Thursday, April 14, 2011

A Brief History of the English Springer Spaniel

English Springer Spaniels are one of the oldest Spaniel breeds that originated in Great Britain. They are actually such an old dog breed, that most all of the modern Spaniel breeds have blood lines that have been found to trace back to the English Springer Spaniel. It's thought that early versions of the English Springer Spaniel first began to pop up around the year of 1570 in Norfolk England. Some dog historians even say that this British breed of Gundog perhaps even existed as a distinct dog breed of its own sometime before the 16'th century, but there is currently no tangible historical evidence that has been found to back up this theory.


Doggie Fun Fact:
Since English Springer Spaniels were first bred by one of the Dukes of Norfolk, England, for a period of time the English Springer Spaniel actually went by the name of Norfolk Spaniels instead of their official modern day name of English Springer Spaniels.

The Appearance of The English Springer Spaniel

English Springer Spaniels are without a doubt one of the most beautiful out of all the Spaniel and Gundog dog breeds. English Spring Spaniels have naturally long thick but not coarse straight coats that have the slightest bit of wave to them. The English Springer Spaniel comes in coat colors ranging from large patches of black and white to mixed patches of liver and white. Due to the fact that this breed of dog have lengthy luxurious coat, they require high levels of grooming when compared to certain Spaniels and other dog breeds. If you're unable to invest the time in order to groom these stunning English Gundogs, then I would not recommend an English Springer Spaniel becoming your next dog breed of choice. Although English Setters have coats that need a little extra care to them, there is the pro to this dog breed in that their coats are weather proof and weather resistant. Because of their weather proof coats English Springer Spaniels have fur that stays healthy even after a difficult and rigorous nice long day of hunting.


English Springer Spaniels have both lean and tone medium sized bodies that are well built for speed and stamina. This hunting dog has long droopy ears that are low set and directly parallel to one another to each other on their heads. English Springer Spaniels have top lips that somewhat hang over their jaw lines; their heads are long and wide. This breed of Gundog has medium sized eyes that are almost completely directed straight forward. The English Springer Spaniel has eyes that range in colors from dark browns, to clear browns, hazels, and green like eyes. Despite the fact English Springer Spaniels are hunting bred dogs; they without a doubt have an undeniable elegantly feminine edge to their appearances and characters.



Life Expectancy:
The English Springer Spaniel has an average life expectancy of 12 and a half to 14 and a half years of age. English Springer Spaniels can however sometimes live for longer periods of time depending on their overall mental health and physical health.
On average English Springer Spaniels are a healthy breed of dogs, but like many purebred dogs they're prone to genetic and hereditary diseases. English Springer Spaniels are in particularly at greater risk for developing issues that pertain to their eyes and ears.


Withers:
English Springer Spaniel dogs should have withers measuring close to 2o inches. English Springer Spaniel bitches should have withers of about 19 inches in height.


Weight:
Both English Springer Spaniel dogs and bitches are considered to be healthy as long as they weigh within 48 to 56 lbs.

English Springer Spaniel Temperament and Intelligence

English Springer Spaniels are a highly intelligent breed of dogs. The English Springer Spaniel is not only incredibly smart, but these Gundogs respond excessively well to obedience training. The only downfall to the English Springer Spaniel's intelligence is that if English Springer Spaniels are left alone without any company or mental stimulation for long frequent periods of time, they may actually become quite destructive canines. On average though, the English Springer Spaniel is a loving gentle dog breed that can make a wonderful family pet and are good dogs with children.


The English Springer Spaniel requires considerable amounts of exercise on pretty much a daily basis. This is definitely not a dog breed for someone who tends to lead a lazy lifestyle. If you're one who loves the outdoors, going for daily jogs, or daily walks around the park, the English Springer Spaniels could possibly suite your lifestyle and living needs really well. These English Gundogs love to go out for a good game of catch and can even play ball for hours due to their high levels of stamina.