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From: [email protected] (Jan Martin)
Subject: rec.pets.dogs:  English Springer Spaniels  Breed-FAQ
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                         English Springer Spaniel
                        Frequently Asked Questions



                                                      Author: Jan Martin
                                                   On the Web since 1994
                                                         Updated 10/5/01


Table of Contents
Description
Exercise
Versatility
Grooming
Health
History
Resources
Rescue

  _________________________________________________________________

                     Characteristics and Temperament

  The English Springer Spaniel is a dog characterized by
  long, drooping ears, a medium to long coat, a happily wagging, docked
  tail, and a penchant for flushing (or "springing") birds. Females are
  around 19" tall at the withers, weighing around 40 lbs, and males
  around 20", weighing about 50 lbs. They may be black and white, liver
  and white, or either combination with tan points (tri-colored), with
  or without ticking (freckles).

  Since the 1930's, Springers have developed in the United States and
  Canada into dogs bred mostly for their hunting ability, known as
  "field-bred" Springers, (Field Spaniels are a different breed), and
  dogs bred with attention to a written breed standard, known as show or
  "bench" Springers. The breed standard does NOT separate the two types.
  The standard does not demand any pattern of markings, but most
  commonly, both field and show Springers have dark ears and head, white
  muzzle and a white blaze. Show dogs commonly have a dark blanket and
  less ticking and a fairly long coat, while field lines may be almost
  completely white, have a shorter coat, and be more heavily freckled.
  (Drop in here if you want to meet some show dogs). Both types have
  docked tails, though field dogs may be left longer with a "flag" on
  the end. Since field Springers are bred for their hunting ability and
  soundness, rather than a written description, there is greater variety
  in style among these dogs.

  Springers are cheerful dogs with a sense of humor. They are
  affectionate, good with children and noisy with intruders. However,
  they would probably follow an ax-murderer home if he gave them a pet
  and a treat. They are "reactors," but most don't bark without a
  reason. English Springers make excellent house-pets and can thrive
  with moderate exercise, though some Springers can be high energy dogs.
  They are actively represented in obedience, agility, fly-ball ,
  tracking, and therapy, as well as being fine hunters and companions.
  While some Springers from show lines might be acceptable in the field,
  serious field-trialers look to those who breed competition dogs.

  Similarly, most field-bred English Springers would probably not do
  well in the show ring. However, with good socialization and some
  training, either type of Springer can become a wonderful companion.
  For more information, visit the ESS Field Trial and Information page.

  _________________________________________________________________

  Exercise

  Most English Springers can be at home on a standard 50X100 city lot's
  back yard, as long as they have a chance at some daily exercise. While
  they might prefer five acres and their own pond, many Springers thrive
  in a city setting. After the puppy matures, brisk walks, bicycling, or
  ball-chasing can keep the Springer in excellent shape. The amount of
  exercise a Springer needs varies widly for individual dogs. Remember,
  couch potatoes need to move, too!

  _________________________________________________________________

  Grooming

  Long-haired breeds do take some care. Clipping for
  pet/field dogs can be confined to the inside of the ears and around
  the tail. This makes it easier to keep both areas clean. Hair must
  also be trimmed from between the pads on the feet; without this care,
  the feet can splay, and the dog loses traction on slick surfaces.
  Nails should be trimmed often. Show people trim them weekly; some pet
  owners can go up to four weeks without much problem. Teeth should be
  brushed, as in all dogs, with a soft brush and "doggie" toothpaste.
  *See the FAQ on general dog health. * The coat on most Springers has
  longer guard-hairs on top with a soft, dense undercoat, depending on
  seasonal conditions. All dogs lose coat at some point during the year,
  and the hair they do lose is long enough that it's pretty easy to
  sweep or vacuum. Extreme stress or health problems can lead to
  excessive shedding. Daily brushing will help keep things under
  control. Some commercial groomers take clippers to the body-coat of
  client dogs. If your dog's coat is clipped, it will not grow back the
  way it was before clipping, but will come in fuzzy. It takes a VERY
  long time for feathering and ears to re-grow if they are cut. If
  possible, just even up the bottom of the leg-feathers so they don't
  drag the ground; otherwise, leave the legs and ears alone except for
  combing. Grooming the show Springer takes about an hour. Experienced
  groomers use a #10 blade on the tops of the ears, the throat, and the
  top of the head. They use thinning shears to control the body coat. Do
  NOT expect a commercial groomer to know how to trim a show-dog. Get
  help from someone currently competing.

  _________________________________________________________________

  Resources

  Breeder Referral

  The AKC Breeder Referral program's number is 1-900-407-PUPS(7877).
  This will give you the name of a local dog club's Breeder Referral
  Representative, who can supply the dog buyer with a list of sources.
  There is a small charge for this call.

  The English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association handles Breeder
  Referral and will put you in touch with responsible breeders around
  the country. These breeders pledge to uphold the Guidelines for
  Responsible Breeders as put forth by the ESSFTA.

  _________________________________________________________________

  Clubs

  The English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association is the parent
  club of the breed. Local clubs are members of ESSFTA. Visit the Links
  page for some links to Specialty clubs. There are also many English
  Springer Field clubs around the country. Here's the list of field
  clubs that have their own pages on the web. Tons of information and a
  way to get involved! AKC has a list of ALL the clubs here.
  _________________________________________________________________

  Rescue

  The National English Springer Spaniel Rescue efforts are maintained by
  Judy Manley of Ohio. Call 1-800-377-3824 and she will get back to you
  with information about rescue contact people in your area.

  English Springer Rescue Association (ESRA) is an all-volunteer group
  of individuals with a love and passion for the English Springer
  Spaniel, working together to provide nationwide assistance for
  Springers who are unwanted, abused, and abandoned. ESRA's purpose is
  to provide an adoption referral service to assist shelters and animal
  control facilities nationwide in the rehoming of impounded Springers.
  Referral assistance is also available to those owners who can no
  longer care for their Springers and have a sincere need to place them
  in new homes. Visit their site for a complete listing of US Springer
  rescue groups.

  _________________________________________________________________
   English Springer FAQ copyright Jan Martin

   Comments? Please contact Jan Martin, [email protected]. Drop by
   Ariel's website!

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