All about spaniels

Spaniel is a very spectacular breed of long-haired dogs, which belongs to the hunting group. Today, spaniels are for the most part companions, they get along superbly with a person, becoming a true loyal friend to him. For these purposes, the spaniel fits almost perfectly.

Unfortunately, information about the origin of the breed is lost, and opinions about the first spaniels differ. In the documents of the XVI century there are already official references to this breed. Despite the fact that they belong to Spain, the dogs gained real popularity in Britain. In the same century, 5 major species of the breed were described, in the XIX century the first exhibition of these dogs was held and the official canine club was organized. From this period of time began a serious work on the improvement of the breed, exterior, qualities of dogs, as well as the breeding of their new varieties.

Spaniel dogs belong to hunters who brought game. The main character traits of the spaniel:

• activity, vigor;
• endurance;
• ingenuity;
• well developed scent;
• the ability to track down;
• friendliness;
• independence, love of freedom;
• loyalty and devotion;
• perfectly amenable to training, obey the owner.

External breed characteristic:

• strong type body build with well-developed musculature;
• the muzzle looks extremely noble and beautiful;
• luxurious elongated ears covered with curly hair, their size may vary depending on the type;
• limbs are medium;
• average dog height, depending on the subspecies varies;
• adult dog not too big and overall, but proportionally folded;
• the color is various within each subspecies, but there are the most popular ones - it is red, brown, golden, beige, chocolate, black and white.

Like each breed, spaniels have their strengths and weaknesses. The advantages include:

• excellent learning ability;
• good nature, non-conflict;
• emotional attachment to a person;
• excellent workmanship;
• get along well with children.

The disadvantages are quite conditional, but they should be considered:

• highly demanding of the conditions in which they are contained;
• periodically too independent and stubborn;
• constantly need a man, attract his attention to himself.

The Federation of Dog Handlers officially recognizes the following varieties of spaniels included in the group of retrievers and spaniels:

• Deutsch;
• Scottish;
• American Cocker Spaniel;
• English Cocker;
• clumber;
• Sussex Spaniel;
• field spaniel;
• English Springer.

The decorative view includes:

• king charles;
• cavalier king charles

Sometimes there is a confusion in the names. Since the breed is of Spanish origin, the spaniel is mistakenly called Spanish. Besides, Pekingese are often called Chinese Spaniels, but in fact they belong to a completely different group of breeds. In the twentieth century, a dwarf species was derived from the Cocker breed - a mini-spaniel, the smallest of all varieties.

Brought him Germanic breeders.

Addition extended, limbs average. The constitution is strong, the muzzle is long, long-haired, wool of thick type. The color can be either brown or brown with a tick. Red tint is allowed. Both suits may include the presence of white hairs, sometimes as the dominant background. The nature of these dogs is quite friendly, they are easily accustomed to new conditions, non-aggressive. Hunting qualities are developed perfectly, they are persistent in their work, hardy.

This breed has a very tiny size: height - up to 38 cm, body weight - up to 13 kg. Despite the size, the dog has a very strong build. The neck is elongated, the head is proportional. The coat is long, but moderately, silky on the sensations, the head is short-haired. Culling curly representatives. Limbs in front of straight type, rear curved. The suits of this breed are variable: black with tan and without, monophonic from red to fawn, mixed, two-colored. This breed is active, peaceful, affectionate, gets on well with children.

The breed size is average, the height of individuals varies from 38 to 41 kg depending on the gender. Body weight - up to 15 kg. Body build with strong muscles, in proportion, limbs and jaws strong. Ears hang to eye level. Silky wool is not wavy, on the paws are tow. As for the suit, its variants can be different: plain black, chocolate, golden, tan, spotty, two- and three-colored, speckled. By the nature of this dog is very optimistic, fun, energetic, active. Their intelligence is highly developed, emotionally labile.. Excellent companions and hunters.

