This short video is better than most of the photos I found.

And if you want to see the cutest video i have ever seen watch the one below

If being the tallest of spaniels isn’t enough to get this breed noticed, then their rich liver colored curls and rat-like tail, which is free of the curls, is sure to draw teh eye. Add to that a balanced appearance that truly shows off the breeds athleticism and you are left with an exceptional dog.

The Irish Water Spaniel, or Rat Tailed Spaniel as it is sometimes referred as, is an exceptional spaniel that is often used for retrieving waterfowl and is a natural in retrieving on water. In addition, this is a breed that is known to have a zest for life. They can be wonderful clowns and they often pair that sense of humor with an intelligent that can be respected by both pet owners and hunters alike.

The main problem with this breed is that they can be fairly strong willed and while they will easily pick up training, they don’t always feel the need to listen. This makes the breed only suitable for experienced and firm owners.

Still, even with that stubborn streak, the Irish Water Spaniel makes a wonderful site in the field and they often bond very well with their families, which makes them an equally wonderful site at home.

Pro’s and con’s of owning an Irish Water Spaniel

As with all breeds, there are a number of pros and cons to be considered when you are looking at purchasing an Irish Water Spaniel. These are dogs that have a lot of good qualities that endear them to young and old alike, but they also have some traits that can be a challenge to even the most experienced dog owner. In addition, the Irish Water Spaniel does have a number of health problems that can arise so it is important to really research the breeder as well as the breed before you purchase.

The Pro’s

The Irish Water Spaniel is a very active hunting dog that can make life wonderful for any avid hunter or sportsman. They excel at hunting waterfowl and do extremely well with retrieving in water.

• They are hard workers and enjoy being in the field.
• They are very protective of their family and home and make excellent watchdogs, although they are not the best when it comes to guarding.
• Irish Water Spaniels are very intelligent and will learn a task very quickly.
• They are low shedders and are considered to be hypoallergetic.
• With proper exercise, they can live in any type of dwelling but they do need to have a fenced yard for some outdoor stimulation.
• They do very well with children and make excellent family dogs.

The Con’s

As with all breeds, there are a number of cons that should be considered when you are deciding on purchasing an Irish Water Spaniel. These are:

• Although they were once the third most popular gundog for sportsmen, today, the Irish Water Spaniel is a bit more difficult to find so you may have a long wait when you are purchasing a puppy.
• They require regular grooming that can be quite intensive.
• They can be aggressive to other animals but with proper socialization, this can be solved.
• They are very intelligent and can suffer from boredom if they are not properly stimulated.
• They are a working breed so they do require a large amount of exercise every day; usually between 30 to 60 minutes per day.
• Without proper socialization, Irish Water Spaniels can be fearful of strangers.
• Irish Water Spaniels can be very strong willed and does require a firm trainer.

Health Issues:

The Irish Water Spaniel has a number of hereditary diseases that can affect them and it is very important to be aware of them before you purchase a puppy.

In addition, some Irish Water Spaniels have been known to have adverse reactions to a number of drugs and vaccinations. It is very important that you alert your veterinarian to these risks and to talk to your breeder about vaccinating before you do so. According to the Irish Water Spaniel Club of America, the drugs, in addition to vaccines that contain the leptospirosis component, that should be avoided are:

• Delyoprim
• Norodine
• Borgal Sulphadioaxine Trimethroprim
• Zaquilan Sulphadimethoxine Baquiloprim
• Co-trimoxazole Sulphamethoxazole Trimethroprim Tribressen (or Di Trim)
• Dulphatrim Sulphadiazine Trimethroprim
• Delyoprim

Aside from these problems, the Irish Water Spaniel has a number of health issues that should be considered before purchasing a puppy. Therefore, it is very important to research your breeders and to make sure that they are only using dogs that have been properly screened for health problems.

