Springer Spaniel Problems

What are the main problems owners experience with Springer Spaniels (other than)? If you are considering a springer spaniel, then this short piece will give you an idea of what to expect. In general, springers are healthy dogs, whether the English or Welsh lines, but there is a set of potential problems which usually come up in discussions about the breeds. These are problems which arise from hereditary factors, and those which come about from environmental factors.

The risks of the hereditary-based problems being present in your chosen springer can be minimised by proper screening and careful selection of the pup. The environmental problems affect all dogs, more or less, and these environmental effects can be avoided by proper training and nurturing, provided the springer is not pre-disposed. For example, if his parents are themselves particularly nervous, then this could show in the pup. You can't screen for this, but you can look at the parents - and the tendency may be increased or decreased depending on the way that the pup is treated and trained, either reinforcing the trait or cancelling its effect completely.

1. Hereditary

This group of problems mainly covers eye and hip problems (e.g. as hip dysplasia, and PRA - progressive retinal atrophy, and will be screened for by any reputable breeder who wants to register the pedigree of an English or Welsh springer spaniel. In the UK, the recommends that springer breeders screen breeding dams and sires for hip dysplasia and eye problems (by gonioscopy). There are other conditions (such as canine fucosidosis) which are screened for, but are now increasingly rare and have almost been bred out of all springer bloodlines.

Springers are also predisposed to other problems - such as inturning eyelids (entropion), but these sorts of problem are almost impossible to anticipate, unless apparent in a parent.

2. Environmental

Temperament

Excitablity. The main temperament issue that is raised is excitability. Springers are at the higher end of the canine intelligence spectrum and are very active. A high activity level can be associated with excitability, and if young children (or anyone else) teases or winds up a young dog, then they will certainly become excited.

Obviously, as with children, this tends to become less apparent with increased age.

Nervousness. This can also be a problem, but this is usually a result of ill-treatment. As compared with some other breeds of dog they are far from being highly-strung. Springers are loyal and loving, but as with all loyalty it has to be earned and maintained. So, if a springer is mistreated at a young age, then this will affect their development and their trust of human beings; it may show as excessive nervousness or a defensive nature (which itself can be seen as aggression when the dog is provoked or teased.

Aggression. Besides the previous reason for aggression, springers can become aggressive in the presence of other dogs of the same sex. This is not a major problem, but again is one of those things that crops up in any detailed analysis of the breed(s). On balance, this trait is common in almost all dogs.

Both aggression and nervousness are more likely to be found in dogs which have been abandoned, often ending up in rescue centres. Springer spaniels from rescue centres will be, more prone to these problems than would a well treated and properly trained springer which has been raised from a pup in a healthy family home. If you follow sensible steps when choosing a rescue springer (best from a springer spaniel rescue centre), with an appreciation of what to look out for, then there is no reason why you should not be able to find a perfectly sound example of these great breeds.

Outdoor Dogs.

Because they love mucking about and have hairy ears, they tend to get ear problems unless they are groomed carefully.

All in all, springer spaniels are low down on the scale of nervousness and aggression, and the inherited physical factors can be screened for. Therefore they make a great choice of pet for a young family or loyal companion for more mature dog lovers.

Phil and his close family have owned and
been big fans of springer spaniels for many years, both pups and rescue dogs. These dogs will keep you young! Discover more about
these great dogs now at
==> www.springerspanieladvice.com and lots more about springer
spaniel health issues