ESS Breed Overview

The following is an overview of the English Springer Spaniel and is reprinted here with the permission of the authour. Please scan down to read the article in it's entirety or follow the links in the table below.

Breed History

General Appearance

Characteristics
& Temperament

Hereditary Health
Concerns in Springers

Breed History (back to top)
Spaniels came from Spain to England, probably with the Romans, and there diverged into two types — land and water spaniels — and several different breeds. Pups in a litter of land spaniels were often divided by size; the small ones became the cockers or woodcock dogs and the medium-sized ones became the springers, which hunted by flushing or "springing"; birds for the hunters, and the larger ones eventually became the setters. Before the development of the flintlock rifle, the springer flushed birds for hunting hawks and hounds to pursue. When the gun extended the hunter’s reach, the dogs learned to work in gun range, quartering back and forth in the field and flushing birds. From the earliest Springer other spaniels have developed until now there are at least ten varieties of Sporting Spaniels. By the late 1500’s the spaniels were divided into two groups - these two groups being land and water spaniels. The land spaniel group was further subdivided into two groups - those that flushed game (forefathers of the present day spaniels) and those that set or pointed its game (forefathers of the present day setters). As the different types of spaniels began to develop the Springer seemed to dominate. A medium sized dog, well balanced, strong and sturdy, free from exaggeration, it was a fast and good worker. This dog takes its name from the action of ‘springing’ for the bird, originally from nets and later from the gun. It was in the 17th century that, very gradually, size difference started having an impact on the persons using the spaniels for hunting. The larger ones were employed solely for springing for fowl while the smaller ones were used to hunt woodcock. In the 1800’s small spaniels were bred to small spaniels and large spaniels were bred to large spaniels. The size of the puppies from early litters varied widely. If a dog weighed under 25 pounds it was labeled a cocker and if it weighed over 25 pounds it was named a Springer. In 1892 the two breeds were officially identified - the English Springer Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel. Still, at this time, size alone was the determining factor as both breeds were actually born in the same litter.

The earliest Springer kennel in England was Aqualate dating as far back as 1812. The earliest stud book for the Springer Spaniel was in 1812; the first breed club in England was founded in the 1880s Other prominent breeders developed through the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. First exhibited in the 1850s as the Norfolk Spaniel, the breed was given its present name after the formation of the Sporting Spaniel Club which was founded in 1885. The first field trial for spaniels, sponsored by this club, was held in 1899, and by 1902 there was sufficient interest in the English Springer to warrant its official recognition as a separate breed by The Kennel Club (England). The following year the breed was shown for the first time at an English championship event.

Although spaniel gun dogs are mentioned in US journals and literature from the time of the Pilgrims through the end of the 19th Century, the breed came to this continent in 1907 and was first registered in Canada in the years 1913 - 1914. It was not until 1910 that the American Kennel Club registered the first dog of the breed. In 1922 the English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association was formed and eventually drew up the original standard which was amended in 1932 and then approved by the American Kennel Club. Once the breed club began judging the dogs by their appearance as well as their field skills, the Springer began to diverge in type. Dogs bred for the show ring became heavier, stockier, and developed longer, more profuse coats. This was the beginning of the division of the Springer type. Over the past decades the two types of springers have developed and separated greatly in type, appearance and size. Today, the two types are rarely interbred, and few Springers work in both field and show events. The last dual champion in the breed was Green Valley Punch, who achieved the distinction in 1938. Early notables of the bench Springer are E. de K. Leffingwell, Betty Buchanan, Robert Elliot, Paul Quay, Norman Morrow, Charles Toy, R.E. Allen, George Higgs and of course, Julia Gasow of Salilyn Kennel fame. The English Springer has earned a reputation as an outstanding all-purpose sporting dog and has accounted for some spectacular winning in the show ring.

General Appearance (back to top)

The English Springer Spaniel is a medium sized dog with a compact body and a docked tail. Its coat is moderately long with feathering on the legs, chest, ears and belly. The long ears, gentle expression and wagging tail proclaim to all that it is a member of the spaniel family. Its carriage is proud, body is sturdy and its legs are long and muscular. The Springer is a moderate dog gifted with a presence that suggests power, endurance, agility, style, symmetry, balance and enthusiasm. It is a distinct spaniel character combining beauty and utility.

