Springer Vocabulary – South Fork Springers

Sometimes all the Springer terminology can get confusing, especially if you are new to the breed. We put together this “Springer Vocabulary” sheet to help you better understand this breed. So, feel free to use it as needed.

Types of Springers

FIELD	BENCH	EUROPEAN
Hunting/working class in Springers. They are generally smaller, more energetic, primarily white in color and have shorter hair.	Show class in Springers. They are known for long ears and coat.	Dogs who are imported or have relatives who were imported from Europe. They are typically a little larger, have a blockier-shaped head and more color combinations such as heavy ticking.

Springer Spaniel Colors

Liver/White	Black/White	Liver Roan	Blue Roan
A typical color combination in Springers of brown and white fur	A typical color combination in Springers of black and white fur	An even mixture of white and brown colored hairs in the uncolored (white) area of a dog’s fur	An even mixture of white and black colored hairs in the uncolored (white) area of a dog’s fur

Colors Not Currently Accepted by AKC

Special Features

Tri-Color	Ticking
A third, tan color found on the eyebrows, underside of ears, checks, and under the tail. This is added to any of the above colors.	Another word for freckles. Heavy ticking= lots of freckles

AKC Terms

AKC Limited Registration	AKC Full Registration
This purebred dog is registered with the AKC but no litters produced by that dog are eligible for registration. If you plan to spay/neuter your pet this registration is most common.	This dog is registered with AKC and any litters produced by that dog are eligible for AKC registration. You would want this if you planned on breeding them in the future.

Genetic Disorders

PRA	PFK	Elbow/Hip Displasia
Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a genetic disease causing the retina to degeneration, which causes the dog to eventually go blind. The dog would need to get this gene from both parents to actually suffer this disease. However, they can be a carrier. That means they won’t be affected, but could pass this to future generations without monitored breeding.	Canine Phosphofructokinase deficiency is a genetic disease which prevents the metabolism of glucose into available energy resulting in exercise intolerance and muscle disease. The dog would need to get this gene from both parents to actually suffer this disease. However, they can be a carrier. That means they won’t be affected, but could pass this to future generations without monitored breeding.	A dysplastic hip or elbow does not flex, extend, or rotate as smoothly as it should, which results in joint inflammation and pain.

* Some of these dogs are not our own. They are used purely for representational purposes only.

Sable	Lemon and White	Red/Orange and White