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About English Springer Spaniel
Dogs
The English Springer spaniel is
a breed of spaniel and gundog that originated
in England in the 19th century. In the breed's
beginnings, the term "springer" referred to the
dog's function in hunting, in order to distinguish
it from cocker spaniels, which were born in the
same litters as springer spaniels. Springer spaniels
would flush, or "spring," game, while cocker spaniels
would hunt woodcock. At the start of the 20th
century, the Spaniel Club of England and the Sporting
Spaniel Society combined their standards for the
springer spaniel's appearance and abilities, and
the English Kennel Club recognized the English
springer spaniel in 1902.
A medium-size breed, the English
springer spaniel measures between 19 and 21 inches
in height at the shoulders for males, and between
18 and 20 inches in height at the shoulders for
females. The average male English springer spaniel
weighs 45 to 55 pounds, with the average, slightly
smaller female measuring between 40 and 50 pounds.
The English springer spaniel has
a somewhat long coat with feathering on the ears,
legs, and stomach. In color, the coat can be mostly
white with black or liver markings; mostly black
or liver with white markings; or white and either
black or liver with tan markings, called tricolor.
In tricolor English springer spaniels, tan markings
are typically isolated to the dog's eyebrows and
cheeks as well as the areas under its ears and
its tail. Any white on an English springer spaniel
may feature ticking in another color.
Two types of English springer spaniel
have emerged since the breed was recognized: the
field line and the show line. Show line springer
spaniels have longer ears, longer, softer fur,
and a more refined, domesticated appearance than
field line springer spaniels. Field line English
springer spaniels' appearance, which is not considered
in breeding, prevent it from being competitive
in dog shows, while show line English springer
spaniels are much less capable as working dogs.
The English springer spaniel is
friendly, cheerful, affectionate, and energetic.
It loves to please and is intelligent, obedient,
and fairly easy to train. The English springer
spaniel is also very alert, making it a great
hunting dog, yet it can be quite a relaxed family
pet. Its sweet, pleasant temperament combined
with its gentleness cause it to be great with
children as well. The English springer spaniel
requires calm but strong, consistent leadership
from its human master in order for it to behave
well, and does not respond well to training by
harsh punishment.
Given its high level of energy,
the English springer spaniel requires a great
deal of exercise, and should be taken for at least
one long walk each day as well as afforded abundant
opportunities for exercise and play. It loves
to swim and retrieve, especially if given a chance
to play and run off its leash. The English springer
spaniel adapts well to life in more urban environments,
meaning that it can fare well in an apartment
if its owner takes extra care to give it enough
exercise.
The English springer spaniel's coat
should be brushed regularly with a firm-bristle
brush, and should be shampooed only when necessary.
Show line English springer spaniels require more
maintenance due to their longer coats; the hair
under their ears must be kept shaved to prevent
infection, and the fur on the feet should be trimmed.
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