Breed History and Characteristics
The English Springer Spaniel has a history that stretches back to the Middle Ages, when springers were used to find and "spring" game for hunters using falcons, Greyhounds or nets. Early spaniels are thought to have originated in Spain, but the many varieties of sporting spaniels were largely developed in the British Isles. The English Springer is the largest in build of these breeds, which include the Cocker, the Field, Sussex and Welsh Springer Spaniel.
The Springer is friendly, eager to please, quick to learn, and willing to obey. He enjoys being part of family activitiies. He is an affectionate, loyal and sometimes exuberent companion.
Size: approximately 20" at the shoulder
Colour: Liver & White; Black & White; Liver, White & Tan or Black, White & Tan
Australian Breeders
If we can't help you with a puppy at Fraelighte, we recommend the following breeders:
Brisbane
Central/North Queensland
Sydney
Canberra
Melbourne
Country Victoria
Tasmania
Adelaide
Perth
Sabu Kennels Steve Warry
If you need further help, go to Dogzonline
Australian Breed Clubs
The English Springer Spaniel Association of Queensland Inc
110 Swanborough Road
Logan Village Qld 4207
SEE THEIR WEB SITE
The English Springer Spaniel Association of New South Wales
41 GIlbert Road, Castle Hill 2154
The English Springer Spaniel Club of Victoria
P.O. Box 459, Flemington 3031
Nutrition
Your Springer can't make the choice himself to have a balanced diet! You have to provide one for him.
At Fraelighte we feed and recommend Pedigree Advance food for all our Springers. It's a complete and balanced super premium diet. No supplements are required - in fact they can do serious harm! Pedigree Advance is available at Pet Shops and Veterinarians.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE WEB SITE:
Formulating a diet with the correct balance of nutrients for your dogs life stage and life style is a complex science. Please feed a high quality prepared pet food.
Please DO NOT feed a home-cooked diet.
Please DO NOT feed the B.A.R.F. Diet.
Health Care
Whilst the Springer is a relatively healthy and hard breed, there are some basic elements of health care that you need to consider.
Parasites
Please worm your dog regularly, both for intestinal worms, and for heartworm. Heartworm can KILL.
There is no excuse for fleas - they are easily controlled with many products that are readily available on the market.
Ticks are a serious problem in many areas of Australia. Some areas have the Paralysis Tick - which can kill your springer! Products are available to control this problem - please consult your Veterinarian.
Vaccinations
Please have your puppy's vaccination schedule completed, and thereafter get a yearly booster shot.
Yearly injections are now available for Heartworm! Ask your Vet.
Desexing
If you don't intend to breed from your Springer (hard work and high cost!!), then consider having your dog desexed. Ask your Vet.
Microchipping
A lost dog can be very stressful (both on the dog and the family). Ensure a better chance of having your pet returned to your by asking your Vet to Microchip your dog!
Grooming
It takes a moderate amount of grooming to keep your Springer in good condition.
A good brush twice per week, and a bath every fortnight should keep your springer looking and feeling great.
If you would like a Professional Groomer to help, we recommend the following salons in Brisbane:
Animal House, Stafford (07) 3856 2547
Doggie Style, Willawong (07) 3879 1177
Snippets, Booval (07) 3282 5888
Moggill Pet Motel, Moggill (07) 3202 6264
Pet City Mt Gravatt (07) 3349 2086
At Fraelighte we use and recommend Animal House Professional grooming products. Try them!
Click below to visit the Animal House website.
Exercise
Athough the Springer will adapt to any environment from a farm to a suburban backyard, they love their exercise.
Please ensure you give your Springer a good walk at least three times per week. Teach your Springer to chase balls in the backyard, or play other games that will provide natural exercise.
In many areas, the local Council will have fully fenced off-leash areas. These are a GREAT idea. Enquire of your local authority.
There are many obedience and agility clubs, flyball clubs and even lure coursing clubs. Your local English Springer Spaniel breed club will be able to help you locate one near you.
