GENERAL APPEARANCE
Shoulder height: Approx. 51 cm
Colour: Liver/white or black/white with or without tan.
Coat: Weather resisting, straight with some feathering.
Gait: Forelegs swinging freely from the shoulder, ground covering with plenty of drive.
The tallest of all the British land Spaniels, the English Springer is a well balanced, compact and strong dog. The dark hazel, almond shaped eyes are set midway between the slightly indented skull and the deep square lipped muzzle. The slightly arched neck runs into a back and the loins should not be so short as to restrict flexibility. The shoulders must be well laid back but only moderate angulation in the hindquarters is called for. The customary docked tail is set low and should be lively in action.
CHARACTERISTICS AND CARE
These dual purpose members of the gundog group excel in retrieving in field trials and springing game for the net, falcon or greyhound. Although eager learners, repetitive exercises in obedience classes are likely to bore them. They are extremely lovable, loyal and amenable house dogs and being good with children, make ideal family pets. Although not aggressive, they will warn the family of intruders. Periodic grooming keeps Springers’ coats tidy and presentable.
HISTORY
Except for the Clumber Spaniel, the English Springer is the taproot from which all English land spaniels have evolved. As sizes varied, spaniels fell into different classifications due to being utilized for different purposes.
From about 1800 on, spaniels under 6.7kg (l4lb) were known as lap (toy) spaniels; from 6.7-13kg (14-28lb) they were known as Cooking Spaniels and those over 13kg (28lb) were known as Field Spaniels, English or Welsh Springer Spaniels. It was not until the 20th century that the English Springer was separated from the others and became a separate breed.