English Springer Spaniel: temperament, price, health, and breeders

The English Springer is among the oldest spaniel breeds. Originating from the British Isles, it was first selected for its hunting qualities before demonstrating its versatility in searching, flushing and retrieving game. A first standard was established in 1902 by the Sporting Spaniel Society, then the breed was recognized by the English Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club in 1910. Final recognition by the FCI dates from 29 December 1954.

The English Springer is a harmonious, strong and well-proportioned dog, with a muscular loin, a deep chest and a compact silhouette but high on legs for a spaniel. Its head is fairly broad, moderately rounded, with dark hazel almond-shaped eyes that express gentleness and liveliness. Its ears are long, broad and fringed. The coat is straight, dense and relatively fine, with moderate fringes on the limbs, belly and ears. The colors are black and white or liver and white, sometimes with tan markings.

The English Springer is a cheerful, affectionate and docile dog, appreciated for its gentleness with its family. It likes to play, is generally kind with children and is neither fearful nor aggressive. A versatile hunting dog, it retains an active and enthusiastic temperament, without however being a marked guard dog.

Lively and always ready to act, the English Springer needs real daily exercise to stay balanced. He likes to take part in family life, play and share his owner's activities. If he gets out enough, he can adapt to city life, but he clearly prefers having a secure outdoor area and an active lifestyle.

The English Springer is generally more obedient than many hunting dogs and readily seeks to please. Its training is made easier by its intelligence and docility, provided it is carried out with consistency, measured firmness and affection. Learning benefits from being varied, regular and associated with good physical exercise.

The purchase price varies depending on the quality of the breeding, the origin of the lines, the health tests carried out and the dog's intended purpose, companionship or work. The initial cost should never be the only criterion, because the seriousness of the selection directly influences the puppy's health and balance.

The English Springer is a fairly robust and hardy dog, able to withstand bad weather well thanks to its coat. Like many breeds selected for work, it nevertheless requires serious monitoring of its joints, eyes, ears and skin in order to limit the impact of certain known predispositions.

The English Springer needs good-quality food, consistent with its medium size and high activity level. Its ration must support effort without promoting excess weight, with simple monitoring of body condition and digestion.

The name Springer refers to its historical ability to flush game out of cover before the shot or the falcon’s flight. The breed then established itself as an excellent companion dog thanks to its gentle temperament and its great versatility at work as well as in everyday life.