• Hip dysplasia
• Paronychia
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Bloody tail tip
• Hypothyroidism
• Epilepsy
• Von Willebrand’s Disease
• Alopecia
• Ear Infections
• Megaesophagus
• Sebaceous Adenitis
• Entropion

Height & Weight:

The Irish Water Spaniel is a medium sized dog that exhibits the appearance of a strong and intelligent gundog. This is a dog that is well balanced and has a build that really speaks of endurance. The Irish Water Spaniel should be rectangular in length and should have a chest that is pear shaped instead of wide. It should also have no appearance of a tucked up stomach.

The size of an Irish Water Spaniel is:

Males: 22 to 24 inches (56 to 61 cm) tall and 55 to 65 pounds (25 to 29 kg).
Females: 21 to 23 inches (53 to 58 cm) tall and 45 to 58 pounds (20 to 26 kg).

Note: Height is always determined from the ground up to the withers, also known as the highest spot on the shoulders, of the dog. In the Weimaraner the withers are slightly higher than the back of the dog.

Grooming:

Although the Irish Water Spaniel is a low shedder, it is a breed that needs ample care when it comes to their coat. Generally, the Irish Water Spaniel should be groomed on a weekly or twice weekly basis. This is to keep their coat free of mats and to remove any dead hair or debris that may have been caught in their dense curls.

In addition to brushing the dog, hair should be trimmed every few weeks to keep it uniformed and tidy. Although how it is trimmed is less important when you are not showing your dog, it is still important to do it to keep the dog cool and to keep the coat from collecting a lot of debris.

Hair between the toes and around the ears should be kept tidy to prevent any infections or sores from forming. In addition, nails should be trimmed regularily to prevent splitting.

Ears should be cleaned on a regular basis and should be wiped dry after the Irish Water Spaniel has been swimming or bathed.

When it comes to bathing, the dog should be bathed once every month or two since overwashing can strip the natural oils from the dog’s fur and ruin some of its natural water resistance.

Lastly, to make the curls bounce back to their natural beauty after a brushing, allow the dog the chance for a swim or wet the curls with a quick hose down.

Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

History:

The Irish Water Spaniel originated in Ireland and can trace its heritage back to before the early 1600’s. In fact, the breed was described in the book, “Historie of the four-tooted Beastes,” which was published in 1607.

Although we are unsure of the breeds that went into the Irish Water Spaniel, we do know that at one time, prior to the 1850’s, the breed was actually seen as two specific breeds of dog. These were the South Country Water Spaniel, which was a liver colored dog that has long ears and a coat that had short curls, and the North Country Water Spaniel, which was a liver and white colored dog with short ears and a curly coat. Both breeds were considered to share the same lineage, which many have felt was shared by the Poodle.

While the two breeds are both said to have contributed to the Irish Water Spaniel as it is today, it is believed that the South Country Water Spaniel had more influence in shaping the breed. Despite this, we do know that Justin McCarthy, a sportsman from Dublin, is credited with creating the breed as we know it today.

Through careful breeding, the Irish Water Spaniel was born and many sportsmen from both Ireland and England found it a superb retrieving dog, especially when it came to retrieving in water.

The first Irish Water Spaniel was imported to North America in the 1870’s and it has continued to thrive in the United States.

Grouping:

Gun Dog, AKC Sporting

Recognition:

CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

Me with Charlie My english Cocker springer Cross

The Cocker Spaniel is definitely a dog to remember. They have a beautiful appearance with their feathered medium length coat that can be found in buff, black, white, tan, black and tan, parti-colored and merle. They have a very distinct head with a broad jaw and a short tail, which is usually docked to about 2/5th of its original length.

Even with their breathtaking appearance, the Cocker Spaniel should never be considered to be a pampered pup. They work very well in the field and have proven themselves time and again to be an exceptional retriever and game bird dog. In fact, the name Cocker comes from the Cocker Spaniels use in hunting Woodcock.

They are very versatile when it comes to terrain and the Cocker Spaniel has been known to be excel in very difficult terrains that other dogs are not able to work in.

Despite that ability, the Cocker Spaniel is not a hard dog. They are very sweet and have a cheerful disposition that they are willing to share with everyone. They usually trust everyone and are as accepting of strangers as they are with people they know. They do well with children of all ages but do require gentle handling since they can be a bit timid.

