English Springer Spaniels

The perfect coats you see on show Springers take some work. They are combed daily, and the feathering below the ear is wrapped or held back by a snood to keep the hair out of the dog’s mouth or food. The coat is meticulously clipped and scissored to achieve that stunning silhouette. It’s a skill that professional show handlers have perfected, and even a pet groomer won't master. But you don’t need that degree of perfection. If you want a semblance of that show look, pet groomers can do a great job. More often Springer owners let their dog’s hair grow however it wants, so it tends to have more on the neck and back compared to the show or even pet clip. Keep in mind that Springers from show lines tend to have more coat and will need more care. Regardless, you need to do your part by using a pin brush and comb every few days to keep the coat tangle and mat free. Washing the hair will decrease its tendency to tangle, as oily dirty coats tangle more. Springers aren’t big shedders, but you still need to comb out dead hair regularly. Check your Springer’s ears at least weekly. The somewhat heavy hanging ears provide a warm damp haven in which infections can thrive, and Springers are at increased risk for chronic ear infections. Even pulling the ears back so the canal gets air can help keep them healthy. Brush the teeth daily. Check the nails and clip them as needed.

Springers love to be doing something, preferably outside and with their people. Hunting and hiking are some of their favorite activities. They also enjoy fetching and swimming. If you want a dog to get you off the couch, a Springer will do their part as they are not for someone with a sedentary lifestyle. Plan on spending one to two hours a day doing some physical activity with your Springer. They may not be able to get out into the field every day, but a long walk around the neighborhood, or some active games in the yard, or agility training, should be enough to settle them down when they come inside. They do fairly well at dog parks, as they tend to get along with other dogs.

A good quality commercial food will keep most Springers healthy throughout their life. Some people prefer to make their own food, but must follow recommendations from a veterinary nutritionist. Springers eat with gusto, and have a tendency to gain weight. You should be able to feel the ribs without much poking, and see an hourglass figure when viewed from above. There should not be a dimple in front of the tail, nor a roll around the withers. Talk to your veterinarian about reducing weight if your Springer starts to become pudgy. In fact, your veterinarian should be a main source of your information about special diets for relevant medical needs as well. Puppies should eat puppy food multiple times a day until they are about four months old, then twice a day thereafter.