English Springer Spaniel
Country/Date of Origin: Great Britain/1800s
The English Springer is a member of the British family of spaniels. These hunting dogs are used before the gun to "spring" or flush birds into the air so that the hunter can shoot them. Cockers and springers were once found in the same litter. The smaller ones were used for woodcock and became known as cockers. The larger ones became known as "springer" or "starter" spaniels and eventually became a separate breed. The versatility and hunting prowess of the English Springer makes it the spaniel of choice for hunters in the United States. It was accepted into the AKC in 1932.
Other Names Body Type Personality Coat Health Concerns
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AKC Group: Sporting
Breed Club: English Springer Spaniel Club of America, Inc.
Rescue Club: English Springer Rescue America, Inc.
Back to TopBody Type:
- One of the tallest spaniels, it is distinguished from the Cocker Spaniels by its longer legs and heavier head
- Height: 19-20 inches (at shoulder)
- Weight: 49-53 pounds
- The tail is set low and carried nearly horizontal. It is always moderately docked
- The long, wide, hanging ears are never altered
Personality:
- Gentle and easygoing; the typical spaniel personality
- Very affectionate with everyone. Gets along well with other dogs too
- A top choice for a children's pet
- Playful and loves to engage in rough and tumble games
Coat:
- Flat, wavy and of medium length, it is sufficiently dense to be waterproof
- Marked feathering on ears and legs
- Permissible colors are liver or black, with white markings; liver or black and white, with tan markings; blue or liver roan; white with tan, black or liver markings. The most commonly seen are the black and white and liver and white varieties
- Requires moderate grooming to prevent matting with occasional professional trimming
Health Concerns:
- Subject to hip dysplasia
- Allergic skin disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Possible rage syndrome
Tasty Tidbits:
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