English Springer Spaniels

The English springer spaniel is classified as a gun dog breed. The English Springer spaniel was bred to be used in hunting and flushing out game. There are many breeds of spaniels and the English Springer spaniel is just another of those breeds. English springer spaniels are bred for field or show. The genes of these dogs are so divergent that it is rare to see a show bred dog in the field and a field bred dog in show. The English Springer spaniel first appeared in paintings in the 1600s. The time of the appearance of these dogs would make the English Springer spaniel the probable ancestor of most if not all current spaniel breeds.

The field bred English Springer spaniel has a shorter and coarser coat then the show bred Springer spaniel. The field bred English Springer spaniel are also more wiry and seem to have a more feral look then the show bred dogs. English Springer spaniels that are bred for the field are most generally selected for their hunting ability and not their appearance. This type of English Springer spaniel will average a height of about twenty inches and weigh about fifty to fifty five pounds.

The show bred English Springer spaniel has longer fur. The tail on the show bred English Springer spaniel is docked a few inches for appearance. English Springer spaniels that are bred for show are heavier then a field bred English Springer spaniel. This type of English Springer spaniel will average a height of about eighteen to twenty inches and weigh about fifty to fifty five pounds.

The coats of the English Springer spaniels can come in three different colors whether they are bred for show or field. These color combinations that you can find on the English Springer spaniel are black and white, liver and white with either combination having a tan color above the eyes or muzzle. The show bred English Springer spaniel will have more color and the field bred English Springer spaniel will have more white color in its coat.

The English Springer spaniel is very affectionate and can be an easy going family dog. The English Springer spaniel is also alert and attentive so that the dog can be an ideal hunting companion. English Springer spaniels can easily become part of the family. The English Springer spaniel has a moderate to high energy level. This dog will need plenty of activity and exercise. The English Springer spaniel does well with children when socialized with them. The English Springer spaniel is also good with other pets but may not be the best for homes with birds as pets. The English Springer spaniel is an energetic and happy dog. These dogs are so smart that they can remember where things are kept and be able to get them out.

There are a few health problems related to the English Springer spaniel. These types of issues can include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, retinal dysplasia and another hereditary condition called phosphofructokinase deficiency or PFK. Before breeding English Springer spaniels it is a wise idea to screen them for these health conditions. Some English Springer spaniels are prone to ear infections. Cleaning the ears and keeping the hair shorter around the ears will help with that health issue.

The English Springer spaniel is an easily trainable dog learning many tricks for fun and for hunting. These dogs are happy and energetic. They can be bred for show dogs or for field use. The English Springer spaniel is one of the oldest living spaniels that known. The English Springer spaniel is also good with children and can make a great family pet.

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