notes on the english springer spaniel
The English
Springer Spaniel is a compact, hearty medium-sized dog with long pendant ears.
They should be sturdy and neither too light nor too heavy. The tail is generally
docked (and wagging!). The dog should have a proud bearing, with a level back
approximately the same length as the height at the withers (never longer).
The front legs should he straight. The feet are compact. The head is strong,
yet refined and not too heavy, in good proportion to the rest of the dog.
The length of the head should be about the same as the length of the neck.
The stop is moderate with a groove rising between the eyes and gradually disappearing
in the middle of the forehead. The topline of the skull and muzzle have approximately
parallel planes. The medium-sized eyes have a kind expression. The eyes are
either hazel or brown, depending on the color of the coat. The ears are set
in line with the eyes. When pulled forward, the ears should reach all the
way to the top of the nose. The tail is customarily docked. The teeth should
meet in a scissors bite and the jaw is powerful. The medium-length coat is
flat or wavy and feathered, and comes in liver & white, and black & white
(with or without tan markings), blue or liver roan. The white may have flecks
of coloured hair.
Most English Springers are even-tempered, gentle, friendly, and sociable dogs
that are great for kids. Intelligent, skillful, willing and obedient. Playful,
energetic and a quick leaner. Merry, brave and sweet tail-waggers. Cheerful
and courageous. It is affectionate, good natured and sincere, this dog loves
everyone. Springers do best when they are with people as much as possible.
They can get into trouble if left alone too long. They love water and may
constantly get themselves wet and muddy. Usually they are good with other
pets with the possible exception of birds. This breed can be destructive and
bark a lot if left alone. Springers need wise guidance through what is called
their "teenage" time. Some are high-energy and they are all intelligent. They
need a soft, but firm hand so they always know who is in control. There are
two types of Springers - field and bench. The field type are bred for hunting
and field trial work. They tend to have more white coat than the bench type,
much less hair, and are more high energy. The bench type are bred for conformation
shows and have more liver or black than white, they have much more coat, but
are usually calmer.
This is the founder of all the English hunting spaniels. During the Renaissance,
it was considered the ideal companion for the European hunter. Its popularity
in America began in 1700. The Springer Spaniel gets its name from his method
of flushing game: he springs forward to drive birds out of hiding. This breed
hunts well both on land and water and is good at work in brush. He also is
a fine retriever.
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"Pickle" - Portrait of a English Springer Spaniel Oil
painting on canvas 24" x36"
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for
more spaniels and other dog breeds -
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