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English Springer Spaniel |
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Description... |
 Divided
into two categories, field and show, English Springer Spaniels
have dark head and ears, a white muzzle and a white blaze. Show
dogs will often have a dark coat with less ticking and a fairly
long coat. Field dogs will have a shorter coat, could be nearly
completely white with heavy freckles. Field breeds are bred with
more of a focus on hunting ability so there is a greater variety
of appearance to them.
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History...
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The English Springer Spaniel probably originated in
Spain. Through the last two centuries smaller dogs would be used
for hunting woodcocks - this dog branching off into the Cocker
Spaniel group. The larger dogs were trained to flush out (or
"spring out" game from the brush. Hence the name Springer,
assigned by the Sporting Spaniel Society of Britain in 1902.
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Traits...
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This is a good dog for walking and/or daily runs.
They also make good companion animals.
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Good aspects...
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 These
are energetic dogs that excel in obedience, agility, flyball,
therapy and tracking. They make good companions and are good for
serious hunters. They thrive on exercise. They are good with
children but not good for rough housing or chasing.
Close examination of a puppy's parents will give you a
good clue as to how the puppy will mature and behave.
If well-bred and trained they are good dogs for the
energetic family. English Springer Spaniels are very affectionate,
intelligent, eager to please. They will excel in obedience. They will bond
to you and other family members (this may actually result in some
separation anxiety for the dog.)
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Health...
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Common health problems may include: retinal/eyelid
abnormalities, PRA, hip dysplasia, skin conditions and ear
infections.
There is a behavioural condition in this breed called
"rage syndrome". There are no known neurological or behavioural symptoms.
Rage syndrome is when the dog will develop a glazed look and attack people
and/or other dogs without provocation. The rage episodes will last just a
few seconds - the dog will be unaware of the rage and afterwards may
return to a happy state, wagging its tail, etc.
A newly discovered condition is phosphofructokinase
deficiency, a recessive trait. Symptoms include pale gums, fever, poor
appetite and intermittent dark urine.
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Be aware...
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This breed can be aggressive and possessive
regarding food, toys and sleeping areas. They may also be
aggressive when awakened from a deep sleep. This behaviour will
develop as the dog matures and is not detectable when choosing a
puppy. They can be demanding of attention and sometimes they can't
stay still.
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source: petcare information centre-
petcare.umn.edu
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Further resources... |
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