English Springer Spaniel
Other names: Springer

The English Springer is a very affectionate and friendly dog, nice with children, calmer than the Cocker Spaniel, even if he is rather active. The English Springer is a versatile hunting dog. Since he is as comfortable on the ground as in the water, he is able to hunt and work; but he is also great as a companion dog.
Key facts about the English Springer Spaniel
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Origins and history
The Springer, as his full name indicates, originated in England. This breed has been known for more than 2,000 years, although he was not ‘recognized’ as a breed until the end of the nineteenth century. A hunter, Gaston Phoebus, the Count of Foix, kept many of them and contributed to their fame. But it was only after the Second World War that the breed began to gain reputation. British Islanders have been able to keep and develop those qualities of Spaniels that have become valuable to hunts taking place in difficult access areas. The breed was recognised by the English Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club in 1910 and by the CFI in 1954.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 8 - Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs
Section
Section 2 : Flushing Dogs
Physical characteristics of the English Springer Spaniel
Adult size
Female : Between 19 and 21 in
Male : Between 19 and 21 in
Weight
Female : Between 40 and 49 lb
Male : Between 40 and 49 lb
Coat colour
The coat can be bicolour (black and white or liver and white), black, white and tan, liver and white, liver, white and tan or tricolour with tan markings.
Type of coat
The fur is mid-length.
The fur is straight, tight and offers protection from the weather. Fringes appear on the ears, the anterior and posterior limbs and the body.
Eye colour
The eyes are dark hazel-coloured.
Description
The general view is that of a symmetrical, strong, compact, joyful and active dog. Among the Spaniels, the English Springer is the largest and has the most character and charm. His head is structured around a medium-length, fairly wide, slightly rounded skull, and a snout with a length proportional to the skull, wide and deep, well positioned under the eyes. Those eyes, averagely sized, have a soft expression. They are almond-shaped. The ears, which flap down from the head, have a good length and width and are located at the height of the eyeline. The tail is directed downwards, well-fringed, and always lively; it never surpasses the dorsal line.
Good to know
He is the oldest of British hunting dogs.
Temperament
Behaviour of the English Springer Spaniel
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Compatibility
Price
The price of an English Springer varies depending on his origins, age and gender. An average of £610 is asked for a dog registered with the Kennel Club.
The average budget to support a dog of this size is around £35/month.
Grooming
This dog's coat does not require special grooming and is easily maintained as long as you are diligent and regular in weekly brushing. However, his fringes require special attention to avoid the formation of knots.
Shedding
Shedding is moderate but ongoing in this breed. Moulting is regular and intensifies in the autumn and spring when brushing must take place daily.
Nutrition of the English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer is not difficult and can accommodate to industrial food (kibble) appropriate to his age, weight and daily physical activities.
One meal a day is enough, generally in the evening to promote better digestion. It is absolutely necessary to avoid self-service so that this active dog does not suffer from splenic torsion, which can be fatal.
Health of the English Springer Spaniel
Life expectancy
The life expectancy is estimated at 13 years.
Strong / robust
He is a very robust, sturdy and long-lived dog.
Withstand heat
Like many active and working dogs, he doesn’t appreciate heat very much. Indeed, during intense effort, exhaustion can happen quickly, so it is not advisable to make him work in a very intense way when it is very hot.
Withstand cold
His tight coat offers him protection from bad weather. In fact, he doesn't really fear the cold and can even live outside. Attention must be paid all the same to extreme climatic conditions.
Tendency to put on weight
Since he is very active, the Springer has substantial physical expenditure, so if he has a balanced diet, there is no justification for excessive weight gain.
Common illnesses
- Alpha-Fucosidosis (dysfunction of an enzyme)
- Primary Seborrhoea (disease that reaches the skin and hair follicles)
- Ventricular Communication (Heart malformation)
- Coxo-femoral dysplasia