The English
Springer Spaniel represents perhaps the greatest divergence between working and show lines of any breed of dog. A field-bred
dog and a show-bred dog appear to be different breeds, but are registered together. In fact, the gene pools are almost completely
segregated and have been for at least 70 years. A field bred dog would not be even remotely
competitive in a modern dog show while a show dog would be unlikely to have the speed or stamina to succeed in a field trial.Field-bred dogs tend to have shorter,
coarser coats than the show-bred dogs. Their ears are less pendulous. Field-bred dogs are wiry and have more of a feral look
than their show-bred cousins. The tail of the field bred dog is only docked by a few inches in comparison to the show dog
to provide a "flag" for the hunter. Docking also prevents laceration of the tail during hunting. Field-bred dogs
are generally selected for nose, hunting ability, and trainability rather than appearance.Show dogs have longer fur and more pendant ears, dewlaps and dangling flews. The tail is docked to a short stub in those countries that permit docking. They are generally more thickly
boned and heavier than field-bred springers.CoatField-bred dogs tend to have shorter,
coarser coats than the show-bred dogs, which should have longer fur. They normally only shed in summer and spring months,
but shed occasionally in the autumn.ColoursThe coat comes in three different colour combinations. Black and white, liver and white and either combination can have tan above
the eyes or muzzle. Dogs bred for show are generally more colour than white, whereas sporting dogs tend to have more white
in their coats for visibility.SizesMales in the show dog line average
approximately 18–20 inch (45–50 cm) at the withers and weigh on average 50–55 lb (23–25 kg). According to the UK (FCI) Breed Standard, the English Springer
Spaniel should be 20 inches (51 cm) at the withers.Temperament English Springer Spaniels make good family dogs.The Springer is an affectionate and
easy-going family dog, and its alertness and attentiveness make it the ideal hunting companion. An intelligent dog, active
and eager to please, a Springer is easily incorporated into a family setting.Although good with children, it tends to have a moderate to high energy level. Its long-legged
build makes it among the fastest of the spaniels. It has unlimited stamina and needs plenty of activity, to focus its mind
and to provide substantial exercise, although this is different for each dog.Like any breed described as "good with children", a Springer Spaniel must be accustomed
to children. Any dog that is not well socialised with children will not behave predictably around them.In general, the breed is good with other pets, such as cats and ferrets. However, some English Springer Spaniels may not be suitable for homes with pet birds without additional training, due to
their natural hunting instinct. As with all breeds, dogs must become accustomed to other pets, and it's better to introduce
two pets when they are both very young.English Springer Spaniels are energetic, cheerful, happy and playful animals; many owners find humour in their
play. As with many playful dogs or hunting dogs bred as retrievers, these dogs will play with things as simple as empty plastic
bottles, socks, or towels. These spaniels easily remember where such things are kept and are good at getting them out. English Springer Spaniels need
a lot of regular exercise and mental stimulation for optimum mental health. As in most breeds, there are some health issues that are
more likely to occur in this breed. Hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) are two such diseases for which veterinarians are working on genetic markers to determine carriers. Retinal dysplasia (RD) and Phosphofructokinase deficiency (PFK) are two other hereditary conditions the English springer spaniel should be screened for prior to breeding. Canine Eye
Research Foundation (CERF) and Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) certifications for the father and mother of a litter of pups provides some information about eye and hip wellness.Some English Springer Spaniels are
prone to ear infections. Susceptible individuals should have their ear canals cleaned weekly with a solution that will leave the ear in an acidic state to retard the growth of yeast and bacteria. Keeping the hair trimmed around the ear can also help.Other health issues include autoimmune diseases, which include allergies and other sensitivities to the environment. These are not common, but are found in the breed. An English Springer Spaniel catching a tennis ballAn English Springer Spaniel
is first and foremost an upland flushing dog. In performing this task there are some skills the dog must be trained to perform.
Retrieve to Hand The majority of hunters and all hunt test or field trial judges require that a dog deliver a bird to hand, meaning that a dog will hold the bird until told to give it to the hunter
directly. Soft Mouth It is desired that a springer deliver game with a soft mouth, meaning he does not puncture it with
his teeth. The game should always be fit for the table. If a springer damages the bird, it may be hard mouthed. This
is a serious fault, but it can be difficult to determine whether it may have been genetic or caused by poor training methods.
It is usually wise to avoid breeding any springer that is hard mouthed. Quarter A flushing spaniel's primary role is often as an upland flushing dog. Dogs must work in a zig-zag
pattern in front of the hunter seeking upland game birds. The dog must be taught to stay within gun range to avoid flushing a bird outside of shooting distance. This pattern is one
of the primary criteria used to judge a dog in a field trial. Scenting Having the ability to scent game is of vital importance to the hunter. A springer should have a good
nose in both wet and dry conditions. A dog with a good nose will learn to use the wind as it quests for game, ever adjusting
its pattern according to the nuances of the wind. Flushing The springer should have a positive flush. It should not hesitate or point when encountering game.
Some field trial dogs will often get airborne during a flush. This is exciting to watch, but is not necessary to win. Most
hunters prefer that their dog not flush in that style, as it can present a risk to the dog. Hup This is the traditional command to sit and stay. When hupped the dog can be given direction called to the
handler. The ability to hup a dog actively working a running bird allow the handler and any gunners to keep up without having
to run. Follow Hand Signals Upland hunting involves pursuing wild game in its native habitat. Gun dogs must investigate
likely covers for upland game birds. The dog must be responsive to hand signals in order for the hunter to be able to direct
the dog into areas of particular interest. Steady When hunting upland birds, a flushing dog should be steady to wing and shot, meaning that he sits
when a bird rises or a gun is fired. He does this in order to mark the fall and to avoid flushing other birds when pursuing
a missed bird. Blind Retrieve An adequately trained and experienced working springer can be expected to use all of the aforementioned
attributes to be conducted by hand, whistle and command to a position whereby an unmarked lost game bird can be picked and
retrieved to hand. This spaniel is an older breed, appearing in paintings as early as the 1600s. It is possibly the ancestor of most modern spaniels; Springer
Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels were not recognized as separate breeds until the 1800s.The purpose of the breed was to serve as a hunting dog. Before guns were used to shoot game, the land spaniel would "spring"—or flush—the gamebird into the air where a trained falcon or hawk would bring it to the handler.As the shotgun replaced the bird of prey for the hunter, the English Springer Spaniel continued to serve as a hunting companion. Although
most are hunted on traditional upland game, the springer spaniel is adept at hunting waterfowl and small game, as well. They are excellent rabbit dogs.[2] The spaniel is trained to "hup"—or sit—until the hunter casts the dog off to start hunting. A
good spaniel is bold to cover, has an excellent "wet" or "dry" nose, works within gun range in an efficient,
merry fashion and has a strong flush. The dog should mark the fall of the bird – or accept minimal handling to the area
of the fall, where its nose can locate the downed bird's scent. After finding dead or wounded game, the spaniel should
have a quick pick up, return to the hunter and deliver the prize with a soft mouth. Famous English Springer Spaniels Millie, pet of George H. W. Bush
Buster, Dickin Medal recipient, Royal Army Veterinary Corps arms and explosives search dog serving with the Duke of Wellington's Regiment in Iraq, for finding an extremist group's hidden arsenal of weapons and explosives. Spot Fetcher, pet of US President George W. Bush Millie Bush, pet of former President George H. W. Bush and mother of Spot Fetcher. Merlin MacDonald, pet of Celtic lore that aided William Wallace in the defeat of the English army in the Battle of Stirling Bridge