Quite overall, strong and massive dog, its body mass reaches 34 kg. The head is proportional, large, with powerful jaws, the back is elongated. Eyes have amber color. The coat of this breed is thick, straight, silky to the touch. Mostly white spotted, orange or lemon colored spots. May be speckled or spotted in the muzzle. Very independent, freedom-loving in nature, quite decisive, silent, flair developed perfectly.

The muscles of this breed are strong, well developed, the height of individuals - up to 41 cm, weight - up to 23 kg. The head is large, the limbs are powerful, overall, the body sways while running. The wool does not curl, it is quite a lot, the undercoat is dense. The color is brownish-golden, all others are rejected. Character traits: vigor, activity on walks, relative calm at home, peacefulness, emotional balance, tact, friendliness. Well trained, but occasionally stubborn.

The excellent hunting qualities of the dog make it very valuable in this capacity. Body weight - up to 25 kg, height - up to 47 cm. Addition is proportional and noble. This is a strong and hardy breed. She has an aristocratic elongated muzzle, her eyes are dark, her coat is thick, shiny, elongated. The following suits are allowed: black, brown, brown with tan, blue and roan. By their nature, dogs are independent, but sensitive, well trained.

One of the most ancient varieties. The dogs are harmoniously folded, the chest is powerful, the limbs are long, straight, strong. The height of dogs up to 51 cm, have a dense type of wool, but soft. Suit Springs - brown with white and black with white, burners are allowed. The nature of dogs is friendly, they are very sociable, affectionate, suitable for living in families with children.

Growing newborn puppies is a rather difficult process compared to caring for an adult dog. At 1 and 2 months puppies, as a rule, are already under the care of breeders. Before you bring the puppy home, make sure everything is ready for his appearance. First of all, give him a place - not dark, not close to the heating devices. Excluded kitchen, bathroom, doorways, corridor. It is best to prepare for the puppy litter with removable pillow cases, which are periodically washed..

From the first days of the puppy you need to teach to sleep in his place, you can not tie him. Immediately wean the dog jump on the chairs, sofas, beds. A puppy should not be allowed what later will not be allowed to an adult dog.

A bowl for food and drink, a collar, a muzzle and a leash must be prepared in advance. For decorative rocks, it is recommended to purchase clothes and a hat for the cold season. The optimal age for a puppy is about 10 weeks.

Spaniels can be found not only in the apartment, but also in the courtyard, especially those varieties that need a lot of freedom of movement. Canine experts believe that The best place to live a spaniel is a private home. But in the winter season it is better for the dog to be not in the yard, but in the house. If you start a dog with the intention of keeping it in the yard, build a summer aviary and a booth. It is better not to allow free movement on the plot, keeping the dog from contact with other pets: birds, goats, and so on.

Spaniels are extremely popular in Russia. They are more often wound up not as hunting dogs, but as companions, decorative pets. Care of them is quite difficult, you need to carry out many regular procedures. For a long time, the arrest of their tail was considered necessary, but today disputes of dog breeders about this do not subside. If the dog is not planned to be used as a hunting one, there is no need for arresting, as many experts believe.

Spectacular wool of a spaniel requires special care: it needs to be cut, combed and washed. If it is not proper to care for her, she will quickly take on an untidy appearance, lose shine and silkiness. It is necessary to purchase special combs, hair care products. It is important to carry out treatment from parasites, fleas in time, as the dogs comb themselves and damage the skin.

Spaniels are washed about once a month, not more often, otherwise the natural protective layer of the skin can be broken. Bathe the dog in warm water using special shampoos, balms, conditioners for long-haired dogs. You can use powdery shampoos, cleansing sprays, if washing is not included in your plans or you need to remove a local stain.

Also very It is important to comb the wool with high quality, daily to remove dust, dandruff and dirt from it. Usually, dogs are trained to comb daily from the first days of life. If this is not done, mats and tangle will appear on the wool very often. It is necessary to use special pouhderki, massage combs, combing out zoo combines, and tick cutters to get rid of tangles that cannot be combed.

