Basic Information To Know About The English Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel (also known simply as the "Springer Spaniel") is a sporting breed of dog that is very closely related to the English Cocker Spaniel - the two breeds having been considered the same at one time - which features long ears and a white coat with either black or liver markings. The breed has origins dating back to the mid-1800s, and they were first bred for the main purpose of flushing birds into the air on hunting trips.

A few of their most recognizable features include their high intelligence, friendly nature, soft mouth, keen sense of smell and their signature ability to flush birds into the air - which help make the English Springer Spaniel a suitable choice for use in hunting purposes, drug detection and as a companion dog for active families.

The English Springer Spaniel is thought to have descended from the Norfolk Spaniel and Shropshire Spaniel of the mid-1800s and is very closely related to the English Cocker Spaniels - in fact, during the early 1900s both breeds were known to have come from the same litters. They received their name and favor among hunters based on their special ability to "spring" and flush birds into the air.

English Springer Spaniels are classed as a medium-sized dog. The recommended standard size for the English Springer Spaniel male is 20 inches high from paw to shoulder and a weight of 50 pounds, whereas the recommended size for female English Springer Spaniels is 19 inches high from paw to shoulder with a weight of 40 pounds.

The English Springer Spaniel is well-known for their cheerful, playful, sociable and devoted temperament. They are generally friendly with strangers, which can make them quite unsuitable as a guard dog.

The English Springer Spaniel is also known to be extremely intelligent - ranking 13th compared to other dogs based on their ability to learn obedience commands. They are also known to be good with children - making them highly suitable as a family pet. The English Springer Spaniel is usually compatible with other animals with the exception of birds and dogs of the same gender who they may become aggressive with.

The English Springer Spaniel is happiest with at least an average-sized yard to run around in, but they can be mildly suitable for apartment living if they are exercised enough.

The English Springer Spaniel prefers to be out on hunting trips but their need for activity can also be met through exploring the wilderness, going swimming, sessions of obedience training or learning tricks, taking part in agility trials and chasing after a ball or frisbee. They have a medium to high level of energy and need to be given daily exercise in the form of long walks or jogs at a minimum to prevent hyperactivity or destructive behavior as well as prevent excessive weight gain.

The English Springer Spaniel can make the perfect dog for hunters as well as active owners or families that enjoy the outdoors. They are suitable for anyone who is willing to commit to a regular amount of grooming and take time to give them positive reinforcement training and regular mental stimulation as well as take them for long daily walks and give a very high amount of companionship and attention - they thrive on human contact and like their relative in the Cocker Spaniel they prefer being part of the family's social outings to being left alone in the yard all day. Though they might be somewhat unsuitable in some multiple pet households, if you are able to meet their high demands for physical and mental stimulation then the English Springer Spaniel could make the ideal dog breed for you.

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