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Springer Spaniel Dog Breed Introduction
Springer Spaniel( full name: English Springer Spaniel) is a gun dog breed from England. It was originally used for flushing and retrieving game. Over the years, this breed diverged into two lines, show dogs and field dogs. The former has been linked with rage syndrome. Springer Spaniels are closely related to English Cocker Spaniel and Welsh Springer Spaniel. Working Springer Spaniels have a shorter and coarser coats, with less pendulous ears. They are selected for their hunting ability, sense of smell, and response to training rather than appearance. Field Springer Spaniels are also used for K-9 detection work.
On the other hand, show dogs have more pendant ears and longer fur, dangling flews, and dewlaps. Springer Spaniels are referred to as velcro dogs. This is because they chose one person in the family to be the most loyal to and stick with that person as much as possible. They are also sociable dogs that enjoy the company of children and handles the company of other pets well. Although, the hunting breed ( working) may not get along well with cats.
Springer Spaniel Origin | History
According to the history of the land spaniels in Britain, dogs described as springers or cockers were often born in the same litter. The land spaniels were bred for hunting. The larger littermates, the Springer Spaniels would flush the gamebird into the air where a trained hawk or falcon would bring it to the handler. The smaller littermates, cockers were used for hunting woodcock.
It took many generations of careful purposeful breeding before the Cocker Spaniel, Welsh Spaniel, and Springer Spaniels could be sorted into the breeds we know today. Although, Welsh and English Springer Spaniels were classified as the same until 1902 after the Kennel Club recognized the two springers separately. The popularity of English Springer Spaniels skyrocket in North America in the 1920s. Currently, the durability, trainability, and keen nose of the Springer Spaniels have been used in the great advantage in K-9 detection work.
Springer Spaniel Life Span
A Springer Spaniel has a lifespan of 12 to 14 years.
How To Groom A Springer Spaniel | Grooming
Springer Spaniels shed moderately all-year round. They require weekly brushing to remove dirt, loose hair, and prevent matting or tangling. During the heavy shedding season in Spring and/or Fall, brush the coat at least thrice a week. While brushing the coat, pay special attention to the ears and torso that tends to easily get matted. Work on the tangles using a metal dog comb or a slicker brush.
A Springer Spaniel needs a bath every 6 to 8 weeks unless it rolls into something stinky. Use a hypoallergenic shampoo and conditioner that is suitable for waterproof coats. After a bath, thoroughly rinse off the grooming products using lukewarm water to prevent skin irritation. Wipe the eye corners on a daily basis using a clean damp washcloth or canine wipes.
Trim the nails of an English Springer Spaniel every 3 to 5 weeks to prevent overgrowth, splitting, and cracking using nail clippers. Overly grown nails are painful for your Springer Spaniels as they walk or run. Brush the teeth of a Springer Spaniel twice a week if not daily using a dog formulated toothpaste and toothbrush. Clean the pendulous ears once a week using an ear cleanser solution and cotton balls to remove excess wax, dirt, or debris. While cleaning the ears, look out for redness, odor, or dark discharge that are signs of a dog’s ear infection.
Springer Spaniel Haircut | Grooming Styles
A Springer may be trimmed by a professional groomer or the owner for clipping and neater appearance of the coat. Some of the suitable haircuts for Springer Spaniels include:
Puppy cut – This is a grooming style that is suitable for Springers during the warm weathers. To achieve this cut, the fur on the body is clipped to a length of about an inch often leaving the hair on the ears a little longer.
Show Cut – For this haircut, the fur on the ears and torso are left loner. However, trimming is done on the feet, under the tail, and the areas around the neck and head.
Natural cut – The groomer or the owner gives the dog a light trim to the feathering that happens on the bottom of the torso and around the legs.
English Springer Spaniel Shedding
A Springer Spaniel sheds all-year round at moderate levels. It has a double coat that heavily sheds once or twice a year during Spring and/or Fall.
Springer Spaniel Coat | Hair
Springer Spaniels have a double-layered coat consisting of a top coat and an undercoat. The top coat is of medium-length and maybe flat or wavy. Whereas the undercoat is short, dense, and soft. The density of the coat is affected by season and climate. In combination, the two coats serve to make the dog substantially waterproof, thornproof, and weatherproof.
English Springer Spaniel Hypoallergenic
A Springer Spaniel is not a hypoallergenic breed. This is because it sheds throughout the year at moderate levels and heavily while experiencing seasonal change. Shedding allows dander and fur to spread around the house aggravating allergies. Apart from dander and fur, Springer’s saliva, urine, and mucus also contain a protein allergen that triggers an allergic reaction.
