Dog Breed of the Month August 2009 -
English Springer Spaniel

• The typical English Springer Spaniel is friendly, eager to please, quick to learn and willing to obey.

• Overall English Springer Spaniels are not suitable for homes with pet birds, due to their natural hunting instinct (remember, they're bred to hunt for birds).

• Did you know that there are two types of Springer Spaniels - field and bench.

• Show Springers are generally black and white or liver and white while field-bred dogs tend to have shorter, coarser coats than the show-bred dogs.

• Field Springers typically are almost completely white with heavy freckles.

• Beware: badly bred Springers can be aggressive to humans.

• Springers need lots of exercise to be really happy and healthy.

• The Springer got its name because of the way they flush game: they spring forward through brush to drive any birds out of their hiding places.

• Springers are prone to get hip dysplasia, eyelid abnormalities, progressive retinal atrophy, hemophilia, and von Willebrand's disease than some dog breeds.

• In 1902 the English Kennel Club officially recognized the Springer Spaniel as a separate dog breed.

• English Springer Spaniels were first registered with the AKC in 1910.

• Be forewarned: Springer Spaniels love the mud.

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