Springer Spaniel Puppies for Sale: Parti-Colored Gundog and Faithful Compatriot
Once part of a large and generic collection of spaniels, the Springer emerged distinct in its type and popularity by the mid-1950s. It remains a top choice among sporting dog owners who want a more compact pet than a pointer or retriever. Lively and cheerful, Springer Spaniels for sale make versatile companions for active families or singles, other dogs, and children.
History
Spaniels are one of the oldest types of dogs, thought to have made an appearance by 10 BC. Literary works and illustrations depicted Springer Spaniel-type dogs as early as 300 AD. Experts think these dogs originated in Spain and were developed in England when the Roman legions brought them. They commonly worked alongside hawkers. In early times, hunters differentiated a spaniel by its size rather than its breed. Cocker Spaniels and Springer Spaniels could be born in the same litter, the former being small and the latter being medium-sized. Their monikers came from their hunting styles. Both dogs would “spring” or flush birds into flight, so they were easier to shoot. However, the littler spaniels were specifically suited to gamecocks and thus were called Cockers. The United Kennel Club recognized the English Springer Spaniel as a distinct breed in 1902, officially separating it from the Cocker. The American Kennel Club did not follow suit until 1910.
Welsh Springer History
Welsh Springer Spaniels developed independently of the English Springer in Wales during the 1800s. Like their English cousins, Welsh Springers often were placed in the same categories as Welsh and Devonshire Cocker Spaniels. They were only distinguished by size. Later, they were shown alongside English Springers. In 1902, the UC split the Welsh Springer from the English Springer as well as Cocker Spaniels. The AKC accepted the Welsh Springer Spaniel in 1914.
Physical Appearance of Springer Spaniel for Sale
Most of the time when someone refers to a Springer Spaniel, they mean the English Springer. The following breed standard refers to the English Springer Spaniel.
- Medium dog – 19 to 20 inches tall, 40 to 50 pounds
- Head – the same length as the neck, muzzle approximately equal to back skull; well-chiseled and balanced; flat on top
- Slight stop with prominent brows and a furrow
- Eyes – oval, medium-sized, deep-set, color coat-dependent (lighter in liver dogs)
- Ears long, wide, and drooping; hang against the cheeks
- Neck – long and muscular as befits a retrieving dog
- Body – compact, ribs long, and chest deep
- Forelegs – shoulder blades close at tips and front legs well under the body; shoulder and forelimb connect at a 90-degree angle
- Pasterns relatively short and sloping – area between paws and first joints
- Hindquarters – loins strong and arched, hips rounded, and thigh broad; angulation is balanced with forequarters or slightly less
- Strong bone without being heavy
- Back strong and level
- Croup slopes gradually
- Tail sets on naturally from the line of the croup, and the dog carries it horizontally or slightly above a line through the back; the tail has the merry action typical of many spaniels;
Springer Spaniel puppies for sale historically have presented with docked tails. It is becoming more customary to leave the tail intact.
Welsh Versus English Springer Spaniel
The Welsh Springer Spaniel belongs to a separate breed from the English Springer with a different lineage and origin. Welsh Springers sport several distinctions from their English cousins:
- Size – 17 to 19 inches tall, 35 to 55 pounds
- Head is slightly domed on top; looks wedge-shaped in profile which is dramatically different from the English Springer
- Brow is less defined in Welsh Springer, and there is no furrow
- Ears are smaller and shaped like tear drops
- Softer expression
- Only one acceptable color for Welsh Springer – red & white with ticking permissible
Coat
A Springer Spaniel has a dual coat that is specially adapted to repel thorns and is weatherproof. Unlike the Spitz group, the double coat of a Springer has the spaniel’s silkiness. It is medium in length and lies flat on the body. Its length increases to moderate feathering on the tail, ears, paws, and legs, and furnishings on the belly and chest. Springers have short, smooth fur on their heads. The hair on the front surfaces of their forelimbs and their hind legs below the hocks is also short and fine. A Springer’s undercoat is short and soft, but its density depends on the season and regional climate. It sheds profusely in the fall and spring.
Colors
A Springer Spaniel for sale can be one of the following colors and patterns:
- White with black
- Black with white
- White with liver
- Liver with white
- Tricolor – black & tan or liver & tan, either variation with white markings
- Roan – can be liver or blue roan; color is evenly mixed with white hairs not to be mistaken for merle; these dogs have white markings
Springer Spaniels can have ticking or speckles through any part of their white markings. Nonstandard colors that will disqualify a Springer from the show ring are yellow or red-based colors such as lemon or orange.
Personality
Springers should have a classical spaniel personality. They are friendly, extremely cooperative, and willing to please. They should be neither aggressive nor timid. Like other sporting dogs, Springer Spaniels are confident, cheerful, intelligent, and unflappable. They form strong attachments to their handlers and are attentive, alert, and exceedingly active. Springers are tolerant of both children and other dogs. With proper socialization, they make great companions for both groups. Many Springers prove too energetic and prey-driven for cats. Early training produces a dog that is comfortable with strangers and yet able to perform as an effective watchdog.
