Information, history, Irish Kennel Club breed standard, photos and more for the English Springer Spaniel dog breed.

English Springer Spaniel

Introduction

The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-size, fun-loving dog adaptable to city or country life. He has the typical spaniel personality: smart, adoring, and eager to please. These dogs thrive on exercise and training.  Springers learn quickly and remember well.

Did you know?

In 1902 the Kennel Club of England recognized the English Springer Spaniel as a distinct breed.

History

The name "springing spaniel" included in one classification the ancestral stock from which many of our present-day land spaniels emanated. In the 1880’s, Springers and Cockers were often born in the same litters, size alone being the distinguishing factor. In 1880, the American Spaniel Club was founded, and anything over 28 pounds was classified as a Springer. In 1902, the Kennel Club (England) finally granted Springers and Cocker separate breed status. Though several individuals in America pursued hunting with Springers, it was not until 1924 that the English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association was formed, eventually becoming the parent club of the breed.

The breed’s AKC standard, formed in 1927 and revised in 1932, was made as nearly as possible to foster the natural ability of the Springer as a hunting dog. Unquestionably, the present standard has helped to make the Springer much more uniform as a breed, and as a result the dogs as individuals have become much more uniform at bench shows and field trials. They are admittedly great sporting dogs whose one purpose is to hunt and find game, but the inherent elegance and economy of movement is unmistakable.

Right Breed For You?

Is this a vulnerable breed?
Yes, No
No
What size is this dog?
Small, Medium, Large
Medium
How much excercise is required?
30 mins a day, 1 hour a day, Over 2 hours a day
Over 2 hours a day
How long is this dog's coat?
Short, Medium, Long
Medium
How much grooming is required?
Once a week, More than once a week, Every day
More than once a week
Does this dog shed?
Does shed, Does not shed
Does shed
What area is this dog best suited to?
Town, Country, Either
Either
What size house is required for this breed?
Flat/Apartment, Small House, Large House
Small House
What size of garden is required?
Small Garden, Large Garden, No Garden
Large garden

Breed Standard

General Appearance
Symmetrically built, compact, strong, merry, active. Highest on leg and raciest in build of all British land Spaniels.
  
Characteristics
Breed is of ancient and pure origins, oldest of sporting gundogs; original purpose was finding and springing game for net, falcon or greyhound. Now used to find, flush and retrieve game for gun.
  
Temperament
Friendly, happy disposition, biddable. Timidity or aggression highly undesirable.
  
Eyes
Medium size, almond-shaped, not prominent nor sunken, well set in (not showing haw), alert, kind expression. Dark hazel. Light eyes undesirable.
  
Mouth
Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
  
Neck
Good length, strong and muscular, free from throatiness, slightly arched, tapering towards head.
  
Forequarters
Forelegs straight and well boned. Shoulders sloping and well laid. Elbows set well to body. Strong flexible pasterns.
  
Body
Strong, neither too long nor too short. Chest deep, well developed. Well sprung ribs. Loin muscular, strong with slight arch and well coupled.
  
Hindquarters
Hindlegs well let down. Stifles and hocks moderately bent. Thighs broad, muscular, well developed. Coarse hocks undesirable.
  
Feet
Tight, compact, well rounded, with strong, full pads.
  
Tail
Customarily docked.
Docked: Set low, never carried above level of back. Well feathered with lively action.
Undocked: Set low, never carried above level of back. Well feathered with lively action. In balance with the rest of the dog.
  
Gait / Movement
Symmetrically built, compact, strong, merry, active. Highest on leg and raciest in build of all British land Spaniels.
  
Coat
Close, straight and weather resisting, never coarse. Moderate feathering on ears, forelegs, body and hindquarters.
  
Colour
Liver and white, black and white, or either of these colours with tan markings.
  
Size
Approximate height: 51 cms (20 ins).

Breed Photos

   
   
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