The English Springer Spaniel is one of the oldest breeds. Representatives of this species are very active and have a high level of intelligence. Previously, these dogs were brought mainly for joint hunting. However, the animal can be not only a wonderful hunter, but also just a friend for the whole family. The article will detail the characteristics of the breed and the finer points of cultivation.
Origin history
For a long time, all spaniels were considered one type of dog. Classification appeared relatively recently. English Springer Spaniels were singled out as a separate breed in Britain in the 19th century.
It is believed that the birthplace of dogs was a non-metropolitan ceremonial county in the east of England - Norfolk. The breed was very popular in Wales. For this reason, for some time these dogs were called Welsh Spaniels. Over time, animals spread throughout the world and breed breeding began to be massive.
The appearance of the English Springer Spaniels was gradually changing. For example, more coat color options appeared when only one color was initially recognized.
Appointment
At first, the English Springer Spaniels were taken with them only for falconry. Over time, the range of tasks and skills of such dogs has expanded. People realized that the physiological and intellectual capabilities make it possible to use such dogs for almost any type of hunting, whether it is catching forest birds or field game.
The breed is known for its stamina and activity. In addition, dogs have a number of qualities that make them unsurpassed hunters. Spaniels are not afraid of the loud sounds of gun shots. They are well oriented on the ground and are looking for prey.
Such dogs are not afraid of water and are naturally endowed with the qualities of excellent swimmers. This allows them to rush after wild birds into water bodies and, if necessary, dive after it. English Springer Spaniels jokingly overcome obstacles in the form of high barriers or pits. In addition, they are hardy and can hunt for a large amount of time.
English springer spaniel it’s easy to train to keep quiet while hunting, and he will not scare away the game. Another feature of this breed is that dogs do not spoil prey with their teeth, but carefully deliver it to the owner.
However, the use of English springer spaniels was not limited to hunting. Having a good disposition, dogs over time have established themselves as an excellent companion. They get along well with both people and other animals.
Breed description
The English Springer Spaniel is the highest representative of spaniels. The body of such dogs is visually light, compact and proportional. The weight of adults varies within 23 kilograms. Growth at the withers can range from 48 to 51 centimeters.
The cranial part of the head is of medium length and not very wide. The transition from the frontal to the muzzle is rounded. In the area between the eyes, a groove is clearly visible, which is directed back to the tubercle on the back of the head. The hillock, in turn, should not stand out much.
English Springer Spaniels have flat cheekbones. The length of the muzzle is almost identical to the cranial part and has no rough outlines. The jaws of the dogs are quite powerful, with symmetrically located teeth and the correct bite.
The eyes of the representatives of the breed are medium in size and have an oval shape. They should be dark brown in color. Light shades of the eyes are considered a manifestation of marriage.
The ears of the English Springer Spaniels are long and fairly wide. They are planted at eye level and hang down. They fit snugly to the head. The dogs neck is long and powerful. At the shoulders the neck is wider than near the head.
The body of the dogs is muscular, the chest is well developed. The front legs are straight and the back is covered with long hair. The hips in the dogs are wide and powerful. The paws on the fore and hind limbs are rounded.
The tail is set quite low and covered with long thick hair. The hairline is pretty tight against the body. The coat is usually straight, but may be slightly undulating. As for the color, all options recognized for spaniels are allowed. However, white individuals with black and brown spots are most preferred.
Nature and behavior
English Springer Spaniels are not prone to aggression, and therefore poorly suited as a guard dog. But they get along well with children, like active games and are kind to people around. However, it should be remembered that a cheerful disposition and excessive activity require a special attitude to such a dog. A pet needs movement, attention and a good upbringing.
Without training, the animal may cease to obey the owner and become difficult to control. Training is also necessary to keep your pet in good shape. Despite the fact that English Springer Spaniels are not aggressive in nature, they are not cowards either. Dogs are driven by curiosity and friendliness.
Representatives of this breed are not inclined to fight for territory. Therefore, they easily get along in the same house with other dogs and cats. As for smaller animals and birds, for example, hamsters and parrots, the proximity to them is undesirable, as over time a hunting instinct can leap out of the spaniel.
Puppy selection
Finding a puppy of breed English Springer Spaniel is not particularly difficult.This breed is one of the most widespread in the whole world. There are specialized nurseries not only in foreign countries, but also in Russia. On the territory of the Russian Federation there are about 10 large nurseries.
It is better to get a dog from reliable breeders. Many sellers can deceive and sell instead of the English Springer Spaniel a cocker spaniel or a representative of another similar breed. Therefore, buying a puppy from private individuals on an ad from the Internet, there is a big risk of being cheated.
When choosing a dog, it is necessary to evaluate its external characteristics and behavior. Healthy puppies should be agile and curious. New people should not embarrass dogs, but, on the contrary, arouse their interest. At a young age, the English springer spaniels should be quite massive in appearance and may even appear chubby.
The representatives of this breed become thinner and stronger only with age. However, the puppies ’stomach should not be too puffy. Otherwise, this may indicate the presence of helminths. Individuals from the same litter must be of identical size.