The English Springer Spaniel stands 19-20 inches tall at the shoulders and weighs 49-55 pounds with bitches slightly smaller than dogs and field-bred dogs a bit lighter than those bred for the show ring. His head is about the same length as his neck, with a moderate stop; fairly broad, flat skull; flat cheeks; and jaws long enough to carry a bird — even if he’ll never know the joy of the hunt. His neck is moderately long for his body, and he works with his head carried high. His topline slopes gradually from withers to tail head, with the steepest incline from the withers to the back. His chest is moderately deep and ribs are neither flat nor overly rounded. His tail is docked and fringed and wags constantly. The show Springer is generally black and white or liver and white, with the either the white or the color predominating, but dogs of either color can have tan markings on eyebrows, cheeks, inside ears and under tail or show a blue roan or liver roan effect caused by white hairs in the colored portions of the coat. The Springer standard emphasizes the strong working gait that helps the breed excel in the field, in the breed ring, and in obedience and agility competitions. The gait should reflect a balanced conformation characterized by strong front and rear assemblies. The dog should have good reach (the front end) matched by strong drive (the rear end).

Characteristics and Temperament (back to top)

The Springer is gifted with a presence that suggests pride, power, endurance, agility, style, symmetry, balance and enthusiasm. It is a distinct spaniel character combining beauty and utility. The English Springer Spaniel is a dog characterized by a wagging docked tail whose enthusiasm, happy disposition , adaptability and willingness to please make it an excellent choice for a companion dog. Springers are cheerful dogs with a sense of humor. They are affectionate, good with children and noisy with intruders. They are ‘reactors’, but most don’t bark without a reason. Springers are comfortable at home in front of the fire, in the living room of an apartment or out romping through the park after the ever illusive squirrel, bird or ball. While thriving on the love and companionship of people it must be remembered that they require moderate exercise. Their loyal, patient, understanding and sweet disposition make the Springer an excellent friend for children and adults alike. They are actively represented in conformation, hunting, obedience, agility, fly-ball, tracking and therapy.

The breed character is merry, alert, and eager to please; the dog should be relatively easy to train for any purpose. Field-bred dogs have a higher energy level and need more exercise, but dogs of both types are good family companions. They are not overly suspicious of strangers and seem to get along well with other animals.

Hereditary Health Concerns in Springers (back to top)

The health and well being of your dog will be among your major concerns as a new or prospective owner of an English Springer Spaniel. Taking the time to learn all you can about the health of your Springer is an important step toward a long, rewarding and healthy relationship. Reputable breeders are genuinely concerned about the well being of the puppies and dogs they produce. They are an excellent source of information on the care and upbringing of your dog.

You should also have a basic understanding of the hereditary and breed - predisposed diseases of English Springer Spaniels. All living things can carry defective genes, and all breeds of dogs have diseases and genetic conditions that can be inherited. While most English Springer Spaniels lead healthy, happy lives and retain their vigor into old age, genetic-based disorders are not uncommon. Most hereditary disorders are not life-threatening and can be managed. However, some can cause pain and suffering to the dog, and expense and emotional distress to the owner. Even the best breeding program and the soundest of breeding stock can produce dogs with hereditary disorders. If you purchase your puppy from a responsible breeder and are knowledgeable about hereditary and breed-predisposed diseases, you will minimize the risk of health and genetic challenges.

What follows is a summary of the major hereditary disorders that can affect English Springer Spaniels:

Canine Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a developmental abnormality of the hip joints caused by laxity within the joint. Changes in bone size, shape and structure occur as the hips attempt to compensate for abnormal stresses on the joints. Dogs with hip dysplasia may exhibit lameness at some time in their lives. By the time affected dogs are two years of age, hip dysplasia is detectable by x-raying the hips. Young dogs (3 to 12 months of age) with hip dysplasia may be afflicted with acute inflammatory joint pain. Spontaneous temporary improvement usually occurs between 6 and 12 months. Older dogs (1.5 to 10 years of age) with hip dysplasia may have a slow onset of painful arthritis. Treatment for young dogs is often unnecessary. For the older dog, medications can be used to reduce the arthritic pain. Surgical procedures are also available to limit pain and reconstruct the hip joint. Your puppy's chances of developing hip dysplasia are minimized if both parents have normal hips. Ask for documentation to affirm that the sire and dam have had hip x-rays that have been appropriately evaluated. Accepted methods of evaluation are certification of normal hips by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), which is indicated on your dog's official American Kennel Club pedigree after the registered names of his/her predecessors. Hip evaluations by board-certified veterinary radiologists also provide acceptable evidence of conscientious efforts by the breeder.

Hereditary Eye Disorders: The eyes of English Springer Spaniels are susceptible to a number of genetic-based disorders, some of which are present at birth and others that may develop at various times throughout life.

Retinal Dysplasia is a developmental malformation of the retina. Affected puppies are born with the disorder. Most cases are mild; small folds and areas of retinal degeneration occur on the surface of the retina with no detectable loss in vision. These abnormalities are diagnosed by certified veterinary ophthalmologists when puppies are 7 to 12 weeks old. Retinal dysplasia should not affect a dog's ability to function as a pet; however, affected Springers should not be bred.

