Dog handler: focus on the English Springer Spaniel

Officially recognized as a breed in 1954, the English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized dog, robust, with a docile, intelligent and friendly character. A hunting dog, it is also part of the category of military dogs. It is used mainly for its scent in rescue missions, drug detection or explosive detection.

Summary:

• Origins
• Physical
• Character
• Training
• Professions

Originally from Great Britain, the springer spaniel dog is one of the oldest spaniel breeds. A pure and ancient breed, this dog is used for hunting, particularly in marshy terrain where its medium size allows it to slip easily between bushes to flush out game. A good swimmer, it was also used as a water dog. The English springer is a dog breed closely related to the English cocker.

Well-proportioned with a compact body and a gentle expression, the springer spaniel is a robust dog, neither too rustic nor too refined. It has long pendulous ears and a medium-length coat that forms moderate feathering on the body, ears, front and hind legs.

The "ID card" of the English springer spaniel:

• Male size: 48 to 51 cm
• Male weight: 18 to 22 kg
• Female size: 48 to 49 cm
• Female weight: 18 to 19 kg
• Origin: Great Britain
• Coat: Medium-length
• Colors: brown/liver and white or black and white
• Appearance: harmonious, compact, active and robust
• Life expectancy: 12 to 14 years
• Common diseases: hip dysplasia, eye disorders, otitis, deafness and skin problems

The English springer spaniel dog is a fairly sociable dog, whether with children, animals or strangers. It barks little and is particularly affectionate and calm.

The main character traits of the English springer spaniel:

• Friendly
• Easy-going
• Docile
• Intelligent
• Playful
• Hunter
• Independent

The English springer spaniel breed puppy is cheerful, friendly and loves to please its master. Good training from an early age will include a skillful mix of play and rewards. This is a dog that does not respond well to punishment or raised voices. Training should therefore be positive and progressive. English springer spaniels know how to show initiative and quickly understand what is expected of them. This breed shows excellent working abilities.

Originally, the English springer spaniel is an ancient and pure breed that was used primarily to find and flush game intended for the net, falcon or greyhound. Nowadays, hunters use the English springer spaniel to find, flush and retrieve game.

This dog breed is also used for its olfactory abilities by the military, law enforcement and rescue teams, just like Bloodhound dogs or the Labrador retriever can be.