English Springer Spaniel - one of the oldest breeds. Representatives of this species are very active and have a high level of intelligence. Previously, such dogs were wound up primarily for joint hunting. However, an animal can be not only a wonderful hunter, but also just a friend for the whole family. The article will consider in detail the characteristics of the breed and the subtleties of cultivation.
History of origin
For a long time, all spaniels were considered one type of dog. The classification appeared relatively recently. English Springer Spaniels were isolated in a separate breed in the UK in the XIX century.
It is believed that the birthplace of dogs was a non-metropolitan ceremonial county in the east of England - Norfolk. The breed was very popular in Wales. For this reason, for some time such dogs were called Welsh Spaniels. Over time, the animals spread throughout the world and the breeding of the breed began to be widespread.
The appearance of the English Springer Spaniels gradually changed. For example, more varieties of coat colors appeared when only one color was initially recognized.
Purpose
At first, the English Springer Spaniels took with them only falconry. Over time, the range of tasks and skills of such dogs has expanded. People realized that physiological and intellectual capabilities allow using such dogs for almost any kind of hunting, be it forest birds or field game.
The breed is known for its endurance and activity. In addition, dogs have a number of qualities that make them unsurpassed hunters. Spaniels are not afraid of loud gun shot sounds. They are well-versed in terrain and are looking for prey.
Such dogs are not afraid of water and are naturally endowed with the qualities of excellent swimmers. This allows them to rush after a wild bird into the reservoirs and, if necessary, dive after it. English Springer Spaniels jokingly overcome obstacles in the form of high barriers or pits. In addition, they are hardy and can spend a lot of time with the owner on the hunt.
English Springer Spaniel it is easy to teach to be silent during the hunt, and he will not scare the game. Another feature of this breed is that dogs do not spoil the prey with their teeth, and carefully deliver it to the owner.
However, the use of English Springer Spaniels was not limited to hunting. Possessing a good temper, dogs eventually proved to be an excellent companion. They get along well with people as well as with other animals.
Breed description
The English Springer Spaniel is the highest representative of the Spaniels. The body of such dogs is visually light, compact and proportional. The weight of adults varies within 23 kilograms. Height in withers can be from 48 to 51 centimeters.
The cranial part of the head is of medium length and not very wide. The transition from the frontal part to the muzzle has a rounded shape. In the area between the eyes is clearly visible groove, which is directed back to the hill on the back of the head. Hillock, in turn, should not stand out much.
English Springer Spaniels have flat cheekbones. The length of the muzzle is almost identical to the skull and has no coarse outlines.The jaws of dogs are quite powerful, with symmetrically arranged teeth and the correct bite.
The eyes of the representatives of the breed are medium in size and have an oval shape. In color, they should be dark brown. Light shades of the eyes are considered a manifestation of marriage.
The ears of English Springer Spaniels are long and rather wide. They are set at eye level and hang down. To the head fit quite tightly. The neck of the dog is long and powerful. At the shoulders, the neck is wider than near the head.
The body of dogs is muscular, the chest is well developed. The front legs are straight and the back is covered with long hair. The hips in dogs are wide and powerful. The feet on the fore and hind limbs are rounded.
The tail is set quite low and covered with long thick hair. The hair coat is quite tight to the body. The coat is usually straight, but may be slightly wavy. As regards the color, all variants recognized for spaniels are allowed. However, white individuals with black and brown spots are most preferred.
Character and behavior
English Springer Spaniels do not have a tendency to aggression, so they are poorly suited as a guard dog. But they get along well with children, love active games and are kind to others. However, it should be remembered that a cheerful disposition and excessive activity require special treatment of such a dog. The pet needs movement, attention and good education.
Without training, the animal can no longer obey the owner and will be hard to control. Training is also necessary to keep your pet in good physical shape. Although the English Springer Spaniels are not aggressive in nature, they are not cowards either. Dogs are driven by curiosity and friendliness.
Representatives of this breed are not inclined to fight for the territory. Therefore, they easily get along in the same house with other dogs and cats. As for the smaller animals and birds, for example, hamsters and parrots, the neighborhood with them is undesirable, because over time, the spaniel can play hunting instinct.
Choosing a puppy
Find a puppy breed English Springer Spaniel is not particularly difficult. This breed is one of the most common in the world. There are specialized nurseries not only in foreign countries, but also in Russia. On the territory of the Russian Federation there are about 10 large nurseries.
Buying a dog is better from reliable breeders. Many sellers can go to the fraud and sell instead of the English Springer Spaniel Cocker Spaniel or a representative of another similar breed. Therefore, acquiring a puppy from private individuals through an ad from the Internet, there is a big risk of being deceived.
When choosing a dog, it is necessary to evaluate its external characteristics and behavior. Healthy puppies should be agile and curious. New people should not embarrass dogs, but, on the contrary, arouse their interest. At a young age, the English Springer Spaniels should be quite massive in appearance and may even appear plump.
The representatives of this breed become thinner and stronger only with age. However, the puppy's stomach should not be too puffed up. Otherwise, it may indicate the presence of worms. Individuals from the same litter should be of identical size.