They also require ample socialization since Cocker Spaniels can suffer from fearfulness, which can lead to problems such as biting, submissive urination and dominance problems. It is also important that they not be treated like a pampered pet since they will have problems such as separation anxiety that makes life difficult for all. It is very important that there are clear rules and roles established with a Cocker Spaniel to ensure the best success with it.

If you do train it properly, you will find that the Cocker Spaniel is an excellent retrieving breed that has a wonderfully soft mouth.

Pro’s and con’s of owning a Cocker Spaniel

The Cocker Spaniel is an excellent hunting dog and does an excellent job as a retriever since they have a very soft mouth. In addition, the Cocker Spaniel has a very sweet temperament that makes them an ideal companion and family dog. There are many traits that make these dogs a wonderful addition to any family but there are also many traits that are a definite con for the breed. It is important that you understand the Cocker Spaniel completely before you purchase one and that you understand your own experiences with dogs first since they are not recommended for first time dog owners.

The Pro’s

Like all dog breed, there are a number of pros when you look at a Cocker Spaniel.

• They are very friendly dogs that usually get along with everyone. They are even polite with strangers.
• They do well in most homes and can live in apartments without too much difficulty.
• Cocker Spaniels are energetic but they only need a small amount of exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
• They are not known for their aggression and can do well in a home with multiple pets.
• They are usually eager to please, which makes them easier to train than some other breeds.

The Con’s

Again, although the Cocker Spaniel is a beautiful dog that has the diversity of being at home both in the field and with their family, there are a number of cons that potential owners should take into consideration before they purchase a Cocker Spaniel puppy.

• They do have a number of serious health problems but if you purchase them from a reputable breeder, the risk of those problems should be decreased.
• Cocker Spaniels thrive when they are with their family and will often suffer from separation anxiety if they are left alone for long periods at a time.
• They can be problem barkers, especially if they are not trained or socialized properly.
• They can be a bit timid and without proper socialization, they can become very fearful. This can lead to a problem called submission urination where they urinate when they are scared or excited.
• Cocker Spaniels are average shedders and will produce a fair amount of hair, especially when they are “blowing” their coat. In addition, the Cocker Spaniel has a very unique scent that comes off their skin.
• They require daily grooming to keep them in top condition.
• It can take a fair amount of time to properly housetrain a Cocker Spaniel puppy.

Health Issues:

While the Cocker Spaniel does not have as many health concerns as other breeds, there are a number of illnesses that can affect the breed. It is very important to research your breeders and to make sure that they are only using dogs that have been properly screened for health problems. Some issues that are seen in the Cocker Spaniel are:

• Deafness
• Seborrhea
• Hypothyroidism
• Allergies
• Hepatitis
• Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
• Autoimmune Thyroiditis

Height & Weight:

The Cocker Spaniel is a small sized breed of gun dog and has the unique privilege of being the smallest of all sporting breeds registered with the American Kennel Club. Despite being so small, the Cocker Spaniel should have compact body that is very sturdy and athletic. They should have good balance and they should have a good balance. The Cocker Spaniel is another gundog that has a very strong head that is refined and clean in lines. They should have a square body that is as long as it is tall.

The size of a Cocker Spaniel is:

Males: 15 to 15.5 inches (38 to 39 cm) tall
Females: 14 to 14.5 inches (36 to 37 cm) tall

Both Males and Females range in weight from 15 to 30 pounds (7 to 14 kg).

Note: Height is always determined from the ground up to the withers, also known as the highest spot on the shoulders, of the dog.

Grooming:

Cocker Spaniels are considered to be an average shedder and does require a bit of grooming if you are to keep their silky coat clean and beautiful. Generally, the Cocker Spaniel should be brushed on a daily basis, if you keep the hair long. Many hunters and owners prefer to keep the hair short or at a medium length and will clip or shave the dog’s coat down.

In addition to the daily brushing, the Cocker Spaniel does require frequent baths. Usually about one or two a month will keep the Cocker Spaniel clean and the coat healthy. When you work a Cocker Spaniel in the field, it is important to make sure that you clean all debris from the coat to make sure that no mats occur.

