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English Springer Spaniel
Looking for an English Springer Spaniel?
Introduction
The English springer spaniel is a dog breed originally bred as a hunting dog to retrieve shot live games. It is one of the many spaniel breeds. The English springer is a smart and happy dog. Coat colours include brown, white, black and white, or with tan spots. It also looks similar to its spaniel cousins, the Welsh springer spaniel and the cocker spaniel.
Are you thinking of getting an English springer spaniel? Here is a brief background of this agile and affectionate pedigree dog.
History
The spaniel-type dog was bred in the seventeenth century, which is believed to have come from Spain. This dog breed was used for flushing games to ‘spring’ into the air. After work, it came home with its owner as a companion. During the nineteenth century, this dog breed was divided according to size. Those dogs weighing 25 pounds were called cocker spaniels and used to hunt woodcock. ‘Springing’ larger game became the task of the heavier 45-pounder spaniel, thus the name English springer spaniel.
The English springer spaniel was recognised by the Kennel Club in 1902 and by the American Kennel Club in 1910. Since 2008, the breed has been one of the most popular breeds in the UK.
Appearance and Grooming
The English springer spaniel is a compact, well-proportioned, and strong pooch. It weighs 44–55 pounds and stands 43–51 centimetres at the withers. Like most spaniels, it has the usual gentle and intelligent expression. There are essentially two types of spaniels: those bred for show and those who work in the field. There are a few clear differences in terms of appearance. Show types are prized for their beauty and showmanship, and boast of longer and softer coats. They have longer flews and are known for their distinctive dewlaps. Field types have shorter ears, pointier noses, and are leaner because they were bred as athletes.
Both springers have rounded heads, broad necks, and strong jaws. Their weather-resistant coat is straight, soft, and close-lying. There is slight feathering on their ears, chest, legs, and belly. They come in black and white, liver and white, or either of these colour combinations with tan markings.
The springer has demanding grooming needs. It needs to be regularly brushed to prevent tangles and mats. Its head, ears, neck, tail, and feet need to be trimmed to maintain its neat appearance. Bathing can be done once every three months. Professional grooming is encouraged at least three times a year to maintain a shiny and healthy coat. Since air could not circulate properly in its heavy ears, regularly check them for signs of wax build-up and infection.
Temperament and Intelligence
The English springer spaniel is smart, loyal, even-tempered, and versatile. It is people-oriented, so aside from enjoying its owner’s attention, it will also seek affection from other people and even strangers. This breed may bark at noises and outsiders, but it is not necessarily a guard dog. It is generally a happy dog that gets along with everybody, including children and other pets. However, keep in mind that it might consider birds as prey since it was bred to hunt them. With its strong desire to be with people, it has separation anxiety and becomes noisy or destructive when left alone.
Because the springer is intelligent and eager to please, training is reasonably easy. Early socialisation is important because some can become timid when not exposed to other people and pets. Before getting a springer, make sure that you know the difference between the two and choose what suits your lifestyle. The field type is more energetic, so it requires more physical activities. The show springer can also hunt, but it is slower because it is heavier.
Then again, not all dog breeds exhibit the same behaviour regardless if the breed is predisposed to certain breed qualities. Each dog is unique, and several factors contribute to shaping its personality.
Nutrition and Feeding
A typical serving for an adult English springer spaniel is 1.5–2 cups of excellent-quality dry dog food per day. As a dog originally bred to work, it has high energy and nutrient requirements. Nonetheless, you have to consider its age, size, build, activity level, and metabolism when deciding meal quantity and frequency. You also need to understand the individual needs of your dog.
The English springer requires more protein and less carbohydrates to be able to sustain its energy needs. Protein is great in providing essential nutrients to build muscles.
Typical calorie needs of an adult English spring spaniel per day:
- Senior and less active: up to 900 calories daily
- Typical adult: up to 1,100 calories daily
- Physically active/working dog: up to 1,800 calories daily
Like any breed, the English springer needs a complex range of nutrients, which includes a healthy foundation of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Breed experts believe that they need a diet rich in B vitamins to promote better reflexes. These vitamins are also good for the nervous system, eyes, and hair. Incorporate glucosamine, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and vitamin C to prevent hip dysplasia.
It is advised to feed it whole foods consisting mainly of meat such as chicken, lamb, fish, and turkey. Carrots, blueberries, and eggs are also recommended to promote better eyesight. Avoid grain, especially wheat, soy, and corn, which are used as unhealthy fillers in commercial dog food.
Health and Exercise
The English springer is generally healthy, but predisposed to certain medical conditions such as ear infections, auto immune diseases, and skin disorders. It can also acquire fucosidosis, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and phosphofructokinase (PFK) deficiency. Eye disorders such as hereditary eye disease, progressive retinol atrophy (PRA), primary glaucoma, entropion, and retinal dsyplasia are pretty common.
As an active dog that was bred as a hunter, an adult springer requires at least two hours of exercise daily. The field springer has higher exercise needs than the show springer. It enjoys long walks and runs a few times per day. It also enjoys playing freely or performing retrieving and agility drills in a fenced yard or farm.
Cost of Ownership
If you are set on getting an English Springer Spaniel, be ready to pay anything from £500 to £1500 for a well-bred puppy. When it comes to feeding, you will need to spend £50 to £60 a month on high-quality dog food. You also need to factor in the initial cost for dog accessories and equipment such as bowls, leads, collars, and beds, which will likely be about £200 depending on the brand.
As to healthcare you need to be prepared in case your dog suddenly falls ill or gets into an accident. You can offset some bills if you get a pet insurance, which can range from £25 for a time-limited cover up to £40 for a lifetime one. These prices vary depending on your dog’s health and age, the type of cover you choose, and whether it has pre-existing conditions.
Other outgoings to consider are veterinary expenses that may not be included in a pet insurance coverage such as vaccinations, routine checks, neutering or spaying, and annual boosters, which can have a combined cost of £800-£1000 annually. In a rough estimation, you will be budgeting around £80–£100 a month for recurring expenses, depending on the type of insurance cover you choose for your dog.
English Springer Spaniel Breed Highlights
- The English springer spaniel is a sturdy, medium-size dog.
- It has a long and soft coat with demanding grooming needs.
- It is a highly intelligent and eager-to-please pet.
- The English springer requires mental and physical stimulation.
- It requires a higher level of training, so it’s ideal for experienced dog owners.
- As it’s a people-oriented breed, it might suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long.
Are you sure the English Springer Spaniel is the best breed for you? Take the Pet Breed Selector Quiz to find your perfect breed match.
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Disclaimer:
The information, including measurements, prices and other estimates, on this page is provided for general reference purposes only.
The information, including measurements, prices and other estimates, on this page is provided for general reference purposes only.
