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The English Springer Spaniel is a friendly, active,
and often fun-loving dog. Most owners find this an
easy breed to raise, great for enjoying during
family activities, inside and outside. However, you
will always find some unique situations with
purebred dogs. Therefore, to help you understand
this breed a little better, we have pulled some
information together.
1. What is the English Springer Spaniels’
background?
Bred hundreds of years ago in Europe to accompany
hunters and “spring” birds and other game from the
brush, the Springer is a sturdy and energetic dog
that loves to be outdoors, often jumping into water
because it loves to swim. With this hunting
background, English Springer Spaniels do well in
agility and retrieving competitions.
2. How big does the
English Springer Spaniel get?
The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-size dog
but is one of the largest of the spaniel category.
This breed has a sturdy build, standing about 19 to
20 inches tall at the withers, as well as weighing
approximately 50 pounds. Bred as a working dog and
used extensively for hunting, the Springer needs
plenty of exercise.
3. I am going to start looking at Springer
Spaniels - how do I choose a breeder?
It would be best to visit at least three reputable
breeders and be prepared to ask a ton of questions
about the puppy, the parents, general care, and
feeding. We would recommend trying to find a breeder
that specializes in this breed so you find one that
understands how important it is to socialize the
young dog to be comfortable with other dogs and with
humans.
4. What kind of temperament should I expect with
the Springer?
This medium-size dog with the long ears and happy
disposition has a history that goes back hundreds of
years to its days as a companion for European
hunters. Today, it is still an excellent retriever
and does well in competition, associated with
agility, tracking, obedience, and of course,
retrieving. Its good disposition makes it an
excellent family dog that usually does well with
children.
5. Does an English Springer Spaniel make a good
outside or inside dog?
Though the Springer is not extremely active indoors,
it will do well in an apartment or small house, as
long as you give your pet plenty of outdoor exercise
and room to run. The English Springer Spaniel, with
its loving and people-oriented temperament, should
never be left tied outside because it would become
bored and even cross. A combination of inside living
and outdoor recreation is probably best.
6. What is the best way to potty train a
Springer?
There are several preferred methods for this type of
training but we often recommend crate training,
which gives the dog a safe place to go when it needs
to be alone. This breed is wiling to learn.
Additionally, the Springer usually makes an effort
to keep its “den” clean. Therefore, crate training
as part of the program can be very successful but it
is always best to focus on prevention by taking your
dog out early in the morning and before you go to
sleep at night. Be sure to praise your pet for doing
the right thing.
7. Will my English Springer Spaniel become
aggressive and even mean with age?
Do not automatically assume that your Springer has
what is called “rage syndrome” just because he
becomes a bit more assertive and aggressive. English
Springer Spaniels can go through a “teenage” time
when they are less cooperative. However, this breed
is usually calm and caring, not showing aggression
toward other dogs often.
8. What health conditions should I watch for with
my English Springer Spaniel?
The English Springer Spaniel is a very healthy breed
overall, and can be especially worry-free if given
the right diet and a good amount of exercise.
However, when buying a puppy, we suggest you ask
about hip dysplasia, a degenerative joint disease,
and about some of the eye problems that spaniels can
experience, such as PRA. In addition, this breed
gains extra weight quickly if not given a proper
diet and enough exercise.
9. What should I feed my English Springer
Spaniel?
Most owners have had good experience with fresh,
lean meats, fruits, and vegetables. You should avoid
feeding grapes and raisins because of a unique
toxicity with many purebred dogs. In addition, many
dogs are allergic to the corn, wheat, and soy in
low-grade commercial foods, causing skin irritation
and other problems because of these allergies.
10. How long does the Springer live?
A healthy, well-cared-for English Springer Spaniel
can live to be 12 to 14 years old. Getting a healthy
puppy to begin with is important to ensure that you
have many years of enjoyment with your pet.
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