The Ultimate Guide to the English Springer Spaniel

English Springer Spaniel

English Springer Spaniel Introduction

When it comes to adopting a new family member, many dog owners want to learn all that they can about that breed. For English Springer Spaniel owners, you’ve come to the right place. English Springer Spaniel’s are the perfect medium sized dog for all different types of owners. Typically weighing between 40 and 50 pounds, and measuring around 20 inches tall, they are excellent lap dogs and exercise partners.

English Springer Spaniels are known to be active dogs. This is because of their development to help flush game in fields. They even got their name from their skill for springing at game to help hunters. English Springer Spaniels are also known for being able to retrieve game. Paintings and documents from the 16th and 17th century throughout Europe show dogs that look similar to the English Springer Spaniel, who also worked in hunting.

English Springer Spaniels arrived in North America in 1913, after they were imported from England to Canada. Originally classified as Cocker Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels got their recognition as a separate breed by the American Kennel club in 1910. Today, English Springer Spaniels can be found as gun companions and household members all over the country.

English Springer Spaniel standing at attention

English Springer Spaniel Temperament

With a strong background in hunting, English Springer Spaniels are known for their high activity level and love for exercise. They love to play and roughhouse with family members, and are the perfect contender for all types of activities. Agility, tug-of-war, hunting, and other canine sports are some of this breed’s favorite pastimes.

English Springer Spaniels fit well in almost all families. They are extremely affectionate, and do well with children and other dogs. They do have a high prey drive, so be sure to watch for nipping and herding instincts if you live in an active household with young children.

English Springer Spaniels are very open to strangers, so you can plan on making plenty of new friends when out and about. English Springer Spaniels can be sensitive to their surroundings and may need some extra reassurance after being disciplined or encountering a new situation.

One important thing to note about English Springer Spaniels is that they aren’t known for doing well when left alone. English Springer Spaniels form a strong bond with their owners and rely on being near them most of the day rather than at home by themselves.

English Springer Spaniel Intelligence

With years of experience working alongside humans and performing hunting duties, English Springer Spaniels have quite the intelligence level. English Springer Spaniels are extremely skilled in working with humans and following commands. They have an aptitude for understanding what you want them to do and are eager to please you in doing so. In fact, English Springer Spaniels are ranked the 13th smartest dog breed for obedience and working intelligence. With high instinctive IQs in hunting and an ability to learn things on their own, English Springer Spaniels are very smart dogs in every way.

Because of their high intelligence level, this breed can be extremely easy to train. Whether you are focusing on basic obedience, hunting techniques, or agility training, these dogs will pick up on new skills and commands in no time. English Springer Spaniel puppies are born with a sharp mind and joy for working with humans. Some English Springer Spaniels even compete in tasks such as hunting, obedience, and agility, given their strong skills and instincts. Their high intelligence level comes in very handy when at home, competing, or working out in the fields. They are sure to impress!

English Springer Spaniel running through an agility course

English Springer Spaniel Shedding

Shedding is a very important thing to consider when adopting any breed, especially if you live in a home with someone who has dog allergies. English Springer Spaniels are not hypoallergenic, though they are also not known for excessive shedding. English Springer Spaniels can be considered a moderate shedding breed.

English Springer Spaniels have a medium-length double coat. This coat is waterproof and protects them when out in the field, especially in harsh weather and rough terrain. English Springer Spaniels shed year-round, though there are times that they shed more than others. Fall and spring tend to be the times of the year when English Springer Spaniels shed the most. This heavier shedding allows a transition from a thick winter coat to a lighter summer coat for warmer months, and a transition from a light summer coat to a thick winter coat to keep them warm as temperatures drop.

Regular brushing and grooming can help keep shedding to a minimum. Regular brushing can be helpful in removing excess hair that has been or will be shed, before it ends up on your clothing or furniture. With upkeep, you can save hours that would be spent sweeping up English Springer Spaniel hair.

English Springer Spaniel Health

All English Springer Spaniel owners want their dog to live the longest life possible with minimal health issues. In order to achieve this, nutrition and exercise are important preventative measures to take. English Springer Spaniels who are healthy and happy are likely to live much longer than those who aren’t.

English Springer Spaniels who are in good health and have no serious health conditions typically live between twelve and fourteen years. You can expect to live many treasured days alongside your beloved English Springer Spaniel, no matter what age you adopt them.

Psychological Health

Psychological health is just as important for dogs as physical health is. Psychological health allows them to enjoy the things that they love doing and get the most out of their days. Unfortunately, English Springer Spaniels can be prone to various psychological health issues, such as stress and anxiety.

Stress and anxiety can be caused by different factors that depend on the dog. For English Springer Spaniels, one of the most common causes of stress and anxiety is a lack of mental stimulation. English Springer Spaniels are smart, working dogs who are used to having a task to do. When they aren’t kept busy, they may become bored, which can lead to them feeling stressed or anxious.

