English Springer Spaniels

[Lesley1601]

We're thinking of getting an english springer spaniel but we want to make sure we know as much as possible about it before going ahead - does anyone know of a really good site on the internet where we can learn about the care of the dog especially as a pup? Thanks

[andyjevs]

I'll try to asnswer your questions based on my experience with my 2 year old black and white springer, Murphy. They are one of the friendliest, loyal dogs you will ever see.....a perfect family dog (my wife used to be a childminder). They are easy to train, keen to learn and very eager to please their master. They are great fun to be out with especially if you enjoy long walks in the country. They are inquisitive and nosy and their gun dog traits are always evident on a walk as they go into the densest scrub trying to flush out the birds and rabbits. But they do have a down side. They can be on the go for 25 hours a day. I knew someone who had to take theirs on a 2 hour walk before going on an 8 hour shoot just to calm the dog down a bit. They will still be on the go after all the other dogs get bored and tired. If you don't mind long country walks (i can't think of anything better myself) then the springer is for you. They can almost be like having a toddler in the house as they are often just naughty. I quite expect to catch mine drawing on the walls one day. After weighing up the pro's and cons, i would thoroughly recommend them as a loyal, friendly and highly amusing family dog

[Lesley1601]

Thanks Andy they do sound like fun, (and mischevious!) we are moving to the country which is why we think it would be an ideal place to have a springer, as we have always wanted one. I'll bear all that in mind when we start looking!

[andyjevs]

One further thing i've found and also been told by a person who shoots with springers is that Males can be very head-strong....almost wanting to get one over on you....bitches are a bit more placid. Get a good pedigree with working parents and you may even want to try breeding them yourselves. At around �350 for a KC registered pup, it can be very profitable or at least pay for a good annual holiday in the tropics if done as a hobby. Good luck.