The English Springer Spaniel is a medium sized, sturdy, long-eared, sad-eyed bundle of energy. Don't let the soulful expression fool you! This dog is usually a happy, ready-to-go companion who loves people and is eager to please!
The Spaniel is thought to have come from Spain in the 17th century. This enthusiastic hunter was bred for finding, flushing and retrieving pheasant, dove, and other upland game.
Springing Spaniels and Cocking Spaniels at one time, came from the same litter. The larger pups from the litter were trained to flush the game by "springing" towards it. A well-trained Springer will happily dive into icy water to bring a downed bird to hand and can " mark" up to four different falls for retrieval. It has been said that if a hunter can only have one dog, it would be an English Springer Spaniel.
The Springer's happy, energetic personality combined with flashy good looks and an eagerness to please, has made the versatile English Springer Spaniel a favorite for many activities. Springers have been used successfully as drug dogs, arson dogs, tracking dogs, water retrieval dogs, and therapy dogs. They have excelled in obedience, tracking, field, agility and conformation competition. The most important role for a Springer, or any dog however, is as a gentle, loving companion. The English Springer Spaniel is also excellent as a family dog.
Unfortunately this beautiful breed is not without problems. While reputable breeders continue to test and check for inherited defects, hip displaysia, progressive retinal atrophy, retinal dysplaysia, allergies, and epilepsy still haunt the breed.
The English Springer Spaniel is not a breed for everyone! The soft, sad eyed and merry tailed Springer can be deceiving. Without structure and consistency, this dog may try to dominate your house. "Rage Syndrome" is a catchy phrase that people, including veterinarians, use to describe any temperament problems they may see in English Springer Spaniels. True "Rage Syndrome" is an extremely rare disease. "Dominant Aggression," which can often be prevented or controlled through spaying/neutering and behavior modification, is usually the cause in Springers that exhibit any aggression.
The English Springer Spaniel, when raised and trained properly, is an excellent companion, a super show dog, a willing obedience partner, and a joy to own and love!
Zippy Cooper