The ears of the Cocker Spaniel should be kept free of dirt and debris and should be dried after the dog is wet since they can be prone to ear infections. The only other care that the Cocker Spaniel needs is to have their nails trimmed.

Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

History:

When we look at the history of the Cocker Spaniel, we should actually take the time to look at spaniels in general. Although it is unclear as to how the spaniel came to be, we do know that there were spaniel dogs as early as the 1300’s but it is believed that they may stretch back to about 55 B.C.

Although the actual origin of the spaniel is not clear, it is assumed that they were developed in Spain before they began to spread across the globe. In the early 1800’s the spaniel had seen a lot of progress in England and there were seven different breeds of spaniel. Most of the breeds were determined and bred according to how they flushed birds or how they were used for hunting.

Of the seven breeds, the Cocker Spaniel was one of them and was used to retrieve game birds, and more specifically, woodcocks, which is where the name originated. Generally, the Cocker Spaniel was used with the Springer Spaniel and both dogs brought a unique team together for the hunter. In addition, the Cocker Spaniel was admired for their good nature and ability to handle even the toughest of terrains, which made it a popular hunting breed.

At one time, both the Cocker and Springer Spaniels were considered one breed, with size being the only variable, but in 1892, the Kennel Club of England deemed that they should be separate breeds instead and the English Cocker Spaniel was created.

When the Cocker Spaniel was imported to North America, many breeders chose to breed the smaller puppies, producing a smaller breed than then the English Cocker Spaniel. In the 1940’s, the American Kennel Club determined that there was enough difference between the smaller Cocker Spaniel and their European relatives that they should be a separate breed. It was at that time that the American Cocker Spaniel came to be.

Grouping:

Gun Dog, AKC Sporting

Recognition:

FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, CKC, CCR, APRI, ACR

For More Cocker Spaniel Info Go To American Spaniel Club

The Boykin Spaniel is an intelligent and eager to please gundog that has just recently been accepted by the AKC in the Miscellaneous Class. It is a versatile breed that is good natured and makes a wonderful family dog. In addition, the breed has shown that it can be utilized in the field in many ways.

A born swimmer, the Boykin Spaniel can retrieve both on land and in the water and is quite happy to do both. IT is also a breed that does exceptionally well flushing quarry and can be used in both dove fields and upland hunting.

The Boykin Spaniel, while still relatively unknown, is sure to delight many sportsmen and hunters in the years to come.

Pro’s and con’s of owning a Boykin Spaniel

It may be surprising that a relatively new breed that originated in the United States could possibly the next best thing when it comes to hunting dogs. The Boykin Spaniel is a versatile hunting dog that is intelligent, docile and can be used for both flushing and retrieving on both land and water. This versatility has made it apparent that the breed is definitely an active benefit to many sportsmen.

The Pro’s

One only has to see the Boykin Spaniel in the field to truly understand what a remarkable breed this is but besides its versatility with hunting, the Boykin Spaniel has a number of traits that make them a desirable dog for many.

• They are eager to please, making them easier than some breeds to train.
• Although they have high energy levels, they do well in an apartment if their exercise requirements are met.
• They do well with other animals and pets in the home with proper socialization.
• They have a pleasant and docile nature that makes them an ideal dog for families with children.

The Con’s

Like all breeds, there are a number of cons that should be taken into consideration before you purchase one.

• They have high energy and require at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise every day.
• They are intelligent dogs that need to be working. Without proper stimulation, a Boykin Spaniel can become bored and destructive.
• Boykin Spaniels can have a number of serious health problems such as heart and skin problems.
• They will wander away if they are allowed to.
• Although they are eager to please, they do require an owner that has clear and consistent rules.

Health Issues:

The Boykin Spaniel has a number of hereditary disorders and diseases that can affect it but like many other purebred breeds, there are clearances that should be done before a dog is bred. This ensures the longevity of the breed and keeping it as free from potential illnesses.

