SCRAPS Breed Profile ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL
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SCRAPS Breed Profile ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL Stats Country of Origin: Wales Group: Sporting Use today: Family companion, hunting, tracking, retrieving, and agility. Life Span: 12 to 14 years Color: Coat colors are liver & white and black & white (with or without tan markings). Coat: Medium-length coat is flat or wavy and feathered. Grooming: The coat of the field-type Springer is fairly easy to maintain and regular brushing with a stiff bristle brush will keep it looking good; while the bench-type Springer's coat needs more attention. Both need baths and dry shampoo only when necessary, but check the ears regularly for signs of infection. Springers with longer coats will mat if not brushed often and particular attention needs to be given to the ears and the feet. If the hair is not kept shaved on the under side of the ears, it can lead to chronic ear infections. The hair on the feet needs to be trimmed to prevent burrs and foxtails from being imbedded. The longer coats will pick up burrs and branches and need to be combed out after outside exercise or it will mat badly. The bench-type Springer does not have as much coat as the American Cocker Spaniel, but it needs regular attention. This breed is a constant average shedder. Height: Male 19 – 21 inches; Females 18 - 20 inches Weight: Male 45 – 55 pounds; Females 40 - 50 pounds Profile In Brief: The English Springer Spaniel is a the rest of the dog. The length of the head breed of gun dog in the Spaniel family should be about the same as the length of the traditionally used for flushing and retrieving neck. The stop is moderate with a groove rising game. It is closely related to the Welsh Springer between the eyes and gradually disappearing in Spaniel. The term "springer" comes from the the middle of the forehead. The top line of the historic hunting role, where the dog would skull and muzzle have approximately parallel "spring" birds into the air. Cheerful and planes. The medium-sized eyes have a kind affectionate, Springers love their families and expression. The eyes are either hazel or brown, like to stick close to their owners. They make depending on the color of the coat. The ears are excellent house pets, but require daily exercise set in line with the eyes. When pulled forward, and need regular brushing and trimming to keep the ears should reach all the way to the top of their coats neat and free of mats. the nose. The tail is customarily docked. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite and the jaw Description: The English Springer Spaniel is a is powerful. The medium-length coat is flat or compact, hearty medium-sized dog with long wavy and feathered, and comes in liver & white, pendant ears. They should be sturdy and neither and black & white (with or without tan markings), too light nor too heavy. The tail is generally blue or liver roan. The white may have flecks of docked (and wagging!). The dog should have a colored hair. proud bearing, with a level back approximately the same length as the height at the withers Temperament: Most English Springers are (never longer). The front legs should he straight. even-tempered, gentle, friendly, and sociable The feet are compact. The head is strong, yet dogs that are great for kids. Intelligent, skillful, refined and not too heavy, in good proportion to willing and obedient. Playful, energetic and a quick leaner. Merry, brave and sweet tail- waggers. Cheerful and courageous. It is do not be too quick to label it as "Rage". Many affectionate, good natured and sincere, this dog Springers go through a "teenage" stage, where loves everyone. Springers do best when they they may test their owners. They need an owner are with people as much as possible. They can to knows how to display gentle, but firm get into trouble if left alone too long. They love leadership. This "teenage" behavior is too often water and may constantly get themselves wet misdiagnosed as being "Rage", when in fact, it is and muddy. Usually they are good with other normal "Top Dog" behavior. It is best to have pets with the possible exception of birds. your dog tested before assuming they have Sometimes argumentative with same sex dogs. "Rage". This breed can be destructive and bark a lot if left alone. Springers need wise guidance Living Conditions: They will do okay in an through what is called their "teenage" time. apartment if sufficiently exercised. English Some are high-energy and they are all Springer Spaniels adapt well to town or city life. intelligent. They need a soft, but firm hand so They are relatively inactive indoors and will do they always know who is in control. There are best with at least an average-sized yard. two types of Springers - field and bench. The field type are bred for hunting and field trial Exercise: The Springer enjoys as much work. They tend to have more white coat than exercise as you can give it. They need lots of it the bench type, much less hair, and are more to be happy. They should have chances to take high energy. The bench type are bred for long walks and run and play off the leash. They conformation shows and have more liver or love to retrieve and swim. These dogs perform black than white, they have much more coat, but very well in both agility skills trials and are usually calmer. obedience competitions. Health: Some are prone to hip dysplasia. This Origins: This is the founder of all the English breed tends to gain weight easily, so do not over hunting spaniels. During the Renaissance, it was feed. Also prone to PRA, which affects the eyes, considered the ideal companion for the and PFK, a blood disorder, epilepsy, and HD. European hunter. Its popularity in America The English Springer breed has been began in 1700. The Springer Spaniel gets its experiencing a serious personality problem in name from his method of flushing game: he some individuals called "Rage Syndrome." This springs forward to drive birds out of hiding. This is a rare disorder that also occurs in other breed hunts well both on land and water and is popular breeds. An otherwise normal dog goes good at work in brush. He also is a fine retriever. into a sudden rage, viciously attacking people. The English Springer Spaniel's merry, gentle During the attacks the dog does not respond to personality makes him an ideal family dog. His commands. This condition is a form of epilepsy talents are hunting, tracking, retrieving, watch and can be treated. It is generally not evident dogging, agility, competitive obedience, and until the dog is one to two years old. Check with performing tricks. breeders about history of "Rage" in the lines. If your dog is experiencing aggression problems, Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service 6815 E. Trent • Spokane Valley • Washington • 99212 (509) 477-2532 voice (509) 477-4745 fax www.spokanecounty.org/animal .