The breed with the honor of being the
2007 Westminster Kennel Clubs "Best in Show."
| In 1932, the American Kennel Club approved the breed standard for the English Springer Spaniel set up
by the English Springer Field Trial Association. But the breed has a much longer history.
Spaniels are thought to have originated in Spain and are mentioned as far back as 300 AD. In the 19th and
20th centuries, smaller dogs in a Spaniel litter would be used to hunt woodcock while larger littermates were
used to "spring" (chase out of hiding) game and were called "Springers."
A great all-around hunting dog, the English Springer can retrieve, hunt, and go into water. The English
Springer is also a great family pet if you don't hunt. An English Springer should have the look about him
of an active dog that can keep going, even under difficult physical conditions.
|
 |
| Interesting Breed Facts: |
| Popularity: |
27th in 2008; with 6,690 registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC). |
| First recognized as a breed: |
First recognized as a separate breed from the Welsh Springer Spaniel by the
Kennel Club in 1902, and by the AKC in 1932. |
| AKC Grouping: |
Sporting. |
| Size: |
Ideal height is 20" for males, 19" for females (at the shoulder).
Weight in proportion to height, between 40 and 50 lbs. |
| Appearance: |
According to the AKC breed standard, the ideal English Springer Spaniel is medium
sized with a compact body and a docked tail. He has a moderately long coat, with feathering behind the legs and
on the chest. His ears are pendulous and his head is impressive, but not heavy. Eyes are of medium size and
oval. They are set well apart in the Springer's head and have an expression of alertness and trust, a hallmark
of the breed. Allowable standard colors are liver and white, black and white (any combination), blue roan, and
tricolor. |
| #1 preventable health problem: |
Keep his ears clean and out of the drinking water to prevent ear infections
common in drop-eared breeds. |
| Preferences: |
A family, plenty of exercise, playing, and room to run. |
| Best features: |
The hallmark of this breed is its beautiful and characteristic expression,
which is alert, kindly and trusting. |
| Biggest challenge to owners: |
Getting this sporting breed enough daily exercise will help with behavior dramatically. |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
PRODUCTS RELATED TO:
Toys
|
|
|
|
|