One of the best ways to avoid English Springer Spaniel stress and anxiety from boredom is by providing ample opportunities for mental stimulation. Dog games, puzzle toys, and feeder bowls can help to keep your English Springer Spaniel engaged and prevent boredom. These toys can be found at your local pet store and used for many years and all ages.

In addition to boredom, a lack of routine may commonly cause English Springer Spaniels to feel stressed or anxious. English Springer Spaniels tune in to what to expect from their day. They like to know when they may be left alone, when they can expect a meal, and when they will go for a walk. English Springer Spaniels often anticipate what is coming next in their day’s typical order of events, and when they’re unsure what to expect, they may become anxious or stressed.

To avoid this, consider setting a typical routine for you and your dog. Taking a walk after work and then immediately feeding your dog dinner can help give them structure. Before you leave, consider setting up their puzzle toys for the day so that they don’t become bored and they begin to associate these toys as a sign that you will be gone for a bit.

Finally, English Springer Spaniels can be prone to separation anxiety. They may become anxious when they are left alone and this can lead to destructive tendencies. To avoid separation anxiety and other psychological conditions, consider introducing your English Springer Spaniel to CBD. CBD is a naturally occurring compound that can soothe and relax your English Springer Spaniel when they are feeling anxious or stressed, no matter the cause.

English Springer Spaniel chewing on owner's shoe

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

For medium-sized breeds, such as the English Springer Spaniel, elbow and hip dysplasia can be a common health condition to develop. Hip and elbow dysplasia occur due to poor development, which leads to joint laxity and eventually, arthritis. Hip and elbow dysplasia can be very painful for any dog to experience and must be treated by a vet. Thankfully, there are ways to help combat this condition at home.

One of the best ways to combat hip and elbow dysplasia in English Springer Spaniels is through supplementation. Anti-inflammatory agents such as turmeric, ashwagandha, and kelp can help minimize joint swelling, leading to a reduction in pain. Be sure to consult with your vet before beginning any supplementation.

Aside from supplementation, diet can be a great way to combat and manage hip and elbow dysplasia in English Springer Spaniels. Studies have shown that dogs who consumed a fish-based, nutrient-rich diet had less severe cases of hip dysplasia than those who consumed chicken-based diets. Some nutrient factors of fish-based foods are believed to help slow the progression of hip dysplasia. With proper care and remedies, your English Springer Spaniel can live a happy life despite hip or elbow dysplasia.

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Ear Infections

English Springer Spaniels are known for their adorable, long ears. While these floppy ears are adorable, they can be prone to health conditions, such as ear infections. Ear infections can be caused by a variety of factors. For English Springer Spaniels, the cause is typically their long ears. This ear shape can prevent proper airflow and lead to excess moisture, which is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria that causes ear infections.

Ear infections can be very troublesome and painful for any dog, which is why owners should take preventative measures when it comes to this condition. One of the best ways to prevent English Springer Spaniel ear infections is regular ear cleaning. English Springer Spaniel ears can be cleaned with wipes that are sold at your local pet store. These wipes help eliminate debris and bacteria that may become trapped inside of the ear. Additionally, ear drops help reach deeper into the ear canal and prevent ear infections.

Be sure to check your English Springer Spaniel’s ears regularly and watch for any ear infection signs and symptoms. In doing so, you will help them live their healthiest life possible.

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Type II Diabetes

Just like humans, English Springer Spaniels may develop type II diabetes during their lifetime. This condition can be very serious and even life-threatening if left untreated. If you notice any of these symptoms in your English Springer Spaniel, be sure to get them into the vet as soon as possible. Some common type II diabetes symptoms include weight loss, excessive urination, decreased appetite, and increased water intake.

Many cases of type II diabetes can be reversed with your help. One of the best ways to combat and possibly reverse type II diabetes in English Springer Spaniels is through diet and exercise. When exercising your dog, be sure to do so a few hours after their last meal. Waiting too long can result in hypoglycemia, which can be very dangerous and even deadly.

When using a diet to combat diabetes in your dog, be sure to avoid human foods that have sugar. The goal with dogs with type II diabetes is to keep their blood sugar, or glucose, levels as low as possible. Be sure to avoid feeding your dog any foods that have high amounts of sugar.

While English Springer Spaniel diabetes can be scary, with the right approach, you can help your dog live a normal and healthy life.

English Springer Spaniel Oral Health

Oral health is a very important part of an English Springer Spaniel’s overall health. Poor oral health can lead to a variety of health conditions, including issues with the heart, kidney, and lungs. One of the most common oral health issues for English Springer Spaniels to face is called periodontal disease. In fact, 80% of English Springer Spaniels are affected by this condition.

Periodontal disease can cause inflammation, bad breath, and tooth loss for English Springer Spaniels. This condition can also affect other areas of the body when left untreated. Thankfully, there are many products on the market to help prevent periodontal disease.

One of the best ways to prevent periodontal disease is through brushing your dog’s teeth regularly. There are a variety of canine toothpastes on the market that can help you keep their teeth clean.

