The dominating characteristic of the English Springer Spaniel is his ingratiating attitude toward the entire world.

He loves people, life and his jolly appreciation of everything makes him a fascinating fellow and a wonderful companion, not only for adults, but also particularly for children.

He is such a friendly dog with  great affection that embraces the entire family fortunate enough to own him.  His loyalty makes him a wonderful companion to the family and they protect their family and environment with a passion.  Their bark can be quite alarming when confronted with strangers; however, this is just an image they like to portray. Springer are excellent dogs for obedience and agility.

The Springer Spaniel is a most beautiful dog, with a silky lustrous coat.  There are a variety of colour combinations consisting of black / white; live / white; or tri-colours.  Years ago there used to be a few liver or blue roans, but are seldom seen today.

A Springer Spaniel is a cheerful fellow, always interested in what is going on around him and curious to start on any expedition that you may venture on with this tail wagging merrily, signalling his excitement.  You only have to get a coat or boots from the closet and you will stir up a riot!!!  

Springers love car rides and are quite obedient, sitting quietly, looking out with great interest at things passing by.  How difficult it is to go off and leave him behind!  His disappointment must be absolutely unbearable.  The ears seem to grow longer with the hanging head and the eyes are full of sorrow,  the merry tail almost disappearing from full sight.

His natural quickness and intelligence make him particularly amendable to training as he has a great desire to please the one who loves him, always being alert and eager.  

Your Springer makes a wonderful house dog and pet, having great dignity and reserve.  His loyalty and sweet disposition make him an understanding and patient companion for adults and children alike.

Below is a poem that we have been given permission to use on our web site. Please enjoy.

      When God made the dog he said "This beast is my best
      He's more loving and loyal and outsmarts the rest.
      But he shouldn't be perfect, so I'll give him some faults:
      I'll make him smelly and greedy, and with a coat that moults"

"But what can I call this creature so great –
  it really should be named after me.
  I can't call it god, so I'll call it dog, and the rest,
  as they say, is history!"

  To some it's a creature that makes huge demands
  And despite all its training, still ignores our commands.
  It's dirty and scruffy with some unpleasant habits
  Like chasing squirrels, and cats, and innocent rabbits.

  But we do love our dogs, and it's not hard to see why
  They're honest and loyal and you can see in their eyes
  That they just want to please us and be part of our pack
  And they'll expect nothing more than a pat on the back.

  For the blind they can see, for the deaf they can hear.
  They can search for the missing where man can't go near.
  And they work for the police – with them they're well taught.
  But they're no good at arrests – they can't stand up in court!

  So it's easy to see, the dog is more than our friend.
  He's a companion and helper, and on some, we depend.
  And at the end of the day when he's fed, and at rest,
  We can understand why this beast is God's best.

             Written by Lou Rapacioli - May 2006

The Breed Standard

Characteristics:
Breed of ancient and pure origins. Oldest of sporting gundogs: original purpose was finding and springing game for net, falcon or greyhound. Now used to find, flush and retrieve game for fun

General Appearance:
Symmetrically built, compact, strong, merry and active. Highest on the leg and raciest in build of all British Land Spaniels.

Temperament: 

Friendly, happy disposition, biddable. Timidity or aggression highly undesirable.                                                                                                                                                      

Head and Skull:
Skull of medium length, fairly broad , slightly rounded, rising from the foreface, making a brow or stop, divided by a fluting between the eyes dying away along forehead towards the occipital bone, which should not be prominent. Cheeks  flat. Foreface  of proportionate length to  skull, fairly broad and deep, well chiselled below the eyes, fairly deep and square in flew. Nostrils well developed.

Mouth:
Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, ie the upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaw.

Eyes:
Medium size, almond shape, not prominent nor sunken, well set in (not showing haw) alert, kind expression. Dark hazel. Light eyes undesirable

Ears:
Lobular. Good length and width, fairly  close to head, set in line with they eye. Nicely feathered.

Neck:
Good length, strong and muscular, free from throatiness, slightly arched tapering towards the head.

Gait/Movement:
Strictly his own. Forelegs swing straight forward from shoulder, throwing the feet well forward in an easy free manner. Hocks  driving well under  body, following in a line with forelegs. At slow movement may  have a pacing stride typical of this breed.

Forequarters:
Forelegs  straight and well boned. Shoulders sloping and well laid. Elbows set well body,   Strong flexible pasterns.

Body:
Strong neither too long nor too short. Chest deep, well developed. Well sprung ribs. Loins muscular,  strong with slight arch and well coupled.

Hindquarters:
Hind legs well let down. Stifles and hocks moderately bent. Thighs broad, muscular, well developed. Coarseness of hocks undesirable.

Feet:
Tight, compact, well rounded with strong full pads.

Tail:
Set low, never carried above the level of back, well feathered and with a lively action. Preferably docked.

Coat:
Close, straight and weather resisting never coarse. Moderate feathering on ears, forelegs, body and hind quarters.

Colour:
Liver and white, black and white, or either of these colours with tan markings.

Weight and Size:
Height approximate 51cm ( 20 inches).

Faults:

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded, should be in the exact proportion to its degree and it's effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Note:
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.