Osgodby Gundogs

English Springer Spaniel breed summary:

This breed is of ancient and pure origins, and is the oldest of sporting gundogs. Its original purpose was finding and springing game for net, falcon or greyhound, but now used to find, flush and retrieve game for gun as well as being a family pet or more often a bit of both.

English Springer Spaniels are a very loving breed, and can be a delight to own. They are generally very gentle and can have the tendency to “stick to their owners like glue”. They views everyone as a friend, and will want to greet them with enthusiasm. They are no problem with strange people, although they can sometimes be difficult with other dogs, so socialisation with other dogs is important.

The Kennel Club categorise the amount of exercise needed as “moderate”. However in our experience they are high-energy dogs that need lots of exercise and will take as much exercise as allowed, much of which should be off the lead. Therefore English Springers are not suited to the more sedate family, as they are true working dogs and with a lack of exercise it is sometimes like having a tornado in the home as they bound around with seemingly endless energy and vitality. Beware, they do love water, undergrowth and mud, so be prepared to clean them up regularly.

Given enough exercise, this dog is a joy to own, one that loves children and has a natural affinity with the outdoors.

They are intelligent dogs, that are usually easy to train. In addition to their breed traits they also do well at activities such as agility. However, they do not respond to harsh treatment which can make them over submissive and shy. Springers generally love the water, so swimming is an alternative way to let them burn off that considerable energy.

The Springer is generally a robust, healthy dog but its pendulous ears are prone to infection and should be kept clean and dry. They can also suffer from skin conditions. Their coats vary in length, with the longer coats needing more grooming to help prevent fur tangling particularly behind the ears.

The English Springer Spaniel is well-suited to being outdoors all day but still enjoy being with their family in the evenings. However, they thrive and adore the people around them, and as such want to be with them as much as possible. A Springer left alone too much may well become destructive and some bark when they are lonely.

For a fun-loving, out and about family, the English Springer Spaniel’s affectionate nature makes it is the perfect family pet.