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HISTORY & BREED BASICS First a little basic information about English Springer Spaniels. The history of 'Spaniels' can be traced back to 1600's. However, the actual distinction between 'Springer' spaniels and other spaniels, did not come about in this country until the 1880's. Until that time there were no formally defined differences between Cocker and Springer spaniels. At that time, the American Spaniel Club was founded, and set 28 pounds as the upper weight limit on Cocker Spaniels. The lines were still not clearly defined until early in the 1900's when an enthusiastic following of these larger cousins developed in earnest. The foundation of the English Springer Spaniel on this continent was originally imported to Canada and, subsequently, came to the US to fill the overwhelming demand for a versatile gundog. By the 1920's, English Springer Spaniels were gaining popularity throughout the continent and have enjoyed significant popularity every since. The English Springer Spaniel is a versatile and energetic breed, best known for its skill as a companion gundog. However, this breed is frequently seen participating in a variety of activities including agility, obedience and flyball. (Responsibly bred and socialized) Springers are also known for their friendly and affectionate nature, biddability and enthusiastic devotion to their owners. While they may alert an owner to an 'intruder' with a bark or two, they are not guard dogs and are more likely to lie on their backs waiting for a 'tummy rub', than to attempt to halt an intruder. They are moderate shedders, with a 'double' coat, which does require grooming a few times a week to keep it in good condition and free from matts. They have long, floppy-ears and require their ears be kept clean and dry to avoid infections and other problems. The acceptable colors, per the AKC/ESSFTA standard, are: 1) Black or Liver and White; 2) Blue or Liver Roan; or, 3)Tricolor (B/W or L/W with Tan) in color. Males should weigh approximately 49-55 lbs. and are about 20" in height. Females weigh between 40-46 lbs. and are approximately 19". English Springer Spaniels live 12 - 14 years. The FCI standard is also available at the Jagdspaniel Club website. 
Currently, for the most part, there are two distinct 'types' of English Springer Spaniels - those bred for the conformation ring ("bench bred" - photo at left) and those bred for hunting and/or field trials ("field bred" - photo at right).Although, most Springers, whether bench bred or field bred, are extremely versatile and able to wear many hats - (i.e., family pet, hunting companion, obedience competitor, breed ring winner, agility competitor, therapy dog, etc.) - there are some breeders and enthusiasts who are working to re-establish the qualities of the 'traditional' Springer type of the early 20th century. A 'dual purpose' dog possessing the ability to excel as a gundog while also being competitive in the breed ring and, of course, as an affectionate family pet. No matter what 'kind' of ESS you are interested in ALL REPUTABLE ESS BREEDERS share the same concerns regarding health, temperament and physical soundness/form. If you are considering getting an ESS, or any purebred for that matter, make sure the breeder you deal with is very knowledgeable about the concerns and predispositions of the breed and can provide detailed information, results, and proof, when applicable/appropriate, of genetic, temperament/instinct and form/structure associated evaluations and testing. Beware any breeder who says they don't do those evaluations and tests because "they don't have those problems in their lines" or, worse yet, seem completely unfamiliar with what the breed specific concerns and issues are. And, while a standard serves as an outline of the characteristics of the recognized breeds, it is important to note that most do not contain much detail or quantitative information regarding temperament, instinct and health. It is crucial that potential owners do sufficient research as to become well versed in these important aspects of all purebreds, as well. Jan Martin has written the English Springer Spaniel FAQ, which provides a much more comprehensive perspective of the breed as well as pointers to additional, quality resources. |
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RESOURCES Clubs English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association
