; before then, the English Springer Spaniel and English Cocker Spaniel were treated as a single breed. Today they still serve as loyal hunting partners, and also as loving pets. President George W. Bush owned an English Springer Spaniel called Spot Fetcher, who was the only dog to have lived in the White House twice in her lifetime.

Name:

The name “springer” refers to the breed’s ability to “spring,” or flush, birds out from bushes into the air for the hunters.

Temperament:

English Springer Spaniels are happy, personable, and affectionate. They are eager to please and form strong bonds with their families. They get along well with children and other pets. They are alert and intelligent, and can be easily trained to perform many tasks. English Springer Spaniels need plenty of physical and mental exercise to stay in optimum health.

Care

Training:

Since they are eager to please their owners, training is relatively easy with English Springer Spaniels. Their playful nature invites many activities and games that can be used as training tools. Early socialization will ensure that they behave in a predictable fashion around children.

Activity:

English Springer Spaniels have moderate to high energy level, and therefore require regular exercise. Mental stimulations are also important, and can be achieved with a variety of toys.

Ownership:

While English Springer Spaniels are of relatively small size and therefore can be adapted to apartment living, owners must make sure that they get adequate exercise. A bored English Springer Spaniel with excessive energy might become destructive. They can be prone to ear infection, and weekly ear cleaning might be required.

Breeders

No breeders listed at this time.

List of dog breeds