In certain cases it is allowed when one, maximum two dogs, may be less than their fellows. However, all puppies should be active. If at least one animal is kept aside and passively, then there is a chance that he has an infectious disease.
When choosing a pet, it is not enough just to evaluate its appearance and behavior. The seller must also provide all the necessary documents for the animal, namely:
- birth certificate, in which data on the puppy's parents will be indicated;
- documents on the pedigree of both parents;
- Vet passport, which will indicate the data on vaccinations.
Do not forget about the parents of puppies. If possible, you need to know as much as possible about their origin. Father and mother of babies should not be close relatives. It is advisable to get acquainted not only with the pedigree of parents, but also with their health certificates.
Conditions of detention and care
English springer spaniels are poorly suited for outdoor maintenance. The representatives of this breed do not have a warm undercoat, and therefore they cannot live in the aviary in the winter. In addition, these dogs need constant contact with the owner, so they feel most comfortable living next to him on the same territory.
However, representatives of this breed also cannot reside within the four walls. Dogs are required regular exercise and outdoor play. English Springer Spaniels are inborn swimmers, so during the warm season it is necessary to take them to water bodies whenever possible so that they can splash in the water.
As for the care of dogs, it is important to monitor the appearance of the pet and its coat. It is necessary to purchase special shampoos and hairbrushes. The frequency of combing throughout the year will be different:
- in winter, you can comb the wool no more than once a week;
- when the pet began to fade, you need to comb it daily;
- combing dogs in the summer should be 2-3 times a week.
Representatives of this breed need a regular haircut. Without the proper skills it is best not to cut the pet yourself, but to use the services of a professional groomer. Exhibition spaniels are cut at least once every two months. Pet hair is usually trimmed once a year in the summer.
It is recommended to wash the dogs' hair using special means. Show pets are washed twice a month, the usual pet is enough to bathe once in two months.
However, if the dog got dirty while walking, it was unscheduledly washed in clean water without using shampoos.
Feeding
The regularity of feeding and the diet of English Springer Spaniels depends on their age, body weight and state of health. The menu for each pet can be developed individually. It is possible to feed animals both natural products, and ready-made feeds. The main thing is that the diet is balanced, and the dog daily receives all the necessary nutritional elements.
Puppies that have not yet reached the age of 8 months should be fed no more than 6 times a day. After 8 months, food should be given 2 times a day. The menu of English Springer Spaniels is recommended to include the following products:
- fresh veal;
- fillet of sea fish;
- rice porrige;
- lettuce and carrots;
- boiled offal;
- pears and bananas.
Some foods can be dangerous for dogs, even if they like them. You can not feed the pet as follows:
- chocolate and sweets;
- grapes and pomegranate;
- garlic and onions;
- avocado;
- alcoholic beverages;
- walnuts.
It is necessary to approach the choice of ready-made feeds with all responsibility. Economy class compositions do not contain useful elements and can only temporarily dull the feeling of hunger. With regular use of such food a pet may have health problems. The best option would be super-premium and holistic products.
Upbringing and training
English Springer Spaniels are rather curious and intelligent, and therefore easy to train. Begin to educate puppies immediately after weaning from the mother. Pet should get used to the owner and his nickname.
In the process of training must adhere to consistency in their actions. The animal must clearly understand what they want from it. In training, you need to be persistent and at the same time be patient.
With proper execution of commands, the pet must be encouraged with a favorite delicacy in order to better consolidate the result of the lesson passed.
Breeding
Breeding English Springer Spaniels is a very demanding and costly process. Litter in dogs of this breed is small, so the investments are not always fully paid off. The main difficulty lies in finding a suitable dog with a good pedigree. It is not recommended to carry out knitting with individuals that do not have birth certificates and health certificates.
Evaluate a dog and a bitch can also be based on previous litters. A dog can be pedigree and outwardly beautiful, but at the same time it is difficult to pass on its characteristics to offspring. If possible, it is necessary to evaluate at least the external data of the puppies in the previous litter.
As for colors, the female with monophonic wool is usually knitted with monochrome males, and multi-colored individuals, in turn, intersect with colored dogs. Obtaining healthy and beautiful offspring is not limited to everything.
It is important to be able to properly care for puppies, as well as to take an active part in their upbringing.
Health and life expectancy
The health and life expectancy of English Springer Spaniels largely depend on the conditions of their detention and care. The life of such dogs is usually from 10 to 15 years. Springers can be born with a number of hereditary diseases:
- fucosidosis;
- eye diseases;
- allergic reactions;
- congenital deafness.
For sick animals need special care and regular monitoring by a veterinarian. Healthy pets also need periodic check-ups at the veterinary clinic, timely vaccination and treatment for worms and skin parasites.
At home, you need to monitor the condition of the eyes, ears and teeth of the dog. On the eyeballs, dust particles and hairs can settle, which, in turn, leads to suppuration. You can rinse eyes infusion of chamomile.
Ears are cleaned of excess sulfur with cotton pads. As for the teeth, you can take your pet to the vet for professional cleaning. You can also accustom the animal to regularly clean the enamel at home, which will reduce the risk of plaque formation.
For information about what characteristics this breed of dog has, see the following video.
