Dog class - Sporting
Average height - 24 to 28 inches
Average weight - 55 to 65 pounds
Size - Medium
Average life span - 12 to 14 years

Divided into two categories, field and show, English Springer Spaniels have dark head and ears, a white muzzle and a white blaze. Show dogs will often have a dark coat with less ticking and a fairly long coat. Field dogs will have a shorter coat, could be nearly completely white with heavy freckles. Field breeds are bred with more of a focus on hunting ability so there is a greater variety of appearance to them.

The English Springer Spaniel probably originated in Spain. Through the last two centuries smaller dogs would be used for hunting woodcocks - this dog branching off into the Cocker Spaniel group. The larger dogs were trained to flush out (or "spring out" game from the brush. Hence the name Springer, assigned by the Sporting Spaniel Society of Britain in 1902.

This is a good dog for walking and/or daily runs. They also make good companion animals.

These are energetic dogs that excel in obedience, agility, fly ball, therapy and tracking. They make good companions and are good for serious hunters. They thrive on exercise. They are good with children but not good for rough housing or chasing.

Close examination of a puppy's parents will give you a good clue as to how the puppy will mature and behave.

If well-bred and trained they are good dogs for the energetic family. English Springer Spaniels are very affectionate, intelligent, eager to please. They will excel in obedience. They will bond to you and other family members (this may actually result in some separation anxiety for the dog.)

Common health problems may include: retinal/eyelid abnormalities, PRA, hip dysplasia, skin conditions and ear infections.

There is a behavioral condition in this breed called "rage syndrome". There are no known neurological or behavioral symptoms. Rage syndrome is when the dog will develop a glazed look and attack people and/or other dogs without provocation. The rage episodes will last just a few seconds - the dog will be unaware of the rage and afterwards may return to a happy state, wagging its tail, etc.

A newly discovered condition is phosphofructokinase deficiency, a recessive trait. Symptoms include pale gums, fever, poor appetite and intermittent dark urine.

This breed can be aggressive and possessive regarding food, toys and sleeping areas. They may also be aggressive when awakened from a deep sleep. This behavior will develop as the dog matures and is not detectable when choosing a puppy. They can be demanding of attention and sometimes they can't stay still.

Further English Springer Spaniel Dog Resources

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