Colors: Liver and white; black and white; either of those combinations with tan markings on the eyebrows, ch

Living: The english springer spaniel is an adaptable dog and can do well living in city or rural lifestyles.

Recognized: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, CCR, APRI, ACR

Description

The English Springer Spaniel is a compact, hearty medium-sized dog with long pendant ears. They should be sturdy and neither too light nor too heavy. The tail is generally docked (and wagging!). The dog should have a proud bearing, with a level back approximately the same length as the height at the withers (never longer). The front legs should he straight. The feet are compact. The head is strong, yet refined and not too heavy, in good proportion to the rest of the dog. The length of the head should be about the same as the length of the neck. The stop is moderate with a groove rising between the eyes and gradually disappearing in the middle of the forehead. The topline of the skull and muzzle have approximately parallel planes. The medium-sized eyes have a kind expression. The eyes are either hazel or brown, depending on the color of the coat. The ears are set in line with the eyes. When pulled forward, the ears should reach all the way to the top of the nose. The tail is customarily docked. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite and the jaw is powerful. The medium-length coat is flat or wavy and feathered, and comes in liver & white, and black & white (with or without tan markings), blue or liver roan. The white may have flecks of colored hair.

Temperament

The English springer spaniel is cheerful, playful and energetic, ready for a day in the field and an evening by the hearth. It does everything with gusto and can be overly enthusiastic unless given plenty of exercise. The typical springer is the ideal family companion.

Excercise

As an energetic and inquisitive dog, the springer needs daily mental and physical exertion. Hunting is the first choice to satisfy both needs, but an outing in the field, long walk on leash and good obedience lesson can go far to making the springer a calm and well-behaved house dog. This breed does best if allowed to live in the house with access to a yard. Its coat needs brushing or combing one or two times weekly plus clipping and scissoring every three months. Springers from field, rather than show, lines tend to have less coat.

Grooming

The coat of the field-type Springer is fairly easy to maintain and regular brushing with a stiff bristle brush will keep it looking good; while the bench-type Springers" coat needs more attention. Both need baths and dry shampoo only when necessary, but c

Health

Major concerns: otitis externa, CHD, PRA, elbow dysplasia

Minor concerns: ectropion, entropion

Occasionally seen: phosphofructokinase deficiency, skin fragility, gastric torsion, rage syndrome

Suggested tests: hip, elbow, eye, DNA for phosphofructokinase deficiency