• Hip Dysplasia
• Elbow Dysplasia
• Patellar Luxation
• Hypothyroidism
• Under Bites
• Cardiac and Heart Problems
• Eye Problems
• Seizures

Height & Weight:

The Boykin Spaniel is a medium sized dog that has good bone but is neither too heavy nor too light. The breed should be sturdy, sound in appearance and should have the medium build of an athletic breed. Its length should be equal to its height.

The size of the Boykin Spaniel is:

Males: 15.5 to 18.5 inches (39 to 47 cm) tall and 30 to 40 pounds (14 to 18 kg.)
Females: 14.5 to 16.5 inches (37 to 42 cm) tall and 25 to 35 pounds (11 to 16 kg.)

Note: Height is always determined from the ground up to the withers, also known as the highest spot on the shoulders, of the dog.

Grooming:

The Boykin Spaniel has a long dense coat that can be cared for in a variety of ways and there is actually no breed standard to how you keep your dog’s coat. Generally, if you are using your dog for anything other than hunting, you can keep the coat long but if you are using your dog as a gundog, especially for dove fields, it is recommended that you clip the dog’s coat close to skin.

If you choose to keep clipping to a minimum, you should maintain your dog’s coat whenever you use them for hunting. Because they have a soft coat, they tend to pick up a lot of debris when they are in the field so after hunting, you should brush out your dog to remove all of the dirt and debris. If you are not hunting, or if you clip your dog’s coat, you should brush your dog once a week to remove any mats.

Boykin Spaniels do not need to be bathed on a regular basis and they should not be bathed more than once a month and it is important that you use quality pet shampoos when you do. Nails should be kept trimmed and ears should be check regularly and removed of any debris and wax.

Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years

History:

The Boykin Spaniel actually has a very short history and it can trace its lineage back to one specific dog that was discovered in the early 1900’s in South Carolina by Alexander L. White (1860-1942) on his way home from church. The dog, known as Dumpy, was a small spaniel of unknown origins but that obscurity didn’t stop Alexander L. White from seeing the potential as a retriever that the dog had.

During that time, many hunters were facing a problem with traditional retrievers since the marshes in the area only afforded hunters to navigate them with wooden boats. Large retrievers were much too big for the boats alongside all the additional gear and men that would go out to hunt. This lead many hunters towards trying to produce a lighter and smaller retriever that could produce the same results that their larger counterparts could.

A main breeder in this effort was L. W. “Whit” Boykin (1861-1932), to whom Dumpy was given after Alexander L. White realized the ability the dog had. From there, Dumpy became the foundation dog for the Boykin Spaniel. Other breeds, including the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, the Cocker Spaniel, American Water Spaniel and the English Springer Spaniel were introduced into Dumpy’s line to produce a small versatile gundog that performed well both on land and in the water.

The Boykin Spaniel Society was founded in 1977 and the official registry began in 1979 to maintain the pedigree of the Boykin Spaniel. Today, efforts are being made to see the Boykin Spaniel be officially recognized by the AKC in the Sporting group. It has been a part of the Foundation Stock Service with the American Kennel Club since 1997 and has been accepted into the Miscellaneous Class since 2008.

Grouping:

Gun Dog, Miscellaneous Class

Recognition:

BSCBAA, FCI, UKC, NKC, CKC, APRI, BSS, ACR

For more info on the Boykin Spaniel

2 Cocker Spaniel, But Do They Make Good Gun Dogs

As you probably know I have a cocker spaniel called ‘Charlie’ who I have had for 3 years now. I love Charlie and would not change him for the world but is a spaniel right for you?

Pro’s and con’s of owning a Cocker Spaniel.

Cocker Spaniels are very sweet-natured. They are as popular both on the hunt and as household pets; and this is with good reason.

The Pro’s

There are loads of good points about the cocker spaniel and even though they were breed as a hunting dog (Woodcocks to be precise)

• They are intelligent but not stubborn.
• They are easy to train and willing to respond to commands.
• They are playful and well-rounded toward other animals.
• They are great if you have young kids as they love to play.
• They are great at flushing out birds as they will go through anything (even brambles and thorn)
• They are good retrieving dogs especially for bird hunting, as they have soft mouths.

