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HISTORY

All spaniels originate from the spaniels of Spain. Until the 1600's all spaniels were considered to be the same group of dogs, with various sized dogs in the same litter. The larger of these being the forefathers of today's English Springer Spaniel. In 1892 the Cocker and Springer spaniels were recognised as separate breeds by the Kennel Club of Great Britain even though they sometimes appeared in the same litter, and breed recognition was granted in 1902.

English Springer Spaniels are the oldest of all the sporting gundogs. Their original purpose was for finding and springing game for the net, falcon or greyhound. Nowadays they are used to find, flush and retrieve game for the gun.
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DESCRIPTION

The English Springer Spaniel is a compact, medium sized sporting dog with long ears. This dog's expression is alert, kindly and trusting. When they look up at you with those deep brown or dark hazel eyes they could get away with anything. They are well-proportioned dogs, nicely balanced, and built to cover rough ground well and quickly.
There are two lines known as:

• Working English Springer Spaniel
• Show English Springer Spaniel

The show line is taller than the working line, with a slightly different shape to the head, muzzle and ear set and length. However, both types have the instinct to work and both can make excellent pets.

In colour the Springer can be black and white, liver and white, or either of these with tan markings (known as tricolour).

INTELLIGENCE

The Springer is a hardy dog, which is well-behaved, eager to please, and, quick to learn and respond. They are easily controlled, not highly-strung, aggressive or shy. Through training, this is an ideal family pet, which does not do well in a kennel environment.

CHARACTER

The typical Springer is an extrovert by nature, friendly, eager to please, quick to learn and willing to obey. Springers are known to continue to develop and mature until they are 2 years old. However, mentally, many tend to go on thinking that they are puppies for most of their lives!!! Aggression and dominance are not common in the breed but can be a problem if not handled carefully when young. As a rule they make good companions and family dogs. Some of the less well-bred dogs can be stubborn or timid, some even resorting to nipping and growling. However this is the exception not the rule. The show strain of the ESS appears to be calmer and less active than the working strain.

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