English Springer Spaniel Training | Springer Spaniel Training | How To Train A Springer Spaniel
A Springer Spaniel is an intelligent dog that is eager to please, willing to obey, and quick to learn. It is a lively breed that needs gentle guidance and continued training. Springer Spaniels are active and forward explorers of their environment hence the owners should ensure they are in control at all times. To raise a well-mannered and well-adjusted companion, puppy classes and socialization is key. Socialization training starts from the age of 3 weeks while the pup is the breeder until the age of 16 weeks after the puppy has settled in its new home.
Normally, parents take their pets home from the age of 8 weeks. Although, this training may still continue from the age of 8 weeks to ensure the dog matures with a well-rounded temperament and personality. To socialize a Springer Spaniel expose it to a wide variety of people, places, surfaces, animals, sight, situations, smell, experiences and sounds such as baby crying sounds, sirens, vacuum cleaners, washing machine, whistles, and lawn mowers. Enrolling a Springer pup in a puppy class also serves as a form of socialization. These classes ensure that canines interact in a controlled environment.
Puppy classes not only enable the owner to identify and correct bad habits but also have access to training information and assistance. Always use positive reinforcement methods to get positive outcomes. Utilize treats, toys, playtime, verbal praise, and petting. Avoid use of harsh correction methods such as shoving, beating, or kicking. Keep the training sessions short, fun, and challenging for a span of 5 to 10 minutes distributed throughout the day. Start teaching basic commands words to your Springer Spaniel immediately it comes home from the age of 8 weeks.
Some of the basic commands that this breed may learn include come, sit, down, stay, leave it, heel, etc. Teach one basic command at a time until the pet is well acquainted before proceeding to the next command word. Effectively house break English Springer Spaniels by creating a feeding schedule, potty training, and crate training. A crate is an indispensable tool that enables the Springer owner to monitor the pet for signs that the dog wants to eliminate such as sniffing, whining, circling, squatting, restlessness, and trying to lift a leg against the crate door.
To get positive outcomes while potty training, take the Springer Spaniel to the designated toilet area immediately it wakes up, 20 minutes after meals and drinks, every 2 to 3 hours, following an exciting activity such as playtime and car ride, after naptime, and before bedtime. The bladder and bowel muscles of a puppy increases as the dog matures. Therefore, from the age of 8 weeks, the potty breaks are every 6 to 8 hours.
English Springer Spaniel Temperament | Traits
- Eager to please.
- Friendly.
- Willing to Obey.
- Quick to learn.
- Affectionate.
- Alert.
- Attentive.
- Easygoing.
English Springer Spaniel Exercise
A Springer Spaniel needs moderate amounts of exercise everyday to stay happy in form of play sessions and long walks. This breed may also be mentally and physically stimulated by participating in agility, obedience, rally, tracking, and other activities that both the owner and the dog can enjoy. If properly exercised, Springer Spaniels are also suitable for owners who live in a small apartment or house. Although, having a home with a large fenced yard is preferred where the dog can engage in play sessions or run.
Springer Spaniel Barking
A Springer Spaniel is an alert and attentive dog that barks to alert the owner of an unusual sounds making it an excellent watchdog. However, they make poor guard dogs.
Springer Spaniel Height
A Female Springer has a height of 19 inches ( approx. 48 cm ) while a male Springer has a height of 20 inches ( approx. 51 cm ).
Springer Spaniel Weight
An adult male Springer has a weight of 50 pounds ( approx. 23 kg) while its female counterpart has a weight of 40 pounds ( approx. 18 kg ).
Springer Spaniel Size
A Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized hunting dog. However, male Springers are slightly larger than their female counterparts in terms of weight and height. A male Springer has a height of 20 inches ( approx. 51 cm ) and a weight of 50 pounds ( approx. 23 kg) while its female counterpart has a height of 19 inches ( approx. 48 cm ) and a weight of 40 pounds ( approx. 18 kg ).
Springer Spaniel Aggressive
Although Springer Spaniels are not inclined to be aggressive, some of the dogs especially from the show line reportedly suffer from rage syndrome. This condition is also known as sudden onset aggression is a rare but serious behavioral problem that has been reported in English Springer Spaniels as well in variety of other dog breeds. Rage syndrome is thought to be genetic in origin and it is inheritable.
Springer Spaniel Behaviour Issues
A Springer Spaniel is a sociable dog that may suffer from separation anxiety which may cause destructive and mischievous behaviors such as destructive chewing, excessive barking, and scratching of the walls.
