The Springer Spaniel comes from the same litter as the Cocker Spaniel, but with different skills and a slightly larger body. Whilst the Cockers got their name because they were used for hunting woodcock birds, the Springer got its name because it flushed the pray out, basically scaring it and making it jump out (spring out) of its hiding hole.
The first documented proof of the breed was a publication entitled the Treatise of English Dogs by Dr. John Caius. The breed was the developing base for other breeds like the Clumber, the Sussex, the Field and the Welsh Springer. In 1902, the English Kennel Club recognized the breed as a separated breed from the Cocker Spaniel and in 1910 it was recognized by the AKC as well. To show the talents of this breed beyond the standard dog shows, in 1924 the ESSFTA was established and they organized competitions where the dogs would compete in hunting, tracking, watchdog tasks, retrieving, agility, performing tricks and competitive obedience.
The Springer Spaniel is a medium size, compact dog, with a well proportioned body, a gentle expression and a tail that always wiggles in a friendly manner. There are two types of Springers: a field type and a show type, with different genes that have been segregated for the last 70 years. Like their name suggests, one is being bred for shows and the other one for hunting.
The show Springer is slightly bigger, has a better looking coat hair, silkier, and with brighter colors. The field type has a lighter coat color, a better nose for hunting and much more energy. The coat hair of the field dog is adapted to the hunting games, which is shorter in length than the show-bred dog. The coat color is usually white with black or liver marking or the opposite. Some tan markings can also be common, making their coat tricolor. The height of this breed is 19-21 in (48-56 cm) and the dog weighs around 45-55 lbs (20-25 kg).
The Springer is the fastest of the Spaniel family and this is due to its spine that acts like a bow. The muscles allow the legs to cross while the spine once released, would spring the legs outwards to full extension giving the dog an incredible speed to surprise birds out of hiding. Other skills that have made the breed so famous are:
• soft mouth (can bring a bird without damaging it),
• retrieve to hand (can return the pray and would release it upon command),
• quarter (the dog would zig-zag in front of the hunter but without leaving the gun range),
• scenting (great nose for picking up tracks),
• flushing (bring out the game from hiding),
• follow hand signals
• steady and blind retrieve.
The Springer is very friendly and sociable, which makes it a great child companion. He is intelligent, willing and obedient that makes him an easy learner. The more complex the tricks and tasks, the happier the dog will be. As long as you provide your Springer Spaniel with plenty of exercise, it will do anything to please you and will show its appreciation every minute you spend with it.
