THE ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL

IS IT THE DOG FOR YOU?

The English Springer Spaniel is a friendly, lively, outgoing, medium-sized breed requiring regular exercise and daily grooming. Springers enjoy children and adults alike and do best in a household situation when properly trained and socialized.

The English Springer Spaniel was originally bred as an all-round hunting dog, requiring a great amount of stamina and independent thinking in order to complete this task. A Springer thrives when given the opportunity to perform some task, whether it is following you around the house; announcing visitors; performing tricks, obedience, conformation, agility, hunting, tracking or any other task that might include them in your daily routine. Obedience training your Springer at an early age is very important as this helps to develop a bond between you and your dog as well as making them more manageable to live with. Remember, if your dog is registered with the CKC (Canadian Kennel Club) or the AKC (American Kennel Club) you might also wish to compete with your dog in licensed obedience trials.

Males range in size from 19-21 inches and weigh an average of 45-55 pounds. Females range in size from 18-2O inches and weigh an average of 35-45 pounds. Springers come in a variety of colours including liver or black with white markings; liver & white or black & white with tan markings (tri-coloured); blue or liver roan; or predominantly white with liver, black or tan markings. Coat texture and amount of coat varies according to bloodlines. Coats should be of medium length, can be flat or wavy, and should have a glossy/live appearance.

Regular, thorough brushing is required to keep the coat flat & free of dead hair and mats. The hair between the pads of the feet should be kept trim and nails need to be cut regularly (preferably once a week or every 2 weeks). Ears must be cleaned at least once a week because Springer's floppy ears are very prone to infections. Shaving the inside flaps of the ears helps to reduce build-up of wax, dirt and moisture which will lead to ear infections. It is highly recommended that your Springer be professionally groomed several times a year in order to maintain a healthy, clean coat that keeps your Springer looking presentable, but most importantly allows you to notice if health problems are occurring (ie. ticks & fleas, lumps, skin irritations, etc.). Brushing the teeth on a regular basis is also highly recommended in order to minimize tooth decay and bad breath!

We recommend the following readings:

The English Springer Spaniel An Owner's Guide to A Happy Healthy Pet; Carol & Don Callahan; Howell Book House; New York, 1996.

The Art of Raising a Puppy; The Monks of New Skete; Little, Brown & Company; Boston, 1991.

How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With; Clarice Rutherford & David H. Neil; Alpine Publications; Loveland, Colorado; 1981.

The Book of the English Springer Spaniel; Anna Katherine Nicholas; TFH Publication, Inc. Ltd.; Neptune City, New Jersey; 1983.

The New Complete English Springer Spaniel; Julia Gasow & Edward K. Roggenkamp III; Howell Book House Inc.; New York; 1994.

Good Owners, Great Dogs; Brian Kilcommons with Sarah Wilson; Warner Books, Inc.; New York; 1992.

How to be Your Dog's Best Friend; The Monks of New Skete; Little, Brown and Company; Boston; 1978.

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