Aberrant Behavior
Some Springer Spaniels, like Cockers, are prone to temperamental problems whereby they displace unprovoked and seemingly random aggression. Poorly misunderstood, “Springer rage” likely describes several groups of mental or behavioral issues rather than a disorder with one root. Some medical professionals believe the cases may be a form of seizure disorder. These fits are frequently unpredictable and short-lived.
Springer Spaniel Puppies for Sale Near Me
Springer Spaniel puppies for sale look smooth-coated, not developing feathers until months later. However, they should give you a hint of how energetic they will be. Most pups are ready to go to their new homes when they are 12 to 16 weeks old. Beware of breeders that try to get rid of their puppies early, especially those under eight weeks of age. These pups suffer socialization and training difficulties. Choose from a litter where all the puppies are alert, strong, plump, and free of nasal or ocular discharge. Depressed or exceptionally thin pups often display the first signs of illness or are burdened with intestinal parasites. Breeders should offer you the guarantee of a wellness check, initial vaccinations, and dewormings on their pups. They should also have minimal health certifications on the puppies’ parents:
- CERF – eyes
- Cardiac exam
- OFA – hips
Another beneficial piece of information for you is a description of the temperaments of the dam and sire of any pup under your consideration. It is even better if you can meet one of your prospective puppy’s parents. Although their history is not usually as clearcut with shelter dogs as with those from a reputable breeder, adults and juveniles are available.
Lifespan
Springer Spaniels have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years, typical of medium-sized dogs.
Care of Springer Spaniels
You can expect a Springer Spaniel’s care to be the same as any moderate-haired sporting or working dog.
Grooming
A Springer Spaniel’s coat is resistant to soiling, but the feathers are prone to snarling. You should brush your dog at least every other day. Show dogs enter the ring only with enough trimming to keep them neat and looking like working animals. Many pet owners keep their dogs in a close body shave with only the slightest feathers on the ears, legs, and tail. Springers only need a bath every two to three months although they require weekly ear cleanings. You should trim your dog’s nails every two to eight weeks.
Feeding
Springer Spaniels should eat two or more meals a day. A puppy, depending on its age, should eat three to six daily meals. Springers, like other dogs, need a meat-based diet with fats ranging from 12% to 20%. An adult should eat between 925 and 1800 calories a day based on age, current body condition, and activity level. Field Springer Spaniels need considerably more food than house companions. Puppies may eat twice or thrice the calories of a mature dog. Springers are prone to becoming overweight and benefit if the carbohydrates they eat are not too starchy. Some nutritionists recommend you avoid beans, peas, and potatoes and stick to leafy greens and low-sugar fruits.
Exercise
Although Springers are adaptable and will happily adjust to a sedentary lifestyle, sufficient exercise is important to ward off behavioral problems, boredom, and weight gain. Most Springer Spaniels need 70 to 90 minutes of daily exercise. Working lines understandably require more exercise than show lines. You must aim to meet the mental as well as physical requirements of your pet. Springers are intelligent and thrive on jobs to perform and puzzles to solve. They can also benefit from agility, hunting trials (if you have time and the commitment for training), and obedience competitions. Rigorous activities such as running or playing with other dogs should comprise about 20% of their physical regimen.
Training
According to a study by Stanley Cohran, a famous canine psychologist, Springer Spaniels fall just outside the top 10 smartest dogs at No. 13. His works delve deeply into working intelligence which encompasses obedience, the mastery of commands, and the performance of breed-specific duties. Springer Spaniels are willing to please, smart, and malleable, making them great dogs for novice hunters and families alike. Like all dogs, they benefit from assured leadership, consistency, and positive rewards.
Terminology Applicable to Springer Spaniels
Like some other working dogs, Springer Spaniel puppies for sale can come from two lines. Working or sporting dogs are also known as field Springer Spaniels. They are ideal for hunting or field trials, hence the name. English Springers excel as a breed in hunting competitions as do Welsh Springer Spaniels. Field Springer Spaniels tend to require more exercise, have a higher predatory drive, and are more intense than show lines. Show or bench English Springer Spaniels often make better pets than sporting dogs as they are more laid back. However, show lines seem more susceptible to Springer rage syndrome. Other differences are below:
- Show dogs taller and heavier at the same time
- Field dogs are slightly longer than tall in the body like many working dogs – show dogs are more compact
- Field dogs have less feathering – show dogs have fuller coats and more dramatic furnishings
Nonstandard Colors
Although Cocker Spaniels can be solid colors, the English Springer is characterized by its flashy bi-color coat. Black and white Springer Spaniels are exceedingly common, only surpassed by the liver and white dogs. Solid black Springer Spaniels are not a genetic reality. Through selective breeding, the English Springer carries one or two spotting genes on the S locus (gene location). Since solid colors and white spotting show incomplete dominance, a spaniel only requires one white spotting gene to have white markings, albeit more limited than if it has two. Black Springer Spaniels most likely are the result of crossing with Labrador Retrievers, a breed with genes that are dominant for the black coat color. Golden Springer Spaniels are rare and may result from breeding with Golden Retrievers. Such dogs are called Spangolds and add a larger size to the Spaniels’ attributes. Most crosses still have extensive white markings even if they are golden or honey. Red Springer Spaniels are not recognized by the AKC but can qualify as Golden Springers depending on the shade.