10 Reasons why Springer Spaniels are the Best Family Dogs

Having owned both English and Welsh Springer Spaniels, then I guess I am biased. If you are looking for a dog, whether a rescue dog or a puppy, then here are a handful of reasons why either of these two breeds is the best for you, whether you have a young family or you are just looking a loyal companion. If you want want a fun dog to get you out into the fresh air and countryside, then a Springer is a dog for you. So, yes, this springer spaniel advice is biased, but you could do a lot worse than take it!

Reason #1 - History Equals Refinement

Springer spaniels are part of the Gundog group and their history can be traced back a thousand years. This means that they are highly developed, but with all that time the bad inbreeding traits have been largely eliminated.

Reason #2 - Ancient Breeding means Variety

Given their history and time for refinement, there are several spaniel lines to choose from, within which we have the Springers. The Kennel Club of England recognises two distinct pedigrees of Springer Spaniel: The English Springer and the Welsh Springer spaniel. They are closely related, yet quite distinct. The English Springer is much more widespread than the Welsh Springer.

Reason #3 - Popularity Equals Choice

Because these dogs are so popular, then there are many breeders. Therefore you will have plenty of breeders to choose from, and plenty of choice of puppy. You are very likely to find a breeder quite close to you, without having to travel for hours as you might have to for a rare breed.

Reason #4 - Popularity Equals Health

These dogs are so popular because they are generally healthy. This is thought to be because they date back so far and have been such a successful breed that the breeding stock is widespread, reducing the effects of inbreeding. When a genetic problem does appear (inevitable from time to time) then there is plenty of stock to enable the condition to be eliminated from the problem line.

Reason #5 - Economic to Keep

They are medium sized and can be fed for around $7-$9 a week (?-?), and because they do not need professional trimming and grooming you save on cost here too. Their general good health means that on average the veterinary costs are low too.

Reason #6 - Effective Guard Dogs

They are not too small to be ignored by intruders - an adult English Springer weighs 50 lbs. They will warn of strangers but without being too aggressive. However, because they are so loyal, they will defend their family to the last.

Reason #7 - Compact for Travel

Their medium body size means that they fit comfortably into the average family small or mid-sized auto, without needing an SUV or truck to carry them around. They are small enough to travel easily on the railroad as well.

Reason #8 - Coat and Allergies

Unlike say, a border collie, they do not shed hair heavily - they are considered to be medium shedders. So, your home does not get too much dog hair lying around; also of course, because their hair is only medium length then it is relatively easy to keep them well groomed.

Reason # 8 - Personality

These dogs (and I have owned both English and Welsh Springers) are great fun, full of vitality, but also loving and affectionate. They love to play games and to retrieve, particularly when water is involved.

Reason # 9 - Choice of Color

The English Springer has two distinct colour lines - liver and white, and black and white; both may have tan markings in addition. In the uSA you also find Blue roan. The Welsh Springer has only one coloring - red and white. Does it seem lighthearted to talk about color choice? Well, it can be important to some owners.

Reason # 10 - Exercise for them Means Exercise for You

Yes, that is a good reason, because it ensures that you and your family will get plenty of exercise too, and a lot of fun into the bargain.

I have stopped at ten reasons, but I could give you more, such as them being intelligent, eager to learn and easy to train. All in all, this adds up to a very strong recommendation of these dogs.