All About Springers

History

During the long history of Britain’s land spaniels, dogs described as “cockers” or “springers” were often born in the same litter. It would take many generations of careful, purposeful breeding before such sporting spaniels as the English Springer Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel, and Field Spaniel could be sorted into the distinct breeds we know today.

England’s springer-type spaniel first emerged centuries ago to work on upland game birds. Before the invention of the wheel-lock firearm in the 17th century, springing spaniels worked in tandem with hunters who brought down their quarry with nets, falcons, or bows, or some combination of these. After the hunting rifle revolutionized the sport, springers quickly earned a reputation as eager and reliable gundogs.

The English Springer’s job is to detect game birds in high grass or bramble, flush or “spring” the birds from their cover, then point and retrieve the downed bird. Breed literature tells us that Springers will work relentlessly all day in the field and then, in the words of one historian, “retire to the easy companionship of family, hearth, and home after a good day’s hunt.”

At the first British dog shows, in the 1870s, English and Welsh Springer Spaniels were exhibited as the same breed. This held until 1902, when the Kennel Club (England) recognized the two Springers separately. English Springers gained their first great North American fame in the 1920s, and they soon made their mark as a tough but stylish gundog in the bird fields of America and Canada. The English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association, the breed’s AKC parent club, held its first meeting in 1924. In recent years, the breed’s trainability, durability, and keen nose have been used to great advantage in K-9 detection work.

Source: AKC

Needs

  • Because Springers were originally bred for long days in the field they need DAILY exercise to prevent destructive behaviors.
  • Due to Springer’s long feathering and double coat, they need regular brushing and occasional grooming to prevent mats and tangles.
  • Springers are generally very eager to please but do require a moderate amount of training like all breeds.
  • Springers are very “Velcro”, meaning they always want to be right by you. That being said, they don’t do well being left alone for long periods of time and can have separation anxiety.

Fun Facts

  • An average lifespan for a Springer is around 12-14 years
  • Springers are a very smart breed
  • Many police use Springers to search for explosives, guns, drugs, etc
  • Springers also are great therapy dogs
  • Springers LOVE water, any and all water (including their water bowls sometimes)
  • Springers also do well in sports like agility and dock diving
  • Both George Bush and George W. Bush owned Springers while in office

Is a Springer the right breed for me?

You may be wondering if a springer is the right breed for you so we put together a little quiz to help you out.