All About Springers

     Few breeds are as attractive, charming, and versatile as the English Springer Spaniel.  Who can resist the long, silky ears, that bouncy personality, or of course those pleading Spaniel eyes?  Few people can, once they are faced with the actual dog.  However, in spite of their innumerable charms, there are drawbacks to owning a Springer, and (like all breeds) this is not the right kind of dog for everyone.  Before you fall in love with that adorable Springer puppy,  it is best to learn everything you can about the breed and make sure that a Springer is the perfect match for you and your family.

     All right, so how do you decide if a Springer is right for you?  Well, we're assuming that you have already determined that you want a dog, and that a dog will fit into your lifestyle at this time.  If you haven't given the subject a lot of thought, and you are not 100% sure that you're ready to make the commitment that owning a dog involves, please see "Are You Ready for a Dog?" for some help in deciding if a dog is the right pet for you at this time.  Still with us?  Okay.  So you're ready for a dog, but are you ready for a Springer?  Reading the information provided here is a good place to start in determining if this breed is right for you.   You can use the links below to jump directly to a specific area of this page or read straight through for a lot of useful information.

Size and Weight

      English Springer Spaniels are a medium-size Sporting breed.  According to the AKC Breed Standard (to learn what a breed standard is and to read the standard for Springers, go here), a female Springer should stand about 19" tall at the shoulders and weigh about 40 lbs, and a male Springer should be about 20" tall and weigh approximately 50 lbs.  These are the size guidelines for bench-bred (also called show-bred) Springers.  Field-bred Springers tend to be somewhat smaller, or sometimes larger, depending on the lines.  If you're looking for a dog that's bigger than a breadbox, but smaller than a Lab, this may be the breed for you.  Keep reading.  (For information about the differences between field-bred and show-bred Springers, click  here).  Most of the information on this page pertains equally to either type of Springer, but things are weighted toward the show-bred side of things, because that's what we have.  If you think you're more interested in a field-bred dog, by all means keep reading, but you might also want to get some more field-bred specific info before making a final decision.

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Temperament and Exercise Requirements

     So. the size sounds right, and you like how they look, but obviously there's much more to a breed than physical characteristics.  What about personality?  The typical, well-bred Springer is active and energetic, but not overly hyper.  This means they can be full of excitement, energy, and the willingness to run forever outside, but inside they will happily settle down in a favorite spot for a nap.  They do require a fair amount of exercise, however.  At least an hour a day is necessary, but more is better.  A Springer who isn't getting enough exercise can become extremely hyper, and potentially destructive.  If your normally well-behaved dog starts chewing up shoes, take a look at how much activity he's had lately.  Chances are he's not getting enough.
    Another thing you'll need to know before you get a Springer is that Springers are smart.  Very smart.  This can be a  double-edged sword.  On the positive side, Springers are easy to train.  They learn very quickly, and respond especially well to positive-reinforcement based methods of training.  They are quick, and inventive, and their antics are endlessly amusing.  On the negative side, sometimes their intelligence makes training specific obedience exercises difficult, because it is not uncommon for a Springer to decide that what you're trying to teach him is not the most efficient way to do something, and he'll take his own short-cut, thank you very much!  They can become bored with repetitive drilling, and start to look for ways to spice things up a little.  Their intelligence also means that they can become bored easily if left to their own devices, and a bored Springer can be very inventive at finding ways to keep himself entertained.  It is important that you keep your Springer's mind as well as his body active on a regular basis. 
     