C Williams, 79 Greencamp Road, Wakerley, Queensland, Australia English Springer Spaniel Club of Canada Gail Gagnon, Secretary, 7170 - 142 Darcel Avenue, Mississauga, ON L4T 3T5 English Springer Spaniel Club (Great Britain) Alan Emeney, Secretary, 39 Dennis Road, Wyken, Coventry, England CV23HL South Western English Springer Spaniel Club (UK) Membership Secretary, Cath Holman, email RenceH@aol.com Engelse Springer Spaniel Club Nederland Rescue NATIONAL US: English Springer Rescue America (ESRA) English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association Referral Phone: 1-800-ESSFTA4 (1-800-377-3824) REGIONAL RESCUES ONLINE:
OREGON: Willamette Valley English Springer Spaniel Association Rescue Page UNITED KINGDOM: UK English Springer Spaniel Rescue eMail Lists EnglishSpringer-H at Hoflin Publishing 
ESS-LTo subscribe, please send a message to: listserv@listserv.indiana.edu with a blank subject line (or a period in the subject line if your mailer won't send it blank) and a message that says, simply: Subscribe ESS-L firstname lastname For more information email: Michelle Givens, ESS-L listowner SPANIE-L This list includes enthusiasts of all flushing spaniels breeds. The list is owned by Ruth Ginzberg. Visit the Spanie-L website, "About Spanie-L" page for more information. Books: General Back Although, not all of these titles are purely 'English Springer Spaniel' specific, they are all titles that contain information that may be of interest to English Springer Spaniel owners, trainers and enthusiasts. The linked titles are available through the DogInfomat's Amazon.Com Associate Site. Additional dog titles are available at the DogInfomat Amazon.Com Associate Website. All About English Springer Spaniels by Olga M. Hampton; Michael Joseph Publ; 1980; Hard to find The Complete English Springer Spaniel by Colin Muirhead; Seven Hills Book Distributors; 1996 The Doggonest Puppy Love (Millie) by Richard Lynn Stack, Chet Phillips (Illustrator); Windmill Pr; 1992 The English Springer Spaniel (Top Dog Series for Children) by William Reynolds Sanford, Carl R. Green; Crestwood House; 1989 The English Springer Spaniel in North America: An Informal History Illustrated with Photographs and Prints, Beatrice P. Smith, editor; ESSFTA, 1970; (Available through the ESSFTA. You may email the ESSFTA for more info or contact the corresponding secretary (contact information is given above). English Springer Spaniels: An Owner's Companion by Jan Wood; Crowood Pr; July 1996 Field Guide: Dog First Aid Emergency Care for the Hunting, Working, and Outdoor Dog by Randy Acker, Jim Fergus; Wilderness Adventures Pr; 1994  Good Dog, Millie A Day in the Life of America's Most Influential CanineAtheneum; 1992; (Out of stock indefinitely, check back or seek another source.) English Springer Spaniel: An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet Carol Callahan, Don Callahan, Debbie Ritter; 158 pages; Howell Book House; 1996 Gun Dog Breeds: A Guide to Spaniels, Retrievers, and Pointing Dogs Fergus, Charles; Lyons & Burford; 1992; 201pp, black-and-white photos; foreword by A. Hamilton Rowan, Jr. Hunting Dogs from Around the World by Jean-Michel Lepeudry, Dominique Simon, Serge Simon, Jean-Nichel Lepeudry; Barrons Educational Series; 1997 Millie's Book: As Dictated to Barbara Bush (ppbk) Barbara Bush, Mildred Kerr Bush; Quill; 1992; The hardcover version of this book is out of print, but if you place an order we will attempt to locate a used copy for you; William Morrow & Company; 1990 Murder at the Spaniel Show (Mystery for Youngsters) by Lynn Hall, Atheneum, 1988; (This book is out of print and is difficult to find, but if you place an order we will attempt to locate a used copy for you.) The New Complete English Springer Spaniel by Edward K., III Roggenkamp, Julia F. Gasow; Howell Book House; 1994 Paddy the Playful Puppy; Derrydale/Outlet; 1988; (This book was a raffle prize at one of our club's events and it really was cute.) A Rough-Shooting Dog: Reflections from Thick and Uncivil Sorts of Places by Charles Fergus, Joe Fornelli (Illustrator); The Lyons Press; 1991 A Rough Shooting Dog: The First Season Of A Hunting Spaniel by Charles Fergus; Main Street Books; 1995; (This book is out of print and is difficult to find, but if you place an order we will attempt to locate a used copy for you.) A Spaniel of Old Plymouth, Margaret S. Johnson and Helen Lossing Johnson The Springer Spaniel, Maxwell Riddle Veterinary Advice for Gundog Owners by Gillian Averis; Howell Book House; 1997 Books: Training Gundog Training