Gundog Breeds

English Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel is a very honest and straightforward dog; he is the traditional dog of the rough shooter, a dog who is keen and happy to work all day and will break the ice on the water if he needs to in order to do his job.  He gets his name from his original task of 'springing' game for netting, coursing or the falcon, though now he finds and flushes to the gun and then retrieves it.  Until 1900 he was known as the Norfolk Spaniel, and he was officially recognised by the Kennel Club in 1902.

With the exception of the Clumber, the English Springer Spaniel is believed to be behind all land (as opposed to water) spaniels.  The Breed Standard describes him as "Symmetrically built, compact, strong, merry, active" and he is an excellent dog for an active outdoor family.  The working and show type differ quite markedly; the show dog tends to have a better overall balance and a more relaxed attitude, whilst the working dog tends to be rather smaller and can have a rather anxious approach to life.  Part of the problem is that because he is such a popular family dog he is too often bred on a whim, without due regard to the quality of the dog and bitch involved.  This is another breed where it is particularly important to seek out a responsible breeder, in which case you should get just the dog you want, whether working or show.

The English Springer Spaniel is about 51cm and weight is in proportion; the colours are either liver and white or black and white.  It is an unexaggerated coat, with the feather being of a reasonable quantity and the body coat being close and smooth, although show dogs can carry fairly luxuriant coat.  The ears are quite luxuriantly feathered and should be kept well brushed.  A slicker brush is a good all-round grooming tool for this dog. Uncomplicated and easy-going he is just the dog for an active family

To read the Kennel Club Breed Standard of the English Springer Spaniel click here. 

English Springer Spaniel Breeders

Selected Books

The time to make sure that this is the right breed for you is before you bring him home; if you and your Springer are to be happy together there is plenty of research to be done.  Even if you do not intend to work him, having an appreciation of Gundog Training will help you understand why he behaves as he does. 

In addition to learning what kind of behaviour is specific to Gundogs, understanding your dog, and what his motivations are on a more general level can save a lot of confusion and misunderstandings for both you and him. Many mistakes can be avoided, and quick solutions reached if you have the basics of puppy training to guide you through all the early settling in difficulties.  It helps, too, to have some idea of basic healthcare so you can make informed judgements about whether a visit to the vet is necessary or if there is a simple remedy.  For example, many cases of upset tummies are best cured by 24 hour starvation.  The books we have chosen will be able to guide you as to whether your dog can be treated at home, or a visit to the surgery is necessary.

English Springer Spaniel Breed Clubs

• ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL CLUB Ms Y Billows 01606 888303
• ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL CLUB OF SCOTLAND Mr G Ford 01556 502430
• ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL CLUB OF WALES Mr Lewis 01639 844355
• LANCASHIRE & CHESHIRE ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL CLUB Mrs Billows 01928 572554
• MIDLAND ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL SOCIETY Mrs K Woodward 01709 896663
• NORTHERN ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL SOCIETY Mrs Calvert 01609 772861
• SOUTH WESTERN ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL SOCIETY Mr M K Waite 01803 323508
• SOUTHERN ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL SOCIETY Mrs Woodbridge 01303 875191
• ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL CLUB

English Springer Spaniel Rescue and Rehoming

Contact a Breed Club. They should be able to give you information about English Springer Spaniels requiring homes and procedures for re-homing; if you are in the unfortunate position of having to re-home your own dog, please go through breed rescue. They will not be judgmental and are best able to find the right permanent home for him.

If you are looking for a puppy contact the Breed Clubs and the Breeders listed and visit the puppyfinder website where there is a great deal of information on hereditary conditions.  If you are a Breeder and wish to advertise your puppies puppyfinder is an excellent showcase.