     Springers are very people-oriented dogs.  This is not a breed who can live out in the yard with only occasional contact with people, or who can be left alone while their owners work 12-hour shifts.  Springers want to be with their people as much as they possibly can, and they are not happy when they're left alone.  Of course, all dogs need to learn to tolerate occasional alone-time, but no Springer should be expected to exist without a lot of human attention. It's not in their nature.  If you want an independent, aloof sort of dog, this is not the breed for you. 
     Although Springers are devoted to their families, their love for people typically extends beyond the immediate household.  If you're looking for a one-man (or woman) sort of dog, you should probably look somewhere else.  Springers should be outgoing and friendly, even with strangers.  They should not be timid, shy or easily spooked.  They are not guard dogs; their size and temperament prevent a  Springer from defending a residence in the way a Doberman, for example, would.  They will bark at unusual sights and sounds, and therefore may make good watch dogs.  If a stranger actually entered the home, however, most Springers would be more likely to wag their tails and ask for belly scratches than to growl or attack.  If you're looking for a home security system, you're not looking in the right place.  You should consider the Working/Guarding breeds or else decide on a Springer for other reasons and call ADT for your security needs.
     Springers can be very dominant.  If they are not taught differently from a very young age they will easily decide that they are in charge of the pack and that they can do as they please in spite of what their owner may want.  For this reason, it is very important for a Springer owner to be aware of this propensity and to establish their leadership while the Springer is still young.  This does not require harsh or punitive methods, but it does require establishing basic ground rules and sticking to them.  It is much harder to establish authority with a grown dog than with a puppy, so setting limits is very important.  Unfortunately this is sometimes hard to do when staring at those pleading eyes looking up at you from an adorable puppy face.  Because of this tendency towards dominance, Springers can be very challenging dogs for first-time dog owners.  If you have never owned a dog before, but still have your heart set on a Springer, be sure to work closely with your breeder to learn how to correctly interact with your dog from the beginning.  This can prevent unfortunate problems from occurring in the future.   

**Important Warning about Springer Temperament**

     While researching Springers, you may have come across the term "Springer Rage."  This refers to "Idiopathic Rage Syndrome" which is a serious neurological problem that may occur in all breeds of dog, but has been noted more frequently in some breeds, including the Spaniel breeds.  It is thought to be related to epilepsy and causes the dog to have seizure-like episodes during which he will viciously attack anyone who happens to be around.  Afterward, the dog returns to his typical personality and seems to have no recollection of the attack.  Rage Syndrome is a very rare condition and should not be confused with other temperament problems.  It's exact cause is unknown and there is no cure at this time.
     By far the most common type of aggressive behavior in Springers  is dominance aggression, although they can be prone to fear aggression, as well.  This is not Rage Syndrome and should not be referred to as such although many vets and other people will mistakenly diagnose any aggressive behavior in a Springer as Rage.  Aggressive behavior is unfortunately a serious problem in this breed, as unscrupulous breeders have bred many dogs without regard for temperament.  Many of these breeders have been dishonest about their dogs' problems as well, causing these dogs to continue to be used for breeding.  For this reason, it is very important to choose your breeder carefully and to ask many questions about the dogs' temperaments, as well as meeting as many dogs of their breeding as possible.  Responsible breeders are doing their best to ensure only puppies with correct temperaments are produced, and the vast majority of Springers do not have problems with aggressive behavior.  However, it is important to be aware that this problem does exist in some lines and to try to avoid it when looking for a dog of your own.

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Grooming

     Let's talk about grooming, now.  Springers are a breed that requires a fair amount of grooming.  The beautiful dogs you may have seen in the show ring didn't end up looking the way they do without a fair amount of effort.  Even a family pet who will never step foot on a show ground still requires regular maintenance.  
     Those adorable long ears restrict air circulation in the ear canal, which can lead to ear infections if they're not cleaned regularly.  They need their ears checked and cleaned a minimum of once a week.  
     Like all dogs, Springers also need weekly toenail trimming and regular tooth-brushing (yes, you should brush your dog's teeth!  They can develop plaque and tartar just like people, which can lead to gum disease and other serious problems if not removed.  A professional dental cleaning requires a vet to anesthetize the dog and this can be dangerous, not to mention expensive.  The best thing to do is to keep those teethies clean from the start.  But we digress). 
     Springers need fairly regular bathing.  Dogs who are being shown regularly get bathed once a week or more.  Obviously this isn't necessary for your average companion Springer, but they should be bathed about once a month.  Their hair is pretty resistant to dirt and a good brushing will remove mud and similar dirt once it's dry.  However, they can develop a strong doggy odor if they're not kept clean.  The best way to prevent that is with regular baths.
     Springers have hair.  Lots of it.  That beautiful feathering is prone to matting, not to mention being a magnet for all sorts of things like sticks, weeds, leaves, and burrs if your dog ventures into areas where those things exist.  They need regular brushing, at least a few times a week, and after coming in from outside they need to be checked for things that might have gotten caught in their hair.  Choosing a field-bred Springer will mean less hair, but it won't eliminate the need for brushing.  If you let your Springer go too long without a good brushing, neither you nor the dog will enjoy the experience when you do get around to removing all those mats. 
     Springers are typically trimmed around the head, ears, neck and feet to give them a neat appearance and to help air circulate in the ear canals.  Many people who own Springers decide to acquire the necessary equipment and learn to groom their own dogs.  If you don't want to do this, then your Springer will need to visit the groomer every couple of months to keep them looking nice.  Keep this commitment of time and/or money in mind when deciding if this is the right breed for you.
     Springers also shed a fair amount.  If you are a meticulous housekeeper who shudders at the thought of dog hair in the carpets and on the furniture, you probably do not want a Springer.  If that thought really bothers you, you might not want a dog at all, but there are other breeds less prone to shedding than this one.  Regular brushing will help control the shedding, but it will still happen, particularly in the Spring and Fall.