In certain cases it is allowed when one, at most two dogs, can be smaller than their brethren. However, all puppies must be active. If at least one animal is kept aloof and passive, then it is likely that it has an infectious disease.
When choosing a pet, it is not enough just to evaluate its appearance and behavior. The seller must also provide the animal with all the necessary documents, namely:
- birth certificate, which will contain information about the parents of the puppy;
- documents about the pedigree of both parents;
- Vet passport, which will indicate the data on vaccinations.
Do not forget about the parents of the puppies. If possible, you need to learn as much as possible about their origin. The father and mother of the babies should not be close relatives. It is advisable to familiarize yourself not only with the pedigree of the parents, but also with their health certificates.
Maintenance and care
English Springer Spaniels are poorly suited for outdoor use. Representatives of this breed do not have a warm undercoat, and therefore they will not be able to live in winter in an aviary. In addition, such dogs need constant contact with the owner, so they feel most comfortable living next to him in the same territory.
However, representatives of this breed also cannot be constantly in four walls. Dogs are required regular exercise and outdoor games. English Springer Spaniels are born swimmers, therefore, in the warmer months, whenever possible, you need to drive them to water bodies so that they can splash in the water.
As for dog care, it is important to monitor the appearance of the pet and its coat. You need to purchase special shampoos and combs. The frequency of combing throughout the year will be different:
- in winter, wool can be combed out no more than once a week;
- when the pet began to molt, you need to comb it daily;
- dogs should be combed in the summer 2-3 times a week.
Representatives of this breed need a regular haircut. Without proper skills, it is best not to cut your pet yourself, but to use the services of a professional groomer. Show spaniels are sheared at least once every two months. Pet hair is usually trimmed once a year in the summer.
Dog hair is recommended to be washed using special products. Show pets are washed twice a month, an ordinary pet is enough to bathe once every two months.
However, if the dog got dirty during the walk, it is washed unscheduled in clean water without the use of shampoos.
Feeding
The regularity of feeding and the diet of the English Springer Spaniels depends on their age, body weight and state of health. The menu for each pet can be developed individually.You can feed animals with both natural products and prepared feeds. The main thing is that the diet is balanced, and the dog daily receives all the necessary nutrients.
Puppies who have not yet reached the age of 8 months should be fed no more than 6 times a day. After 8 months, food should be given 2 times a day. The following products are recommended to be included in the menu of English springer spaniels:
- fresh veal;
- fillet of sea fish;
- rice porrige;
- lettuce and carrots;
- boiled offal;
- pears and bananas.
Some foods can be dangerous to dogs, even if they like them. Do not feed your pet as follows:
- chocolate and sweets;
- grapes and pomegranate;
- garlic and onions;
- avocado;
- alcoholic drinks;
- walnuts.
The choice of finished feed should be approached with all responsibility. Economy class compounds do not contain useful elements and can only temporarily dull the feeling of hunger. With regular use of such food, your pet may have health problems. The best option would be super-premium products and holistic.
Parenting and training
English Springer Spaniels are quite curious and smart, and therefore easy to train. They begin to raise puppies immediately after weaning. The pet must get used to the owner and his nickname.
In the process of training, you must adhere to the sequence in their actions. The animal must clearly understand what they want from him. In training, you must be persistent and at the same time be patient.
With proper execution of the pet's commands, it is necessary to encourage your favorite treat in order to better consolidate the result from the lesson learned.
Breeding
Breeding English springer spaniels is a very responsible and costly process. Litter in dogs of this breed is small, so investments are not always fully paid off. The main difficulty lies in finding a suitable male with a good pedigree. Mating with individuals that do not have a birth certificate and health certificates is not recommended.
You can also evaluate a male and a female according to previous litters. A dog can be purebred and outwardly beautiful, but at the same time it is bad to transfer its characteristics to offspring. If possible, it is necessary to evaluate at least the external data of the puppies in the previous litter.
As for the colors, it is customary to knit a bitten with plain hair with one-color males, and multi-colored individuals, in turn, interbreed with colored dogs. Getting a healthy and beautiful offspring is not limited to.
It is important to be able to properly care for puppies, as well as take an active part in their education.
Health and Life Expectancy
The health and longevity of English Springer Spaniels largely depends on the conditions of their maintenance and care. The lifespan of such dogs is usually from 10 to 15 years. Springs can be born with a number of inherited diseases:
- fucosidosis;
- eye diseases;
- allergic reactions;
- congenital deafness.
Sick animals need special care and regular monitoring by a veterinarian. Parents who are healthy from birth also need periodic examinations at a veterinary clinic, timely vaccination and treatment for helminths and skin parasites.
At home, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the eyes, ears and teeth of the dog. Dust particles and hairs can settle on the eyeballs, which, in turn, leads to suppuration. You can wash your eyes with infusion of chamomile.
The ears are cleaned of excess sulfur with cotton pads. As for the teeth, you can take the pet to the veterinarian for professional cleaning. You can also accustom the animal to regular cleaning of enamel at home, which will reduce the risk of plaque formation.
About what characteristics this breed of dogs has, see the next video.