Some spaniels are trimmed according to the standard, for example, the American Cocker.Haircuts can be hygienic and complete. The latter are performed in the salons, but you can do the partial yourself. Be sure to cut out the hair on the paws, otherwise they will cling to everything with which the animal touches.

It is very important to clean your pet's ears regularly and monitor their condition. After each walk, inspect the auricles for ticks. In addition, they constantly accumulate sulfur and dirt, which are cleaned by treating with cotton pads soaked in vegetable oil, peroxide or boric alcohol. In addition to ticks, you need to pay attention to redness, inflammation, pus, unpleasant smell. If you find these symptoms, you need to show the animal to the doctor.

Inspect the dog's eyes every day, there may be pustules in the corners, secretions that need to be cleaned with a paper napkin or gauze. Tear tracks and stains are removed with the help of special tools that can be purchased at the pet store. It is also important to monitor your teeth. It is necessary to carry out their regular brushing, in addition, to get the dog bone with fluoride. You can handle the oral cavity with special sprays.

Paws and claws require special care. The pads must be inspected for damage and treated if they are. In addition, various small items can get stuck in the paws. After a walk in the cold and mud, the paws are washed with warm water and dried. Claws are usually erased in a natural way, however, if there is a need, they are clipped. As a rule, this procedure is carried out once a month.

For the health of the spaniel are important daily long walks, physical activity. From an early age begin to socialize, the puppy should not be afraid of people and other animals. Prior to vaccination, do not allow contact even with pedigree dogs. Timely vaccinations, antiparasitic treatment, regular visits to the veterinarian will allow the dog to develop properly, be healthy and feel good.

Despite good immunity, spaniels can get sick, especially if they are organized inappropriately. Ears require special care, as they are closed and not ventilated, so inflammation may occur there. Disturbing symptoms - the dog shakes his head, scratches his ears. In this case, you should consult a doctor, as otitis media is a common disease and it can be caused by different reasons.

Often, spaniels are faced with eye diseases, especially if the owners do not care for them or do it wrong. Spaniels are also prone to allergies, the main symptom of which is scabies. Another symptom that should not be missed is the occurrence of shortness of breath. This may indicate that the dog has heart problems. Unfortunately, this kind of disease without timely help lead to death.

High risk of cardiovascular problems in decorative spaniels. Symptomatology requiring immediate medical examination:

• mucous membrane acquired a bluish tint;
• fainting:
• puffiness;
• cough, shortness of breath, especially with exertion;
• lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss.

Of course, not every cough is a sign of heart disease, it can be a cold, but control of the doctor is necessary in any case.

A dog's diet should be nutritious and balanced, it is the basis of its health and well-being. There are two types of food spaniels - natural products and ready-made feed. The latter are more convenient, they already contain all the necessary substances, vitamins, in addition, they eliminate the cooking process. If the owner makes a choice in favor of natural feeding, you should balance the proteins, fats, carbohydrates and supplement the nutrition with vitamin-mineral complexes.

The basis of the diet should be protein: meat, offal, fish, eggs, dairy products.Raw meat should be present in every meal and make up at least 50% of the total diet. Until the puppy is 10 weeks old, the meat products are crushed. Meat should be lean, fresh: beef, chicken, turkey, veal and rabbit meat are welcome. With care give the cleaned fish in boiled form. Sometimes a dog is given a raw egg mixed with other food. Dairy products are given in the form of kefir, sour milk, cottage cheese, cheese.

For the health of the dog and fats are important, but in moderation: sour cream, butter, vegetable oils. Carbohydrates in the dog's diet are present in the form of cereals, crackers, vegetables and fruits.

Strongly contraindicated spaniels:

• food from the common table;
• fatty meats such as pork;
• sweet, pastry, muffin;
• pasta;
• legumes;
• grapes;
• citrus

Feeding an adult dog is two meals a day; puppies are fed 4 to 6 times a day. When making a choice in favor of ready-made feeds, you must choose a premium class from proven manufacturers. You should not buy feed by weight - as a rule, they can not determine the freshness and quality.