Springer Spaniel Eye Problems
A Springer may suffer from certain eye problems as discussed below:
Entropion – This is the inward rolling of the eyelid that rubs against the cornea resulting to corneal ulcers and chronic pain.
Ectropion – This is where the eyelids droop exposing the cornea to foreign objects.
Progressive retinal atrophy – This is an eye condition that causes degeneration of the cornea causing vision loss and eventually blindness.
Retinal Dysplasia – This is a congenital defect in the layering and development of the retina that results in the abnormal and folding growth of the cells especially in the outer retina.
Springer Spaniel Health Issues
A Springer is a relatively healthy breed that has a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. However, Springer Spaniels are affected by certain health issues including eye disorders like entropion, ectropion, progressive retinal atrophy, and retinal dysplasia, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, Phosphofructokinase deficiency, ear infections, allergies, and obesity.
English Springer Spaniel Names
A Springer owner may decide to find a name for the pet before it comes home from the breeder or after the pup has stayed with them for a few days to understand better the personality of a particular dog. Pet parents may get name inspirations from the origin of the dog, coat color, personality, celebrity Springers, movies, books, songs, historical figures, and nature.
Regardless of where the owner will source his or her inspiration, he or she should ensure the name chosen freely rolls off his or her tongue and won’t be a source of embarrassment if uttered out loud in the public places. Springer Spaniels and other dog breeds better understand a name that has vowels. If a Springer has a long name, ensure you find a cute nickname for the dog. Avoid giving your dog a name that rhymes with the command words to avoid confusion. If an English Springer shares a name with any family member or guests who frequent your household, it may result to confusion.
Female Springer Spaniel Names
- Bailey.
- Lily.
- Rosie.
- Maggie.
- Luna.
- Nova.
- Nala.
- Marley.
- Grace.
- Joy.
- Maddie, etc.
Springer Spaniel Litter Size
After conception, a Springer Spaniel dam has a gestation period of 63 days before whelping a litter size of 6 puppies. However, in May 2016, a Springer Spaniel by the name of Jessie gave birth to a litter size of 15 puppies at the age of 2-years-old in Arnold, Nottingham.
Male Springer Spaniel Names
- Buddy.
- Hank.
- Hazel.
- Willow.
- Murphy.
- Finn.
- Otis.
- Bear.
- Pablo.
- Murphy.
- Levi.
- Bonnie, etc.
Springer Spaniel Seizures
A Springer is highly predisposed to seizures. This is the disturbance of the normal functioning of the brain that is normally accompanied with uncontrollable muscle activity. Causes of seizures are categorized into three; primary, secondary, and reactive seizures. The cause of primary seizure is unknown but it is usually hereditary. For this reason it also referred to as idiopathic epilepsy.
Secondary seizures are caused by trauma to the brain, stroke, or brain tumor. Reactive seizures occur after the brain has detected a problem with metabolism due to toxins, low blood sugar, and organ failure. The intensity of the seizure is grouped into two: focal or grand mal seizures. A Springer Spaniel that is suffering from a focal seizure is conscious since the seizure has only affected one part of the brain.
Symptoms of focal seizures include head shaking, rhythmic blinking, facial twitches, restlessness, dilated pupils, salivation, and anxiety. Whereas Grand Mal Seizures affect both parts of the brain. Symptoms of grand mal seizures include drooling, urination or defection, stiffening of the muscles, loss of consciousness, and disorientation.
Springer Spaniel Speed
A Springer Spaniel can run an average speed of 25 miles per hour ( approx. 40 km/h ).
Springer Spaniel Dog Food
The amount of food that Springers feeds on depends on their age, activity level, metabolism, size, and body build. Springer puppies tend to have a high metabolism rate as compared to adults and seniors. Therefore, puppies eat small portions of food 3 or 4 times a day from when they start weaning until the age of 6 months. From the age of 6 months, Springer Spaniels feed on a total of two meals in a day for the rest of their lives.
A Springer may feed on a raw diet, home made, dry food, or wet food depending on the budget of the owner and the time of preparation needed. Regardless of the food that the pet feeds on, parents should ensure that a Springer feeds on the right amount of proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, fats, amino acids, and fatty acids to maintain a healthy bone structure and weight. Fresh water should be available for your pet at all times. Springer Spaniels are predisposed to obesity. Therefore, adult Springers should feed a total of 1,353 calories per day.
If the dog is feeding on dry or wet commercial food, owners should ensure that the first three listed ingredients are proteins from a known source. Commercial dog food should neither have meat by-products, fillers, preservatives, chemicals, additives, nor generic meat products. Feed a Springer with formulated dry or wet food for medium-sized puppies, adults, and seniors depending on its age. Check the physique of your pet to tell whether it is underweight or overweight.
