English Springer Spaniel
This spunky medium-sized spaniel appears to have an endless supply of energy which can create a superb sporting dog but not always the best of house pets. Their energy needs given an outlet, otherwise they can be come bored and destructive.
The ESS is a medium-sized dog, ranging between 19-20 inches at the shoulder (48 - 51cm) and weighing approximately 40 - 50 lbs (18 - 22.5 kg). It has a firm, straight coat with feathering on legs and chest, with long hair on the ears that appears almost "crimped". The English Springer Spaniel can be seen in two varieties of colour; black and white and liver and white. Each variation of colour is dominated with white along the lover half (legs, chest and belly) with
coloured patches along the back and a distinct mask on the face; coloured ears with a white blaze and muzzle. The white portions of their coat are "freckled", especially the legs and muzzle.
Like any purebred dog, the English Springer Spaniel is not without it's health problems. It can be prone to Canine Hip Displaysia, hereditary eye disorders such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (P.R.A.), seizure disorders, skin disorders, and ear infections. Like many other spaniels, the ESS can also be prone to temperament and behavioral problems also known as "rage syndrome", however, a well-bred ESS should not be aggressive or overly timid, and those that do have aggressive tendencies are not the majority (just like in many other breeds!). When purchasing an ESS puppy it is important to do your research first, and talk to as many breeders as you can to find a good, reputable one. A reputable breeder will screen against these health problems and breed for not just looks, but a sound temperament as well. A reputable breeder will not breed any dogs that are known to be carriers of the above genetic disorders.
Due to their high energy and willingness to work, the ESS can excel at most canine sports, not just field trials! Sports such as Dog Agility or Fly Ball are right up their ally, being physically demanding and requiring brains too! If you plan to get an English Springer for your family home, it will be well-worth the effort to look into any of these types of activities to involve your dog in! Not only will it save your shoes and back yard from destruction and keep your dog healthy, it is also a great way to bond with your dog and a lot of fun!
Grooming the English Springer Spaniel shouldn't require more tools than you're average dog; nail clippers, comb, and a regular pin brush should be your standard arsenal. His coat will require at least a weekly brushing to remove tangles, dead hair and any derbies. It is best to get your ESS puppy use to the grooming tools as young as possible. Start by sitting on the floor with him in the evenings and giving a quick brush over and touching all his feet with the nail trimmers (not cutting his nails, just getting him use to it). If you are planning to achieve that "show room look" you may need to invest in other equipment as well, such as 4 - 6" straight scissors and 46 tooth thinning shears. For more information about grooming your English Springer Spaniel and detailed instructions on how to achieve the show look see Grooming your English Springer Spaniel.
Sources:
The new Encyclopedia of the Dog by Bruce Fogle DVM
Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association
How to Groom Your English Springer Spaniel
Canada's Guide to Dogs
Honeycorn on DeviantArt
DigiPhotography on DeviantArt
 |
| photo courtesy of DigiPhotography at DeviantArt |
The English Springer Spaniel (ESS) first originated in great Britain in the mid-1600's as a game flushing and retrieving dog. The ESS is said to be the "rootstock of all working spaniels", and in fact it wasn't until the late 1800's that the springers and cockers were considered two distinct breeds.
This spunky medium-sized spaniel appears to have an endless supply of energy which can create a superb sporting dog but not always the best of house pets. Their energy needs given an outlet, otherwise they can be come bored and destructive.
The ESS is a medium-sized dog, ranging between 19-20 inches at the shoulder (48 - 51cm) and weighing approximately 40 - 50 lbs (18 - 22.5 kg). It has a firm, straight coat with feathering on legs and chest, with long hair on the ears that appears almost "crimped". The English Springer Spaniel can be seen in two varieties of colour; black and white and liver and white. Each variation of colour is dominated with white along the lover half (legs, chest and belly) with
 |
| photo courtesy of Honeycorn at DeviantArt |
Like any purebred dog, the English Springer Spaniel is not without it's health problems. It can be prone to Canine Hip Displaysia, hereditary eye disorders such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (P.R.A.), seizure disorders, skin disorders, and ear infections. Like many other spaniels, the ESS can also be prone to temperament and behavioral problems also known as "rage syndrome", however, a well-bred ESS should not be aggressive or overly timid, and those that do have aggressive tendencies are not the majority (just like in many other breeds!). When purchasing an ESS puppy it is important to do your research first, and talk to as many breeders as you can to find a good, reputable one. A reputable breeder will screen against these health problems and breed for not just looks, but a sound temperament as well. A reputable breeder will not breed any dogs that are known to be carriers of the above genetic disorders.
 |
| photo courtesy of DigiPhotography at Deviant Art |
Grooming the English Springer Spaniel shouldn't require more tools than you're average dog; nail clippers, comb, and a regular pin brush should be your standard arsenal. His coat will require at least a weekly brushing to remove tangles, dead hair and any derbies. It is best to get your ESS puppy use to the grooming tools as young as possible. Start by sitting on the floor with him in the evenings and giving a quick brush over and touching all his feet with the nail trimmers (not cutting his nails, just getting him use to it). If you are planning to achieve that "show room look" you may need to invest in other equipment as well, such as 4 - 6" straight scissors and 46 tooth thinning shears. For more information about grooming your English Springer Spaniel and detailed instructions on how to achieve the show look see Grooming your English Springer Spaniel.
Sources:
The new Encyclopedia of the Dog by Bruce Fogle DVM
Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association
How to Groom Your English Springer Spaniel
Canada's Guide to Dogs
Honeycorn on DeviantArt
DigiPhotography on DeviantArt
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