The Con’s

There are few cons with the cocker spaniel. The main concern people have is with their health. Since this is such a popular dog, people tend to breed without discretion. This brings a problem of mixing in bloodlines that are filled with past problems.

Some health concerns this can create are:

• hip dysphasia
• cataracts
• entropian
• elbow dysphasia
• Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia.

Do not let this put you off getting a Cocker spaniel though as the pro’s far outweigh the cons. But it is best if you buy this breed for a reputable dog breeder. Do not visit puppy farms and the alike. You need to have a dog that has been thoroughly screened and whose bloodline is clean. Ask to see the puppies parents if possible, this should be enough to assure you that you are getting a great dog.

Due to the problems which may come with spaniel ownership I would recommend taking out HEALTH INSURANCE.

Height & Weight:

The Male is usually 28-34 pounds and between 15-17 inches high.
The Female is usually 26-32 pounds and 14-16 inches high.

Grooming:

The coat does require regular combing. Some Cocker Spaniels have coats that are prone to matting, while others tend to lay flat, so some trimming is necessary, particularly around the pads of the feet.

Shampoo and bath regularly also check ears carefully for wax and foreign material, particularly after outdoor play.

Life Expectancy:

Well cared for dogs can be expected to live up to 15 years old.

History:

As I mentioned earlier they were bread for hunting woodcocks in the 1800’s. In the 1800’s there were lots of types of spaniels including the Clumber, the Welsh Springer, the Field, the Sussex, the Irish Water Spaniel, the Field, and the Cocker. In 1892 the Cocker and Springer Spaniels were divided into separate breeds, and in the 1940s, the English and American Cocker Spaniels were divided again.

Grouping:

Gun Dog, AKC Sporting

Recognition:

CKC, ACR, NKC, APRI, FCI, KCGB, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NZKC, CCR

Training:

The great thing about the cocker spaniel is you can either train your Cocker Spaniel as a pet or as a hunter or combine both training methods. We find the best way to train is to train your cocker as a hunting dog. This seems to give you a more obedient pet whether you use him on the field or not.

A Spaniel Can Make A Great All Round Hunting Dog

With a spring, which earned the breed its name, the English Springer Spaniel will quickly flush out a bird in hiding and that spring takes this versatile hunting breed through life with a happy, carefree approach.

The English Springer Spaniel is a medium sized dog with a long striking coat that can be black or liver with white or the reverse, white with liver or black, or a tri-colour of white, black and liver. You can also find English Springer Spaniels that are blue, orange, red, or liver roan.

The breed is compact and is an ideal for flushing birds out from their hiding places. They are energetic in the field, loving at home and are very patient. They make excellent hunting dogs and can be trained to both flush and retrieve. They also make amazing family pets and do well with most animals and children.

Pro’s and con’s of owning an English Springer Spaniel.

When it comes to owning a dog, whether it is for field or pet purposes, there are always pros and cons about the breed. The English Springer Spaniel is no exception and while this lively and happy dog is an excellent addition to many homes, he may not be well matched for every home.

The Pro’s

There are a lot of good points concerning the English Springer Spaniel and many owners are delighted at finding a versatile hunting dog underneath the beautiful coat.

• They are very intelligent and are easy to train.
• They are obedient but they do require firm rules.
• They are great with every type of family and do very well with children.
• They are great with other dogs and are usually patient with other animals.
• They are a people dog that usually gets along well with everyone.
• When they are properly trained, they can work off leash without fear of them running away.
• They are a versatile hunting dog that can work in the capacity of both flushing and retrieving birds.
• Although the English Springer Spaniel was known as a “Land Spaniel,” it can work well in water.
• They can live in both apartments and larger homes.

The Con’s

Despite all the positives that the breed has, it is very important to take into consideration all of the cons that they have, even more so than the pros. If you are concerned about the health risks for the breed, please read the next section on Health Issues specifically.