Keith Erlandson, Francis T. Grant; Voyageur Press; 1994 Gun-Dog Training: Spaniels and Retrievers by Kenneth C. Roebuck; Stackpole Books; 1982 Gundogs: Training and Field Trials by P. R. A. Moxon, Terry Bailey (Photographer); Voyageur Press; 1997 How to Help Gun Dogs Train Themselves: Taking Advantage of Early Conditioned Learning by Joan Bailey; Swan Valley Pr; 1992 How to Hunt Birds With Gun Dogs by Bill Tarrant; Stackpole Books; 1994  How to Train Your Own Gun Dogby Charles S. Goodall; Howell Book House; 1988 Hunting Dog Know-How David Michael Duffey; New Win Publishing; 1983; (This title is out of print, but if you place an order we may be able to find you a used copy within 1-3 months. Hup!: Training Flushing Spaniels the American Way by James B. Spencer; Howell Book House; 1992 Spaniels: Their breaking for sport and field trials by H. W. Carlton; Harmsworth Press; This book is out of print and is difficult to find, but if you place an order we will attempt to locate a used copy for you. Spaniels for Sport by T. Radcliffe; Faber & Faber; January 1983; This book is out of print and is difficult to find, but if you place an order we will attempt to locate a used copy for you. Training Your Spaniel, Pfaffenberger, Clarence J., Putnam, 1963. 207pp, 20pp black-and-white photos (mostly instructional). Revision of the 1947 edition Training Spaniels Joe Irving; Voyageur Press; 1993 The Working Springer Spaniel, Keith Erlandson
Videos "On The Line with English Springer Spaniels", ESSFTA, $22.95 "The Springer Event of the Century", 1993 National, ESSFTA, $30 If you are interested in ordering either video, please send a check or money order to: ESSFTA %Julie Hogan, 9929 lake Jackson Drive, Manassas, VA, 22111 or email Julie with questions. Magazines Bird Dog News covers multiple dog breeds and has lots of information available online. "Spaniels In The Field" Art Rodger, Publisher, 10714 Escondido Dr., Cincinnati Ohio, 45249 Fax# (513) 489-4105 Published Quarterly. $32/year. Covers the field side of the breed. "The Springer Quarterly" Debbie Ritter, PO Box 1247, Chesapeake VA, 23327 $40.00 per year. Covers the bench side of the breed. "The Springer Spotlight" is the quarterly newsletter of the ESSFTA and is available to all members and contains alot of information about events, meetings, activities, research projects, etc. If you'd like to join the ESSFTA, or a local ESS or training club, please visit the ESSFTA website. Stover Publishing at Sportsman's Web - publishers of Gun Dog, Wildfowl and Wing & Shot |
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WEBSITES
A novice's view of the AKC Hunt Test SeminarAngevin English Springer Spaniels, Michelle Givens Ariel English Springer Spaniels, Jan Martin & David Brattin The Divine Miss Emm, Jim Dobbins Epic Kennels English Springer Spaniels, Ed & Peggy Presnall Field & Bench ESS Information Page, Tom Radde Halwendan ESS with lots of categorized links to other ESS sites, Karen Lee Halwendan Kennel ConCateNate in Denmark Minstrel ESS, Libby O'Donnell, including Quark's Fan Club From the Christian Science Monitor (10/23/97), read 'Man's Best Friend' Is Also Lifesaving Hero and Protector by William H. Carlile the story of Brandy, the English Springer Spaniel honored by the makers of Ken-L Ration dog food as its dog hero of the year.  Muddy Paws Place, Mindy Mymudes Oakwood Kennels, Eric Hanson Qvarnhill in Sweden (Swedish only) Remington's Picture Page, Christopher Skow Rose Lane ESS, Barb Boettcher Tralay in Scotland CJ's West Wings Field Bred English Springer Spaniels, Jerry and Cheryl Sligar Many thanks to the members of ESS-L and Spanie-L for their assistance and contributions. NOTE: The inclusion of links to breeder or kennels sites in this section is not meant to be seen as an endorsement or promotion of any particular breeder or kennel. Please, do thorough breed and breeder research when considering a family pet. Visit the ESSFTA's Getting A Dog section for information. |
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The DogInfomat™ est. 1994 © 1994-2005/Sandi Dremel The original content, concept, and design of the DogInfomat are the property of Sandi Dremel. All content submitted for inclusion remains the sole property of it's owners. As such, none of the contents made available at the site are to be copied, redistributed, retransmitted, or repurposed without the prior consent of it's owners. Last Revision: 8/10/2001 8:46:53 AM |
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