The objective of the club is to promote responsible dog ownership.
Field trials contact - Rod Watt (03) 5369 2201
About English Springer Spaniel
Background
The pendulous ears, soft gentle expression, sturdy build and friendly wagging tail proclaim the English Springer Spaniel unmistakingly as a member of the ancient family of spaniels. It is the largest of the land spaniels, and was originally used to find and spring game for the nets, or the falcon carried by hunters.
Average Lifespan
When considering a dog, please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime. English Springer Spaniels live up to 12 years of age.
Breed Personality/Characteristics/Temperament
Every inch a sporting dog, the Springer is a tireless worker in the field, with great tenacity and endurance. The English Springer Spaniel is probably the best choice for any sportsman who wants one dog only, as an all purpose gun dog. The Springer is actively represented in obedience, agility, field trials and conformation shows. A peoples dog, the Springer thrives on human companionship. Playful and patient with children, it loves nothing better than romping around and taking part in their games. Although normally fairly quiet, the Springer nevertheless makes a good guard dog.
Compatibility with other pets
Excellent.
Care Requirements
Springers need human companionship, although they can snooze all day while their owners are at work, as long as they get sufficient attention and exercise when the owners are at home. The English Springer Spaniel needs as much good hard exercise as it can get, and in addition to the usual running and galloping, thoroughly enjoys the chance to have a swim. It should not just be shut out in the backyard and left to its own devices. Puppies, in particular, get very bored and wilful if deprived of company. While they may prefer five acres and their own pond, many Springers thrive in a city setting. After the dog matures, brisk walks and ball chasing will help keep it in excellent shape. The amount of exercise a Springer needs varies widely for individual dogs. The coat of a Springer requires attention on a regular basis. Clipping for pet dogs can be confined to the inside of the ears and around the tail. This makes it easier to keep both areas clean. Hair must be trimmed from between the pads of the feet. Without this care, the feet can splay, and the dog loses traction on slick surfaces. Nails should be trimmed frequently. Daily brushing and /or combing is strongly recommended. As a rule, bath your dog as often as necessary but as infrequently as possible.
Please Take Note
Some Springers develop allergies to fleas and certain grasses.
Ideal Owner/s
Those who are prepared to give their dog plenty of attention, including takng it for brisk walks on a regular basis.
In Conclusion
Now you know a little about the English Springer Spaniel and have decided this is the dog for you or you want more information, make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs.
The ANKC breed standard for the English Springer Spaniel