• They can be fearful and timid. This is actually a large problem with English Springer Spaniels so it is important to properly socialize yourself.
• They are prone to chronic ear infections.
• They need to be guided through their “teen” years. Many owners of English Springer Spaniel’s “teen” years when the dog stops listening and seems to be untrainable so it is important to be aware of this and to be prepared to step up the obedience training.
• They get bored quickly. An English Springer Spaniel is very intelligent so he can become bored very quickly. It is important to provide the proper stimulation for your dog or he will become destructive.
• This is a hunting dog and they have the energy that is needed for hunting. Expect about 60 minutes of exercise each day to meet his daily needs.
• Since English Springer Spaniels love people, they can suffer from separation anxiety if they are left alone for long periods.

Health Issues:

Like all dog breeds, the English Springer Spaniel does suffer from several hereditary health issues, so it is important to purchase your puppy from healthy breeding stock.

• Hip Dysplasia
• Retinal dysplasia
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Epilepsy
• Seborrhea
• Gastric Torsion (also known as Bloat)

Height & Weight:

The English Springer Spaniel is a medium sized dog that should have the appearance of symmetry and balance. It should never have exaggerated features and it should have a well-proportioned body that is compact and athletic.

The size of an English Springer Spaniel is:

Males: 19 to 21 inches (48 to 56 cm) tall and 45 to 55 pounds (20 to 25 kg.)
Females: 18 to 20 inches (46 to 51 cm) tall and 40 to 50 pounds (18 to 23 kg.)

Note: Height is always determined from the ground up to the withers, also known as the highest spot on the shoulders, of the dog.

Grooming:

While English Springer Spaniels are not the most difficult dog breed to groom, they still require a fair amount of work to keep their coats beautiful and clean. Many owners of English Springer Spaniels opt to shave the coat but if you want to leave the coat long, you will need to regularly brush your dog every few days to ensure that it is kept looking its best.

In general, it is important to brush your dog once or twice a week to remove any dead hairs and all mats from the coat. An English Springer Spaniel is considered to be a regular shedder but brushing the coat will keep the hair to a minimum.

If you are working your dog in the field, it is important to quickly run a brush through your dog’s coat after the work since the coat can quickly pick up burrs and other debris from the field.

Additional grooming that should be done with your English Springer Spaniel, whether he is in the field or not, is to trim the hair on the feet and under the ears. This keeps burrs from imbedding in your dog’s feet and also keeps dirt from being trapped within the ear.

With the English Springer Spaniel, extra care should be taken with the ears. They can be prone to chronic ear infections so make a habit of cleaning the ear with a damp cloth whenever you brush out the coat.

The last point on grooming your English Springer Spaniel is on bathing. While it may seem like they need a regular bath it should be avoided if it can. Frequent bathing can dry out the skin and strip important oils from the coat. Only bathe your dog when it is absolutely necessary or two or three times a year.

Life Expectancy: 9 to 15 years

History:

The history of the English Springer Spaniel is not well known and there are many theories that explain the creation of such a lively hunting dog. What we do know, is that the Spaniel breeds are believed to have originated in Spain and were later exported to many different countries through trading.

We also know that the earliest mention of Spaniels in Britain was in the 300 AD’s. From there, the Spaniel was developed and used for hunting. At one time, the Spaniel breeds were used to flush out game so that hawks, nets and other dogs could capture the prey but with the invention of firearms, the value of Spaniels was quickly gauged and they became adept as gun dogs.

The earliest representation of the English Springer Spaniel was seen as early as the late 17th century but it is unclear if the dogs were English Springer Spaniels as we know them today or if they were the similarly featured Norfolk Spaniel.

The first time that the English Springer Spaniel was referred to as a breed was in the early 19th century but it was determined that both the Cocker Spaniel and the English Springer Spaniel were created from the same litters, with the smaller dogs being coined Cocker and the larger dogs being coined Springer.

Even with such an unclear history, we do know that English Springer Spaniel can attribute a large portion of its development and look to the Boughey family, who bred Springers in their purest form.

In 1907, the first English Springer Spaniel was imported to the United States and was officially recognized by the AKC in 1910. The English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association was founded in 1922.

Grouping:

Gun Dog, AKC Sporting

Recognition:

CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, CCR, APRI, ACR