Questions & Answers
The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) list is a list of commonly asked questions and answers about English Springer Spaniels. After reviewing the FAQ’s if you still have questions, please email our Corresponding Secretary at secretary@englishspringerspaniels.org.
Please go to ESSFTA FIND A CLUB and look for your location. Additional Resources include the AKC Website and ESSFT.com (field trials)
Although the AKC may consider them one and the same, there’s a distinct difference between show-bred and field-bred Springer spaniels.
Field-bred dogs are smaller, often more white than brown/black and more heavily ticked, and usually have full tails or docked at two-thirds length. They are bred for performance and active hunting. They have a leaner build, shorter coat, and shorter ears. Their coat is lighter and more low-maintenance, reflecting their outside lifestyle. They are agile and energetic workers.
Show (Bench) Springers excel in conformation with longer coats and a composed demeanor. Their tail is typically docked but Springers with full tails are equally acceptable in conformation. They have thicker coats with more feathering. Regular grooming is needed to maintain their lush coat.
Both field bred and bench bred Springers excel at performance (Agility, Obedience, Rally, etc) and companion events (CGC, Barn Hunt, Scent work, Dock Diving, etc.)
A well trained Springer does well when left alone. Make sure your dog is in a safe environment, preferably a large crate or pen, while unsupervised. As with most dogs, a smart Springer can think up all sorts of amazing mischief to keep himself busy when you are not at home.
Additionally, in case of an emergency such as a fire or an earthquake, for example, it is important that the owner or rescue crews can locate the animal quickly, without further risking human life to search for the dog. Keeping the dog penned or crated can facilitate its rescue much more effectively. Since it is most likely that the animal will spend much of its time sleeping while its owner is away from home anyway, it just makes good sense to keep it penned or crated for its own protection.
Basic obedience training, always using positive training techniques, is recommended for all Springers. They require firmness, fairness, and consistency in training. Positive rewards work far better than harsh discipline. In fact, the breed should never be disciplined harshly, as a Springer may show resentment if it deems the punishment unfair. The willful nature of Springers requires patient understanding combined with gentle correction. Springers are extremely smart, but can be easily bored with rote obedience work. Training sessions should be kept short and exercises varied to maintain their attention. Above all, have fun and keep your sense of humor.
Like all dogs, Springers have the capability of learning hundreds of words. Understanding this, refrain from overusing the word “No.” Take the time to teach your Springer the right words for the behavior you want to reinforce, as well as for the activities you want to discourage. It is important to establish good communication with your Springer early on.
English Springer Spaniels housetrain well if they are put on a regular schedule and kept in a pen or a crate when unsupervised. By eight weeks old, breeders should be helping puppies choose an appropriate spot to eliminate. At twelve weeks old, most puppies should be capable of holding themselves overnight.
When a puppy is first brought home, take it outdoors to a selected spot and praise the puppy for sniffing there. Every time the puppy is taken outside, bring it to the same spot and praise profusely when it eliminates there. Do not play with the puppy outside until he goes to his spot and at least sniffs around. Also, keep the spot cleaned up. Inside the house, the new puppy should be let out to play no longer than 20 minutes at a time before either being taken outside to its spot or being returned to the pen or crate. Be sure to take your young puppy outside right away with any change in activity such as waking up from a nap or eating a meal. As the puppy gets older and its muscles develop, it will become more reliable and the free time can be gradually lengthened.
English Springer Spaniels can be trained to go to the door and “ask” to go out. Some owners put bells on the door and train their Springers to “ring the bell” when it needs to go out.
Trained English Springer Spaniels enjoy conformation, performance and companion events such as Agility, Obedience, Rally, Hunt Tests and Field Trials, Fast CAT, Dock Diving, CGC, Trick Dog, Barn Hunt, Scent Work, and Tracking. Because of their openness with strangers, most English Springer Spaniels make wonderful Therapy Dogs.
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English Springer Spaniels are typically very social dogs. They are generally open to strangers. They love to play and run and can benefit from a fenced in yard or frequent walks. Most love the water. They are easily trainable, highly adaptable and extremely eager to please.
English Springer Spaniels have a double coat that is medium in length. They are moderate shedders and can benefit from frequent brushing to keep their coat from matting.
English Springer Spaniels are wonderful family dogs! They are very affectionate and loving family members. Most are very good with young children and other dogs.
12-14 years
HEIGHT – at the shoulder
- 20 inches (male)
- 19 inches (female)
WEIGHT
- 50 pounds (male)
- 40 pounds (female)