Learn More About English Springer Spaniel

Summary

The English Springer Spaniel is an elegant, medium-sized dog with a harmoniously built body that conveys strength and endurance. Its head is well proportioned with a friendly expression, and it has long, feathered ears. The tail is often carried with a cheerful swing. The FCI classifies the English Springer Spaniel in Group 8, Section 2 (scouring dogs). There are two different lines within the breed: the show line, which is more commonly seen at dog shows and has a slightly more lush coat texture, and the working line, which is bred for hunting and is often more agile and leaner.

Character

If you love an active lifestyle and are looking for a dog to accompany you on your adventures, the English Springer Spaniel could be your perfect companion. He is known for his friendly nature and tireless energy. It should be noted that there are differences between the working and show lines of this breed. While the show line is often quieter and has more fur, the working line brings with it immense energy and a more pronounced hunting instinct. The English Springer Spaniel is very people-oriented and loves spending time with his family. He is also a playful fellow who gets along great with children. His intellect and eagerness make him a quick learner, and he enjoys being challenged mentally and physically. Since he comes from a hunting line, he shows distinctive prey and hunting behavior. It's important to socialize him well and teach him early on how to express his instincts in a controlled manner, especially if you live in an environment with a lot of wildlife. When it comes to being alone, it should be noted that the English Springer Spaniel builds a close bond with its family and does not like to be left alone. Early training can help him get used to short periods of alone time, but long periods without company should be avoided. As for alertness, the English Springer Spaniel is alert and will likely bark if someone approaches the house, but it is typically not an aggressive guard dog. His friendliness towards people and his tendency to greet guests with wagging tails and calls to play make him a charming and loving companion. A special feature of the English Springer Spaniel is its talent for nose work. Although originally bred for hunting, he has also made a name for himself as a sniffer dog, particularly in areas such as drug detection.

What to Expect

The English Springer Spaniel is a passionate hunting dog. It is versatile and easy to train. However, there are always reports of aggressive behavior towards the owners. Dogs of this breed should therefore be in experienced hands who can train and exercise this breed appropriately.

Care

The English Springer Spaniel is an active dog that is best kept in a home with a garden. However, he can also adapt to living in an apartment if he gets enough exercise. The English Springer Spaniel is family friendly and usually gets along well with children. He can also get along with other pets, including cats, if he is trained to do so from an early age.

Training & Education

The English Springer Spaniel is intelligent and docile, which makes training relatively easy. They love to work and play, so they are ideal for various dog sports such as agility, obedience or flyball. It is important to be careful not to "over-busy" the dog, otherwise he could become a "ball junkie." He should also learn to develop frustration tolerance and impulse control. Since this breed was originally bred for hunting, it is important to provide alternatives so that the dog can participate happily in social life and be compatible with it. Early training and socialization are crucial here. They bring a natural curiosity and energy, so it's important to exercise them both physically and mentally.

Nutrition & Grooming

English Springer Spaniels are active dogs that require a balanced diet to maintain their energy and health. High-quality dog ​​food rich in proteins and healthy fats is recommended. It is also important to pay attention to weight as they may be prone to being overweight. In terms of grooming, the English Springer Spaniel has a medium-length coat with a dense undercoat. The coat should be brushed regularly to prevent matting and remove dead hair. The English Springer Spaniel does well in the colder months in Germany, thanks to its thick undercoat that keeps it warm. However, note that he sheds more heavily during the shedding phases.