The English Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel is a breed of gun dog bred for flushing and retrieving game. The Springer Spaniel is also a popular family dog, and with good reason. Gentle, humorous, intelligent and loyal, they make both excellent hunting companions and wonderful family pets.

Behavior

English Springer Spaniels are typified by their excitability, alertness, and humor. They are intelligent and eager to please, and they fit into a family environment very well. Because of their gentleness and inquisitiveness, they enjoy children and adapt well to households with other pets. However, because of their breeding and their hunting instincts, it may take extra training for Springers to live safely with birds.

Because they are bred as retrievers, Springers enjoy holding things in their mouths, such as socks, balls, bottles, or towels. And because of their intelligence, they remember where these things are kept and will go get them themselves.

Because of their history as gun dogs, Springer Spaniels will often develop a particularly close relationship with one of their owners, loyally following this person around the house. If the owner walks across the room, the Springer Spaniel will, too.

Health

As with any breed, Springer Spaniels have unique health issues. Two common issues are hip dysplasia, which can cause eventual lameness, and progressive retinal atrophy, which causes vision loss over time. Springers can also be prone to ear infections and allergies.

Because of their energy and intelligence, they require frequent walking and playtime.

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For additional veterinary care, questions about dog breeds, or other pet health care questions, contact your Austin Vet Clinic today.