Spaniel 1
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^^e English Springer Spaniel shares its heritage with the English Cocker Spaniel; in fact, at one time, they were the same breed. The English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association states that in the 1800s, "In a litter of Spaniel puppies, the smaller dogs would hunt woodcocks and were called cockers. The larger puppies in the litter were used to flush the game and were therefore called springers." In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Springers and Cockers were finally recognized as two different breeds, both in England and the U.S. Today in the U.S., there are two types of English Springer Spaniel: the show dog and the field dog. Although the breed standard describes the perfect Springer and applies to all Springers, those who breed for field performance tend to view those traits as much more important than the breed's appearance.
The Springer is a medium-sized dog, between 18 and 21 inches tall and about 40 to 50 pounds, with females smaller than males. The head is classically shaped, with long, drooping ears made to look longer with the long, slightly wavy coat. The eyes are medium-sized, oval and alert, intelligent and expressive. The body is slightly longer than tall, the legs are long, and, when trotting, the dog covers ground effortlessly. The coat on the body is of moderate length, but there is profuse feathering on the legs and sides. Springers may be black or liver-colored with white markings, white with black or liver markings, blue or liver roan, or tricolored. The tail is docked.
Daily brushing and combing is needed to keep the feathers and long hair from tangling and matting. The coat will need to be trimmed every four to six weeks. If you wish to learn how to do the haircuts on your own Springer, talk to your dog's breeder for guidance, or you can have a professional groomer do it for you. The long, heavy ears need to be cleaned twice a week to prevent ear problems.
Bred to work hard in the field all day long, Springers need vigorous daily exercise. Kelly Rodrigues, the owner of two show Springers, Bix and Bailey, says, "Springers are very active and need a lot of exercise and playtime. They are very athletic, but beware of water; if any is at hand, they will be in it." Because they love water, swimming is great exercise, as is running, jogging, playing, or catch.
Basic obedience training should be a part of every Springer's puppyhood. Training has long been a part of the breed's heritage, as field dogs had to be obedient. Rodrigues says, "Springers are affectionate and want to please." Many people interested in performance sports such as agility and flyball have found that Springers make great competitors; they want to learn and are fast and very athletic.
Springers will bark when people approach their home but are not known for being protective. The breed is a wonderful family dog, patient with children, and tough enough to take some roughhousing. They are generally good with other pets, although they need to learn that chasing the cat is not allowed. They should not be trusted with the family bird; their heritage says that birds are prey! Health concerns include hip and elbow dysplasia, eye defects, and rage syndrome.
Breed in Brief
Registries: AKC, UKC, CKC Occupation: Hunter, companion, performance sports
Longevity: 12 to 15 years Exercise: Vigorous daily exercise Training: Easy Grooming: Moderate to difficult
nglish Toy Spaniel
/ he English Toy Spaniel is a very old breed whose roots probably go back to ancient Japan or China. Some experts believe that he may be related to the Japanese Chin or Pug, or that English Spaniels were crossed with these two breeds to create the round skull and shortened muzzle that all three breeds have. Although much of the breed's history is unknown, what is known is that this wonderful spaniel has been known in England since the 16th century and, throughout much of history since that introduction, has been a favorite of the English people. For a long time, only royalty was officially allowed to own the breed, although that didn't stop many breed enthusiasts.
This is a small breed, standing 9 to 11 inches tall and weighing 8 to 14 pounds. He is compact and short-bodied, with a domed head and short muzzle. His eyes are large and dark, ears are long, and tail is docked. His coat is straight and silky, with profuse feathering on the ears, body, chest, and legs. The Bleinheim is red and white; the Prince Charles is tricolored; the King Charles is black and tan; and the Ruby is a rich red.
The coat tangles and mats easily, so it should be brushed and combed two or three times per week, and more often if the dog gets wet. Many pet owners keep the ears, feet, and under-the-tail areas trimmed for cleanliness. The wrinkles on the face may also need regular cleaning to remove dirt and food particles and to prevent skin problems.
English Toy Spaniels enjoy daily walks and playtimes, but otherwise this is a breed who will be happy to cuddle and snuggle in the house. His activity level will mirror that of his owner. If you are up and about and active, he will be, too; if you want to relax, he will, too.
This is a friendly, affectionate dog. Although not as watchful and wary of strangers as so many breeds are, socialization is still important, as unsocialized dogs can be fearful of new people and situations. Training will teach young Spaniels household rules. Housetraining can be a challenge, but with persistence and patience, it can be accomplished.
This breed is happiest when spending time with his owner; he will not be happy spending long hours alone. He is one of the quietest of the toy breeds and does well in an apartment. He is good with children when they have been taught to be gentle with him. He will not tolerate rough handling; he will simply get up and walk away. He is also very tolerant of other pets. Health concerns include knee problems, cataracts, and heart defects.
Breed in Brief
Registries: AKC, UKC, CKC Occupation: Companion Size: 9 to 11 in tall; 8 to 14 lbs
Longevity: 13 to 15 years Exercise: Low activity level Training: Challenge to housetrain Grooming: Moderate
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