Purebred Dogs vs. Mixed Breed Dogs Which Dog Breed Is Best For You? 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy Advice You Can Trust: 180 Dog Breed Reviews Teach Your Dog 100 English Words How To Buy a Good Dog

English Springer Spaniels: the most honest dog breed review you'll ever find. Information about English Springer Spaniel personality and behavior. main page breed review faq health training adopting/buying links My book, Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyer's Guide (published by Henry Holt & Co.), includes a full-page profile of the English Springer Spaniel, including these excerpts: "This high-spirited tail-wagger needs at least one long, vigorous run every day. Without exercise an English Springer Spaniel can be a handful, especially when young. His opinion of strangers varies from friendly to reserved. Most are good watchdogs, but not guardians. Caution: There is serious dominance/aggression lurking in the background of some lines. Early socialization outside of the home is critical for stability, as is a sound genetic foundation (stable parents). Most English Springers are gregarious with other animals, though there is some same-sex aggression. English Springer Spaniels can be boisterous, but respond well to positive methods of obedience training. Some can be so persistently affectionate that they become clingy, which can result in separation anxiety and destructiveness when left alone. Many Springers love getting into puddles and water bowls and tracking mud through the house." History The name of this English sporting dog is derived from his duties of "springing" pheasants into the air for the hunter to shoot. Size 19-20 inches and 40-55 lbs

English Springer Spaniels What's good about 'em What's bad about 'em If you want a dog who... Is medium-sized and sturdy Has a pretty feathered coat in a variety of colors Thrives on vigorous athletic activities Has a tail-wagging nature Is usually polite with everyone Is usually peaceful with other pets An English Springer Spaniel may be right for you. If you don't want to deal with... Providing enough exercise to keep him satisfied and avoid rambunctiousness "Separation anxiety" (destructiveness and barking) when left alone too much Frightening dominance/aggression that can suddenly flare up in some Springers Fearfulness or shyness when not socialized enough Frequent brushing, combing, and clipping of the silky coat Shedding Excitable or submissive urination (tendency to dribble urine when excited or nervous) Serious health problems An English Springer Spaniel may not be right for you. If I were considering an English Springer Spaniel... My major concerns would be: Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. English Springer Spaniels MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored -- which they usually express by barking and destructive chewing. Bored English Springers can make a shambles of your house and yard. If you simply want a pet for your family, and don't have the time or inclination to take your dog running or hiking or biking or swimming, or to get involved in hunting, or tracking, or agility (obstacle course), or advanced obedience, or a similar canine activity, I do not recommend this breed. Trying to suppress their desire to run and work, without providing alternate outlets for their energy, can be difficult. Separation anxiety. More than most other breeds, English Springer Spaniels need a great deal of companionship and do not like being left alone for more than a few hours. They tend to express their unhappiness through destructive chewing and barking. If you work all day, this is not the breed for you. Providing enough socialization. English Springer Spaniels need extensive exposure to people and to unusual sights and sounds. Obedience instructors see too many English Springer Spaniels who are fearful or suspicious, both of which can lead to defensive biting. To teach your Springer to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. My English Springer Training Page discusses the program you need. Grooming. To keep their silky coat free of mats, English Springer Spaniels require regular brushing, and also clipping and trimming every couple of months. Shedding. English Springer Spaniels shed quite a bit. Their hairs come off on your hands when you pet them, stick to your upholstery and clothing, and hide under the furniture. Dominance/aggression. Some English Springer Spaniels develop a serious temperament disorder that causes sudden flare-ups of extreme dominance or aggression. This disorder appears suddenly and apparently out of the blue in a previously-normal Springer. The cause is unknown, though some studies have suggested a link to brain seizures. Health problems. From hip problems to eye problems to metabolic diseases, English Springer Spaniels are risky in the health department. To keep this breed healthy, I strongly recommend following all of the advice on my English Springer Spaniel Health Page. Not all English Springer Spaniels are alike! There are energetic Springers, and placid Springers. Hard-headed Springers, and sweet-natured Springers. Serious Springers, and good-natured goofballs. Introverted Springers, and Springers who love everyone. If you acquire an English Springer Spaniel puppy, you can't know for sure what he or she will grow up to be like. Because a good number of purebred puppies do NOT grow up to conform to the "norm." If you're considering an adult English Springer Spaniel... There are plenty of adult English Springer Spaniels who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you. When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS. If you would like to link to this review, here is the HTML code: <a href="http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/englishspringerspaniels.html">English Springer Spaniels: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em</a> Copyright © 2000-2008 by Michele Welton. All rights reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced without the permission of the author.