2008/09/22

ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL.





Country of Origin:Great Britain
Group:Gundog
Size:Medium
Lifespan:10-14 years
Exercise:High
Grooming:High
Trainability:Very high
Watchdog ability:High
Protection ability:Low
Date of Origin:1800’s
Other Names:none
Original Function:Bird flushing and retrieving

HISTORY.
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 gamebid 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 hunding dogs

SIZE.
The ideal shoulder height for dogs is 51cm (20 in); for bitches, 48cm (19 in). The Springer is built to cover rough ground with ability and reasonable speed. He should be kept to medium size .


GENERAL APPEARANCE.
The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized sporting dog, with a compact body and a docked tail. His coat is moderately long, with feathering on his legs, ears, chest and brisket. His pendulous ears, soft gentle expression, sturdy build and friendly wagging tail proclaim him unmistakably a member of the ancient family of Spaniels. He is above all a well-proportioned dog, free from exaggeration, nicely balanced in every part. His carriage is proud and upstanding, body deep, legs strong and muscular, with enough length to carry him with ease. Taken as a whole, the English Springer Spaniel suggests power, endurance and agility. He looks the part of a dog that can go, and keep going, under difficult hunting conditions.

TEMPERAMENT.
The typical Springer is friendly, eager to please, quick to learn and willing to obey. Such traits are conducive to tractability, which is essential for appropriate handler control in the field. In the show ring, he should exhibit poise and attentiveness and permit himself to be examined by the judge without resentment or cringing. Aggression toward people and aggression toward other dogs is not in keeping with sporting dog character and purpose and is not acceptable. Excessive timidity, with due allowance for puppies and novice exhibits, is to be equally penalized.


COLOURS.
The 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.



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