To raise a spaniel is necessary from the first day, as it will appear in your house. To postpone training until maturity is a mistake; a puppy should be accustomed to what awaits him in adult life. It is very important to immediately begin to teach the dog to its name, to the toilet, to the leash and collar, to sleep in its place.

Spaniels love to rummage in the garbage and can eat excrement found, which is very dangerous for their health. This is a genetic feature. Puppies need to wean from this action. To do this, the dog must master the commands "can not" or "fu", "spit". The dog may be stubborn, so patience is required. Barking Spaniels is very loud, and if you neglect their dressure, it often happens in vain.

Basic teaching methods:

• promotion;
• punishment;
• their combination.

According to experts, the combination of punishment and encouragement works best, but it is necessary to proceed from the individuality of the dog. Someone has a great reward system when a dog receives praise, affection or a delicacy for the action or command performed. The punishment must be in the form of a reprimand, but in no case in the form of assault or shouting. Otherwise, you can grow intimidated, aggressive, stubborn animal. If you choose the combined method, then the share of rewards should be greater than the penalties. It is very important to react to the offense immediately, otherwise the meaning of the punishment is lost.

A very important factor in raising a spaniel is socialization. It will allow to form an adequate attitude of the dog towards family members, strangers, other animals. If animals grow together from an early age, usually there is no problem with them. Nevertheless, one should never be left unattended by a spaniel and birds, hamsters, rats, pigs. Do not forget that this is a hunter and his nature can prevail, even if the dog is accustomed to this or that animal. The spaniel is not particularly well in contact with cats, except when they have grown up together, and with reptiles.

The appearance of this dog is very pretty, beautiful, so the name should match it. You will have to hail the dog very often, so make sure that the name does not irritate you, is beautiful and harmonious, simple to pronounce. In addition, it is good if you know what this or that nickname means, because in a foreign language many strange words sound quite elegant.

Most often choose foreign names. Boys are willingly called:

• Oscar;
• Lucas;
• Max;
• Colin;
• Archie;
• Luke;
• Diego;
• Patrick;
• Freddie;
• Kurt;
• Ricky;
• Charley;
• Martin;
• Hector;
• Kevin;
• Jerry

Names in honor of favorite literary and movie characters, writers, philosophers, artists, athletes are very popular:

• Rembrandt;
• Confucius;
• Elvis;
• Lanister;
• Conan;
• Schumacher;
• Tyrion;
• Tyson;
• Stark;
• Hugo;
• Rocky;
• Ozzie;
• Sherlock;
• Rhett;
• Dickens;
• Jamie;
• Rambo;
• Frodo;
• Palanic.

Often dogs are called associatively suit:

• Golden;
• Black;
• Woland.

A beautiful and unusual name will attract the attention of others, but you should not pursue originality at the expense of the comfort of pronunciation.

Choosing a name for a girl is no less difficult. Often in this matter rely on the appearance of the dog.

Also popular are foreign names, literary heroines, movie stars. List of the most popular names:

• Scarlett;
• Jolie;
• Marilyn;
• Grace;
• Pixie;
• Tina;
• Laura;
• Jennis;
• Elina;
• Irma;
• Sarah;
• Irene;
• Khalisi;
• Mary;
• Carmen;
• Lily;
• Ariel;
• Daphne;
• Rosie;
• Cleo;
• Sabina;
• Bell;
• Christie;
• Chloe;
• Rosina;
• Cersei;
• Toffee;
• Fox;
• Margot;
• Bagheera;
• Panther.

Owner reviews on this type of dog are mostly positive. Regardless of the subspecies, they are characterized as smart, inquisitive, energetic, active, very benevolent. They get along well in families with children, very attached to the owners. They are trained very well - by the year the spaniel with regular training knows all the main teams. Among the minuses there is a high need for the presence of a person, the dogs are bored alone. They love garbage, can be dumped in the dirt, they can be impatient with other animals. Spaniels need to wean barking for no reason.

In the next video you will learn about what you need to purchase when a puppy of a spaniel with a house appears.