English Springer Spaniels

Appearance:

Body: Strong, compact, and well-proportioned with a medium length back, and well-sprung ribs, and sloping top line. Loin is well-muscled and somewhat arched. Shoulders are well laid and sloping. Feathering covers his legs, ears, chest and sternum

Coat: Outer coat is medium length, silky, and flat or wavy. Undercoat is soft, dense, short and water-resistant.

Color: Black-and-white, liver and white, or a combination with tan markings.

Ears: Lobe-shaped, long and wide, loosely hung, close-set at eye level, somewhat arched, and taper towards the head.

Eyes: Medium sized, almond-shaped, dark hazel coloring, and set deep and wide with a gentle, alert expression.

Feet: Round or slightly oval, compact, arched and well-padded.

Head: Medium length with a somewhat broad and slightly rounded skull, moderate stop with a with a groove between the eyes, well-developed nostrils, square muzzle, powerful jaws, and scissor bite. Nose is liver colored or black. Bone structure around the eye sockets is well chiseled.

Legs: Forelegs are straight, well-boned and strong, elbows are set well to the body. Hind legs are well-muscled and well let down from buttocks to hock.

Neck: Moderate length, muscular and strong with a slight arch. Gracefully blends into sloping shoulders.

Size:
Weight: 40 - 55 pounds (18 - 25kg)
Height: 18 - 20 inches (45 - 50cm)

Tail: Well-feathered, low set, traditionally docked, and constantly wagging.

Behavior

Recommended for novice dog handlers
Good with children
Require lots of companionship from humans or other dogs

The English Setter is graceful, elegant, friendly, and good-natured. He is a quiet dog who will make a good family pet if given abundant attention and exercise. He is an athletic dog with unlimited energy and a mischievous personality that will keep you busy and entertained.

Michele Welton, author of Your Purebred Puppy says, "The English is the mildest-mannered, gentlest, most mellow of the setters."

He loves to hunt in any terrain or weather conditions and is capable of chasing his prey and then retrieving it on ground or in the water. He can be stubborn if not interested in your choice of training or exercise. Obedience training should be fun, full of praise, and rewarding, never harsh or abusive. He has an outstanding memory and will learn quickly if trained with love and affection.

The Lawerack is great with children and easily trained. He is devoted to his family and thrives on companionship from humans or other dogs. He is a large and robust dog and may be too much for a small toddler. Be sure supervision is provided to prevent any unintentional injuries.

The AKC standards say, "The mild, sweet disposition characteristic of this breed, combined with the beauty, intelligence, and aristocratic appearance, both in the field and in the home, has endeared it to gundog owners as well as all lovers of a beautiful, active, and rugged outdoor dog. A lovable disposition makes the English Setter truly an ideal companion."

Breed Type

AKC Group: Sporting Group
Originally used to flush game such as woodcock from the underbrush.

He is a multi-talented dog capable of taking chase after his prey with his keen sense of smell, pointing until he receives the command from his master to flush the game out for the kill, and then retrieving the game for the hunter. He is capable of working on land and in water regardless of weather conditions.

Today the English Springer Spaniel is still used as gundogs and also companions.

The name of this English sporting dog is derived from the spring-like action he uses to flush out game for the hunter to shoot.

Care and Grooming

Exercise: This a robust breed of dog in need of an abundance of exercise. Best suited for an athletic owner such as a hunter, biker, hiker, or jogger.

Grooming: Needs to be brushed and combed briskly two to three times weekly and clipped every three months or so. His ear canals must be kept clean and dry.

Health

Life Expectancy: 12 - 14 Years

Possible Problems:
Autoimmune diseases such as allergies
Ear infections
Epilepsy
Low Thyroid
Seizures
Skin conditions
vWD (a blood disorder)

Recommended Certificates:
CERF (eyes)
OFA (hips)

Because of the exploitation of this breed some lines show more aggression and health problems than others. Be sure to check out the breeder you are purchasing from and ask for information about the parents history.

Country of Origin

Great Britain - 1600s

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