The pooch is underweight if the ribs are visible. However, if the ribs are not visible but can be felt without pressing hard, a Springer has an ideal weight. Although, if the ribs cannot be felt after pressing, the pet is overweight and should be exercised. Owners who want to switch to another pet food should gradually do this over a period of four weeks by mixing old food with new food. As the week progresses, the amount of old food decreases as the amount of the new food increases until the Springer is only feeding on the new food.
Apart from Springer Spaniel, other dog breeds include:
Springer Spaniel Neck Size | Collar Size
A Springer Spaniel has a neck size | Collar size of 14 to 18 inches ( approx. 36 to 46 cm ).
English Springer Spaniel Colors | Black And White | Black | Brown | Tri Color
A Springer may have a liver (brown) or black coat color with white markings or predominantly liver or white with black markings. Some Springers are tricolored having a black and white coat or liver and white with tan markings normally found on the cheeks, eyebrows, under the tail, and inside of ears.
Springer Spaniel Allergies
Springer Spaniels are predisposed to various forms of allergies as discussed below:
Environmental allergies – One of the environmental allergies that affects Springers include flea. This parasite usually bites underneath the tail and on the back legs causing flea allergy dermatitis. This allergy makes the dog to scratch excessively until the skin around the bite area is raw. Apart from fleas, other environmental allergens that affect Springers include ragweed, mites, grass, pollen, dust and dust mites, trees, and house molds. Symptoms of environmental allergies that are manifested by a Springer include sneezing, nasal discharge, congestion, and itchiness on various body parts including paws, face, ears, feet, around the eyes, muzzle, groin, and between the toes.
Food allergies – Rarely, a Springer suffers from a food allergy that causes an immune response. A true food allergy is normally accompanied with a wide range of symptoms varying from skin issues such as hives, sores, crusting lesions, pruritus, and dermatitis as well as gastrointestinal stress such as vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and weight loss. Apart from food allergies, a Springer may also suffer from food intolerance. This is the gradual response to an offending ingredient in the diet of the dog. Some of the ingredients that cause food intolerance in Springers include preservatives, chemicals, fillers, additives, corn, wheat, soy, beef, lamb, chicken, fish, pork, chicken, turkey, etc.
Contact allergies – This allergy causes inflammation to the skin of a Springer once the allergen comes in contact with the skin. Some of the contact allergens that affect Springers include lawn chemicals, carpet cleaning detergents, grooming products, latex, medication, bed linens, and plastics.
Skin allergies – A Springer Spaniel may suffer from food allergies due to contact, food, and environmental allergies.
Springer Spaniel Eyes
A Springer has medium-sized oval shaped eyes that set fairly deep in their sockets.
Springer Spaniel Ears
Springers have pendulous ears that hang close to the cheeks with no tendency to stand up or out.
Springer Spaniel Teeth
A Springer has a total of 42 adult teeth from the age of 6 to 8 months. However, the puppies are born with no teeth. The deciduous teeth start growing in from the age of 2 to 3 weeks until the pup has a total of 28 milk teeth at the age of 6 to 8 weeks. From the age of 12 weeks, deciduous teeth start falling out as the permanent teeth erupt. Pet parents are urged to brush the teeth at least twice a week if not daily to prevent excess tartar buildup that causes bad breathe, gum inflammation, and eventually tooth loss.
English Springer Spaniel Tail
A Springer has a natural long tail that reaches the hock. The tail is carried slightly elevated displaying a characteristic lively and merry action especially when the dog is on game. Although, some Springers have docked tails in the countries that permit docking.
Do Springer Spaniels Shed
Yes. Springer Spaniels shed all-year round at moderate levels and heavily while experiencing seasonal change in Spring and Fall.
Are Springer Spaniels Hypoallergenic
No. Springer Spaniels are not hypoallergenic. They have a moulting coat that releases dander and fur into the environment aggravating allergies.
Are Springer Spaniels Good Family Dogs
Yes. Springer Spaniels make good family dogs since they are willing to obey, friendly, quick to learn, affectionate, loyal, and eager to please.
Are Springer Spaniels Aggressive
No. Springer Spaniels are not inclined to aggressive behaviors. However, some Springers have been reported to have rage syndrome especially the show lines. This is a condition that makes the dog to display sudden aggression.
Springer Spaniels Quick Facts
- They are two types of Springer Spaniels; field line and show dogs.
- Springer Spaniels are closely related with both English Cocker Spaniel and Welsh Springer Spaniels.
- A Springer Spaniel has a lifespan of 12 to 14 years.