Eyelid defects occasionally occur. Entropion is an inward folding of the lower eyelid that results in chronic irritation of the surface of the eye. It is usually observed within the first year of life. Entropion is treated through surgery.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (or P.R.A.) is a degeneration of the layers of the retina that are responsible for vision. The disease is progressive, eventually resulting in blindness. The onset in Springers is variable, but usually occurs between 2 and 6 years of age. The disorder is still considered rare; however, its incidence has increased in recent years. There is no pain or discomfort for the dog but, unfortunately, there is no treatment. Responsible breeders pay close attention to the eyes of their breeding stock throughout the dogs' lives, monitoring puppies and adults for the development of hereditary eye disorders. Eyes that are normal -- free from hereditary disorders -- may be certified annually by the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (C.E.R.F.). If the puppy's parents are normal, the puppy's chances of developing eye disorders are significantly reduced.

Aggressive or Timid Temperament: Temperament and behavior problems happen in all breeds of dogs. Behavior is influenced by many factors, not only genetics but also training, family interactions, and general health. A puppy should be curious and playful, without resisting being held. He should not be aggressive or overly timid. Make every effort to ensure that your puppy comes from breeding stock with good, solid temperaments. Meet both parents and related dogs, if possible, and spend enough time with them to be comfortable with their personalities. Ask your breeder if he/she is aware of any temperament problems in your puppy's pedigree. As your puppy grows, nurture him with proper training. Neuter your puppy to minimize the effect that sex hormones have on undesirable behavior. If your puppy or dog exhibits signs of behavioral problems, notify the breeder immediately and seek the help of a qualified professional.

Seizure Disorders: Hereditary seizures are relatively rare in English Springer Spaniels. A familial pattern to the disorder exists in many pedigree lines, and some cases of seizures in English Springers are not controlled with treatment. Seizures usually begin before the age of five years. In many cases, seizures can be controlled with medication. You should ask your puppy's breeder for full and complete disclosure of any seizure disorders within your puppy's pedigree.

Skin Disorders: Typical signs of skin disease include scaliness, greasiness, itching, pyoderma (infection), and occasional hair loss. There are genetic as well as other factors involved in the development of skin diseases.

Seborrhea may be local, or may occur over large parts of the body. It usually results in scaly, thickened, itchy skin with a greasy feel and an associated odor. Secondary skin infections are not unusual. Treatment may include medicated baths, topical medications, and antibiotics.

Allergies occur in all breeds of dogs. Canine allergies usually cause symptoms in the skin. The primary symptom is itching, but seborrhea, skin infections and hair loss are also common. Inhaled pollens or house dust, certain types of food, flea bites and other materials can trigger allergic reactions in the skin. Symptoms may be seasonal. While there is no cure for allergies, treatment may involve eliminating contact with the offending allergen (a diet change, for example, if the allergy is to a food substance), treating to relieve itching and other symptoms, and allergy testing and injections.

Ear Infections are common in English Springer Spaniels due to their pendulous ear flap, which decreases air circulation within the ear canal. The resulting environment contributes to bacterial and yeast infections. Most can be prevented with an ear care program that keeps the ears clean and dry. There are several very good ear care products available from your veterinarian. All Springers should get regular ear care. Acute and chronic infections should be treated by your veterinarian.

Phosphofructokinase (PFK) Deficiency: PFK is an enzyme vital to the ability of tissues to use sugar for energy. Some Springers have been recognized to have an inherited deficiency of this enzyme. Some dogs exhibit mild clinical signs that go unrecognized for years, while others can exhibit episodes of severe illness, including hyperventilation, muscle wasting, and fever. Testing is done by measuring the PFK enzyme through a blood sample.

Bloat (Gastric dilation or gastric torsion): Bloat results from a build-up of gas or fluid in the stomach. This condition can be life-threatening, so if you suspect your dog is suffering from bloat you should consult a veterinarian immediately. Some breeds of dog, particularly larger, deep-chested breeds, are suspected of having genetic susceptibility to bloat. At this time, no evidence suggests that this is the case in the ESS.

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*Please check out Preparing for Your ESS for tips on suggested equipment, feeding, exercise, grooming and training.

*If you would like more information about the English Springer Spaniel, please read "The English Springer Spaniel, Is it the Dog for You?" (from the Bondir website) and "Don't Buy an English Springer Spaniel!" (updated address) presented by Arlene Blum, adapted from "Don't Buy a Bouvier" (Pam Green, 1992).