Chewing is another great way to prevent periodontal disease. Dental chews, rather than regular kibble and bones, are effective in grinding away plaque and reducing the likelihood for periodontal disease. When looking for a reliable canine toothpaste or dental chew to prevent periodontal disease in your dog, make sure to check out the Veterinary Oral Health Council list of accepted products.

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English Springer Spaniel Exercise

As stated earlier, English Springer Spaniels are very active dogs who are used to being put to work and remaining busy throughout the day. Because of this, their activity level is high, and they need adequate exercise to keep them healthy and happy. On average, adult English Springer Spaniels need at least one to two hours of exercise per day.

One of the best ways to exercise your dog is by taking them on a jog with you. English Springer Spaniels have excellent stamina, and with training, they can run long distances by your side. If you are running with an English Springer Spaniel puppy, be sure not to have them jog more than half of a mile, and to give them frequent breaks along the way.

Once your English Springer Spaniel reaches one year of age, they can begin to run longer distances. Start with one mile at most, and slowly increase the distance as they age.

Daily jogs, games of fetch, and roughhousing are sure to provide your English Springer Spaniel with enough exercise. In doing so, you can help keep them healthy and happy.

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English Springer Spaniel running with green ball in mouth

English Springer Spaniel Nutrition

Nutrition is an extremely important aspect of any English Springer Spaniel’s life. Proper nutrition provides them with the fuel that they need to play and exercise, and it can help prevent common English Springer Spaniel health issues. You can provide your English Springer Spaniel with proper nutrition through dry, wet, and custom recipe foods.

Given their high activity level, English Springer Spaniels require a diet with a whole food protein as the main ingredient. Be sure to look for foods that contain whole meat or whole meats, such as chicken, fish, lamb, or turkey. These proteins will allow them the nutrition that they need to repair their muscles from all of their daily exercise.

The amount of food that you feed your dog is also important when it comes to nutrition. On average, an adult English Springer Spaniel should eat between one and a half and two cups of dry food per day, which should be divided between two meals. English Springer Spaniel puppies, on the other hand, are growing much faster and require more food. Puppies may eat up to four cups of dry food per day.

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English Springer Spaniel Grooming

English Springer Spaniels are known for their beautiful, curly hair and unique markings. With this coat can come some maintenance. English Springer Spaniels need weekly brushing sessions to remove any tangles and mats that may have formed while they were hunting, playing, or even sleeping. A slicker brush or dog comb are the perfect tools to remove knots without harming an English Springer Spaniel or their luscious coat.

Before shedding begins, consider helping to manage your English Springer Spaniel’s thick coat on your own to make this process easier. Hand stripping their coat helps to minimize shedding and ease their coat into its new seasonal phase. This process consists of manually plucking out dead fur before your dog begins to fully shed. Hand stripping won’t harm your dog and will make shedding easier on both you and your English Springer Spaniel. To do so, grasp a few strands of hair and pull to gently remove. If the coat is in need of stripping, the hair will come out easy and won’t be painful. You can strip your dog’s coat all at once or over a few sessions.

Finally, bathing is an important part of grooming your English Springer Spaniel. When choosing a shampoo and conditioner, be sure to look for ones that are more suitable for thick English Springer Spaniel coats. English Springer Spaniels who are not working in the fields generally need to be bathed and professionally groomed once every two to three months.

English Springer Spaniel sitting among Fall leaves

English Springer Spaniel Products

There are an abundance of dog products on the market today, though some may be a better fit for English Springer Spaniels than others. One great product for your dog is a comfortable, adjustable harness. These harnesses can be used when going for jogs and help you gain control over your English Springer Spaniel. When shopping for a harness, consider buying one that has extra padding on the inside to protect their fur.

Limited ingredient foods are a great way to keep your English Springer Spaniel healthy. These foods typically have a protein as the most abundant ingredient, meaning that they are more likely to reach their nutrition needs. Both English Springer Spaniel puppies and adults should be fed these limited ingredient foods, as long as your vet approves.

Beds are a very important thing to consider when adopting an English Springer Spaniel. A dog bed should be supportive and comfortable for them to sleep on. Tempur-Pedic dog beds are a great option to support your English Springer Spaniel’s joint and prevent common health conditions, such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

English Springer Spaniels love to be active every day, and part of this can include regular games of fetch. Dog ball launchers are great products that can help them run farther distances and more often during your games of fetch. Some of these dog ball launchers are automatic, while others help your throw go farther. Both can be found at your local pet store and can be used to ensure that your English Springer Spaniel is getting enough daily exercise.

Some English Springer Spaniel owners may choose to crate their dog when away to prevent separation anxiety. When shopping for a crate, be sure to choose one that is the correct size for your pup.

Resources

Eastern English Springer Spaniel Club

English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association

English Springer Spaniel Club of Southern California

English Springer Spaniel Club of Long Island

Southern Nevada English Springer Spaniel Club

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