The Essence of English Springer Spaniels

The Essence of English Springer Spaniels

The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized Sporting dog, with a compact body and a docked or undocked tail, both are given equal consideration. His coat is moderately long, with feathering on his legs, ears, chest, and brisket. His pendulous ears, soft gentle expression, sturdy build, and friendly wagging tail proclaim him unmistakably a member of the ancient family of spaniels. He is above all a well-proportioned dog, free from exaggeration, nicely balanced in every part.

His carriage is proud and upstanding, body deep, legs strong and muscular, with enough length to carry him with ease. Taken as a whole, the English Springer Spaniel suggests power, endurance, and agility. He looks the part of a dog that can go, and keep going, under difficult hunting conditions. At his best, he is endowed with style, symmetry, balance, and enthusiasm, and is every inch a sporting dog of distinct spaniel character, combining beauty and utility.

The English Springer Spaniel is built to cover rough ground with agility and reasonable speed. His structure suggests the capacity for endurance. He is to be kept to medium size. Ideal height at the shoulder for dogs is 20 inches; for bitches, it is 19 inches. Well-proportioned and in good condition, males will weigh approximately 50 pounds while bitches will weigh approximately 40 pounds.

In evaluating the English Springer Spaniel, the overall picture is a primary consideration. One should look for the type, which includes general appearance and outline, and also for soundness, which includes movement and temperament. In as much as the dog with a smooth, easy gait must be reasonably sound and well-balanced, he is to be highly regarded; however, not to the extent of forgiving him for not looking like an English Springer Spaniel. It must be remembered that the English Springer Spaniel is first and foremost a sporting dog of the spaniel family, and he must look, behave, and move in character.

Although the AKC may consider them one and the same, there’s a distinct difference between show-bred and field-bred Springer Spaniels.

Field-bred dogs are generally smaller, often more white than brown/black and more heavily ticked, and usually have full tails or tails docked at two-thirds length. They are bred for performance and active hunting. They have a leaner build, shorter coat, and shorter ears. Their coat is lighter and more low maintenance, reflecting their outside lifestyle. They are agile and energetic workers.

Show (Bench) Springers excel in Conformation with longer coats and a composed demeanor. Their tail is typically docked, but Springers with full tails are equally acceptable in Conformation. They have thicker coats with more feathering. Regular grooming is needed to maintain their lush coat.

Both field-bred and bench-bred Springers excel at performance (Agility, Obedience, Rally, etc.) and companion (CGC, Barn Hunt, Scent Work, Dock Diving, etc.) events.

English Springer Spaniels are wonderful family dogs! They are very affectionate and loving family members. Always enthusiastic, the English Springer Spaniel is an energetic dog with a friendly, loyal, and affectionate disposition.

More information on the English Springer Spaniel may be found on our newly designed website by Blue Ridge Graphics at: https://englishspringerspaniels.org. Excerpts from this article were taken from the English Springer Spaniel Breed Standard.