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Springers and Kids

Many people looking for a dog have children, and one of their top concerns is how a breed will get along with their kids.  In general, Springers do very well with children, particularly if they have spent time with kids from an early age.   As a rule, no children of any age should ever be left unsupervised with any dog, as you can never tell what might happen to the child or the dog.  Very young children may accidentally hurt a dog, particularly a puppy, and this should be a consideration before getting a dog.  Perhaps it might be better to wait until the children are older, or consider getting an older, mellower dog.  Although Springers are not extremely large, they can be very exuberant and could easily knock over a child if they are not trained to be careful.  Jumping on people is something almost all Springers do if they are not trained to stay down, and it's not an easy task to teach a Springer not to jump (they're not called Springers for nothing).  There are many Springers that live very happily with children of all ages, and as long as the dog has a correct, sound temperament Springers make very good family pets.

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Health and Longevity

     A Springer's average lifespan is 12-15 years, so that cute little puppy is going to be with you for a long time, and even an older rescue dog can be a member of the family for many years.  They are generally a healthy breed, but there are some health problems which are fairly common in Springers.  The good breeders out there are working hard to breed healthy, unaffected dogs, but even the most carefully planned breedings can still produce occasional problems.  For that reason, it is best to be aware of what sorts of problems might occur.  
     As with many breeds, hip dysplasia is a concern in Springers.  All breeding stock should have had their hips x-rayed and certified free of hip dysplasia by either the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or Penn-Hip.  Additionally, we are seeing more dogs affected by elbow dysplasia, and to counter this many breeders are x-raying elbows and having them certified by OFA as well.  Although not all breeders screen elbows (unlike hips) it is still something you might want to ask about.
     Springers are prone to eye problems, as well, particularly Progressive Retinal Atrophy, or PRA, which causes affected dogs to go blind. PRA develops slowly in Springers and often does not become noticeable until the dog is well past breeding age and has already been used in a breeding program, which makes it difficult to eliminate.  Dogs being used for breeding should have had their eyes examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist and been certified clear of problems and registered with the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) on a yearly basis. 
     A major health concern in Springers is epilepsy.  Studies are currently under way to identify a genetic marker for this disease, but at the moment there is no way to identify dogs affected or at risk for epilepsy until they begin to have seizures.  Epilepsy generally manifests itself in most Springers by the age of three, but it is possible that affected dogs have already been bred by this age.  For this reason the ESSFTA recommends that Springers not be bred before age three. 
     Springers are also affected by a disease called Phosphofructokinase (PFK) deficiency.  Affected dogs lack an enzyme necessary for metabolizing glucose into energy.    Affected dogs display many symptoms, including weakness, lethargy, and exercise intolerance.  This problem is more common in field-bred dogs than bench-bred ones.  Fortunately, there is a genetic marker test for PFK, so dogs can be determined to be affected, carriers, or clear of the disease.  When looking for a puppy you should ask about the possibility of PFK in the bloodlines and find out if the dogs have been screened for this disease, especially if you are interested infield-bred Springers.
     The temperament problems mentioned above are another concern in Springers.  They can also be genetically predisposed to have allergy problems and can be more-than-usually prone to developing ear infections.  There are many other health concerns which may affect a Springer, as with any dog, but these are the most common health afflictions. That is not to say that all, or even most, Springers will be affected with these problems, but they certainly can occur and should be considered when deciding if a Springer is right for you.

