English Springer Spaniel
It takes the name from springing game out of cover for the guns. Field and show lines have drifted so far apart that they barely look like one breed.
Photo by blumenbiene, CC BY 2.0
Overview
The Springer is the original flushing spaniel, bred to spring game out of cover for the gun, and it is the ancestor of most modern spaniel breeds. UK data gives it a life expectancy at birth of 11.92 years.
Working and show lines diverged decades ago and they are now effectively two different dogs. Field bred Springers are lighter, faster and far higher drive than show bred ones, and buying the wrong one for a household is the commonest mistake made with this breed.
Temperament
Cheerful, eager and busy. Springers are affectionate with their families, good with children and enthusiastic about everything, and they are among the most biddable gundogs.
Some lines carry a sudden aggression sometimes called rage syndrome. It is uncommon and it is documented in the breed, and it is worth asking a breeder about directly. They are also sensitive and prone to separation anxiety.
Care and grooming
A medium feathered coat that needs brushing two or three times a week plus trimming every couple of months. The ears mat and hold moisture.
Ear infections are the routine problem and need weekly attention. Progressive retinal atrophy, fucosidosis and phosphofructokinase deficiency all have DNA tests, and hip dysplasia is worth asking about.
Living and exercise
Two hours a day for field lines and ninety minutes for show, plus scent work and retrieving.
They are outstanding family dogs when the exercise is real. A working line Springer in a suburban household with two short walks is one of the more predictable routes to a rehomed dog.
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