LIFE WITH SPRINGERS

If you are new to the breed and you are trying to figure out if a springer is the right breed for you, here are some need to know basics! Down below you will also find some of our favorite products to use and some health/training tips!

VITAL STATS

-Height (from shoulder to floor)- Females 18-20 Inches. Males 19-22 inches.

-Weight- our Euro/Bench springers typically weigh 45-60lbs. Bench/Field springers 35-45lbs.

-Life Span- 9-15 years

TRAINING

Springers are known for their companionship, they love their people! They are genuine and sincere. Intelligent and easy to train. Socialization and basic training or training classes from a young age are recommended as it helps to shape the springer into a well-rounded and well-mannered adult. Springers are active and exploratory in nature because of their hunting background, so it is important to make sure you are in control at all times. Leaving springers for long periods of time can lead to boredom and undesired behaviors. 

GROOMING

Springers do need to be groomed seasonally, a trip to the groomer every 5-6 months will help with shedding. They do not shed obsessively, mainly seasonally. Brushing them with a de-shedding tool will help rid of any loose hair and keep them from getting matted or tangled, bathing every couple of weeks will also help with shedding. If shedding is excessive, chances are you probably need to switch to a higher grade food and/or give a supplement to aid in a healthy coat(omega-3). Springers are a pretty middle of the road breed when it comes to grooming.

EXERCISE

This is an active breed, they love to get outside and run. A daily walk is always nice, though this breed really needs an open area to tire themselves out. As they were bred to work tirelessly hunting in a field. Granted the springers at PRS are bred less for field and more for companionship, these dogs still enjoy to romp and play. Ideally the best living situation for this breed is a large fenced in yard or supervision in a large open area. Though apartment or small house living is not off the table, if the dog is taken to the park daily or even doggy daycare. Any kind of activity that will help release energy. If these dogs do not burn enough energy daily they may resort to venting their energy through chewing, barking or digging. As they age they may require less exercise but daily walks will also help to manage the aches that come with aging.  

HEALTH

-Springers are relatively healthy dogs. Though there are some things to watch out for! Their ears are so big they tend to hold in moisture, because of this they are prone to ear infections. You can prevent ear infections by keeping their ears as dry and clean as possible. When springers eat/drink their long ears tend to dip into their bowl, for the most part this is inevitable. Some people invest in a Snood which works like a headband for the ears, it is designed to keep their ears fastened to their head while they eat. But ultimately you can find a good ear cleaner at most pet supply stores, when their ears begin to smell musky or you can visibly see the black substance built up, you can clean them with the solution and cotton balls. 

-Obesity can be a factor in the event where a springer is not getting the exercise they need and/or they are not eating a diet suitable for their needs. Too many treats or table scraps can also contribute to weight gain.

-Genetic disorders, here at PRS we test our breeding dogs for PRA and PFK, both of these disorders are commonly seen in springers.

PFK-PFK Deficiency in the English Springer Spaniel (englishspringerfoundation.org)

PRA-PRA (englishspringerfoundation.org)