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The Other Stuff You Should Probably Know

You're still reading, so chances are you're still interested in a Springer of you're own.  Now's the time when we tell you what it's really like to live with a Springer.  All the stuff that doesn't fit into the other categories, but is important to know.  Some of it's a little facetious, but hopefully it helps you get a picture of what's involved in sharing you're home with these dogs. 

	Springers, especially puppies, cannot be left home alone for most of the day.  They will be miserable.  If you have another dog, or even a friendly cat to provide companionship they'll do better, but they really do best with a lot of human attention and that means more than just feeding them and taking them on a ten-minute walk twice a day.  If they're playing outside, they want to play with you.  Or at least know you're there to play with if they want.
	Springers (or at least most of them) will eat just about anything they can find.  And they'll go looking for food just about anywhere.  In their bowls.  In other animals' bowls.  On the table.  In the trash.  Anywhere they have ever seen food in their lives.  (We had one who found old toast on the lawn once.  She continued to check, every time, to see if more toast had appeared for the rest of her life).  Many of them are incorrigible counter surfers.  They need to learn as soon as possible to leave things alone when they're not supposed to be into them.  They can learn this, but it takes a lot of effort and most importantly, consistency.  They are also terrible beggars, and you only have to give in to those pleading eyes a couple of times and they will stare longingly at any food item you happen to be holding for the rest of their lives.
	Springers jump on people.  It seems to be part of their genetic make-up.  We once heard a long-time Springer breeder say that the only thing you can't teach a Springer is not to jump on people.  That's not true; of course you can teach them not to jump, but it's not an easy thing to do and also requires a lot of effort and consistency.
	Springers will want to be with you.  All the time.  Even in the bathroom, if you'll let them.  Sure, they'll learn to tolerate being separated from the object of their adoration, but they'll never like it very much.  And they'll always make you feel guilty for abandoning them, even if it's just for five minutes.
	Springers will always be excited to see you.  Even if you've only been gone a few minutes, they'll greet you like it's been weeks.  Of course, just to make sure you don't get an inflated ego, they'll greet the UPS delivery person they've never seen before the same way.
	Springers have an uncanny ability to expand to fill a space.  Sort of like a liquid.  It's amazing how much room a 40-pound dog can take up on a queen-size bed.  If you have a Springer, you'll learn, though.
	Springers will make you want to scream, sometimes.  Even the best-behaved Springer in the world gets it in his head to do some pretty bad things every now and then.  Mostly this happens when they're puppies, but just when you think you can trust them on their own, they'll eat the TV remote.  We think they like to keep everyone on their toes.
	Springers will make you laugh.  Constantly.  They do the silliest things, and they adore the attention they get.  They have very expressive faces, and those eyes can be almost impossible to resist, but resist them you must.  Really.  Well, most of the time.
	Springers will steal your heart, if you let them.  They're not for everyone, but if they're the right breed for you, you will fall hopelessly in love with them.  And after that, there's no going back.  You'll be a Springer person for the rest of your life.

So you've read all of that, and you still think you want a Springer?  What you've just read is a start, but you should learn as much as you can, so check out the links below to learn even more about Springers.  Also feel free to contact us with any further questions you may have.   Then, if you're reasonably sure this is the breed for you, the next step is to get to know some Springers.  Attend a local dog show and watch the Springers.  After they're done showing (not before!) ask to meet some of the dogs.  Get to know the local breeders  and visit their kennels for an afternoon.  Spend as much time as you can with as many Springers as possible and be sure this is really the breed you want.  Make sure you don't mind the hair on everything and that you like the kisses (many Springers will lick you until you make them stop).  Be sure that the size and temperament are what you're looking for.  If anything you read or anything you experience while with the dogs makes you think this might not be the breed you're really looking for, don't hesitate to change you're mind.  It's okay.  Not every breed is right for every person, and it's possible that there's another one out there that's just right for you.  If you decide that the English Springer Spaniel is the perfect breed for you, then you can start looking for that perfect dog and you can join those of us who can't imagine our lives without one (or more) of these dogs.  And be sure to check out the Puppies Page on this site for information on finding a Springer of your own.

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 Links for More Info