All About the Breed: English Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel is a friendly and highly intelligent breed. But how do you know whether you are ready to purchase a pet and if this breed is right for you? This information is absolutely necessary in making the decision to purchase a pet.

History

The origins of the English Springer Spaniel can be traced back to 17th century England, though it would be the 1800's before the breed was recognized as a separate from the popular English Cocker Spaniel.

Throughout its history, the English Springer Spaniel was most commonly used for both a hunting dog and hunting companion, due to its speed and ability to chase and "spring" game birds into the air for its master to shoot.

The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1910 and the English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association was established in 1924.

Today, the English Springer Spaniel remains a popular hunting dog, companion, and family pet world wide.

Personality Traits

Best known for its intelligence and eagerness to please and impress its master, the English Springer Spaniel is a highly trainable breed. These dogs are friendly, gentle, and genuinely good-natured. This breed can be somewhat excitable and hyperactive at times, and loves to play games such as fetch and frisbee. The English Springer Spaniel is a loyal, loving, and affectionate pet.

Train-ability

Due to their need to please, high intelligence, and history of hunting, the English Springer Spaniel typically responds very well to basic training and commands. This breed has to ability to learn to perform most any task its trainer is willing to take the time to teach it.

A gentle yet stern approach and positive reinforcement are the best approach to successfully training the English Springer Spaniel.

Benefits and Disadvantages of the Breed

There are many benefits to owning an English Springer Spaniel. This breed is very intelligent and trainable, and can be taught to perform most any impressive trick or task. These dogs love to play and are often entertaining to watch while at play. The English Springer Spaniel is affectionate, loving, and loyal, making an excellent family pet and companion for most any type of person. When properly socialized from a young age, this breed gets along well with small children and other pets.

Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages to owning an English Springer Spaniel. These energetic dogs require large amounts of daily exercise and room to run and play. Anyone wishing to purchase this breed lacking the adequate amount of time and space to dedicate to the dog is strongly advised against doing so. An English Springer Spaniel not receiving the proper amount of exercise will often act out by destroying property, chewing, barking, whining, and ignoring basic training such as housebreaking.

The English Springer Spaniel has a strong instinct to hunt and will occasionally indulge in a good chase. When on the run, these dogs can be very difficult to keep up with and may pose a threat to other animals, neighborhood pets, and small woodland creatures. English Springer Spaniels must be leashed or properly secured at all times when outdoors.

Common Health Concerns

Sadly, the English Springer Spaniel is known to suffer from a wide array of health problems, including: hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, phosphofructokinase deficiency - a metabolic disorder, chronic ear infections, patellar luxation - dislocation of the knee, and various allergies.

Now that you know all about the breed, do you think you are ready to own an English Springer Spaniel? Remember, purchasing a pet is a big decision and should be discussed thoroughly and seriously with your entire family.

Sources:

http://www.akc.org/breeds/english_springer_spaniel

http://en.wikipedia.org/english_springer_spaniel