English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel has been endowed with style, enthusiasm, and an "eager to please" quality common to most spaniels. He is recognized for his ability to keep going and going under adverse hunting conditions, which is partly due to his medium-sized, powerful body. He has long, hanging ears and a moderately long coat that can be black or liver with white, blue or liver roan, and tricolor.
English Springer Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels were originally born in the same litters; the smaller "Cockers" hunted woodcock while their larger littermates were utilized to flush, or "spring," game.
Breed Profile
Cheerful and affectionate, Springers love their families and like to stick close to their owners. They make excellent house pets but require daily exercise and need regular brushing and trimming to keep their coats neat and free of mats.
Grooming
The English Springer Spaniel has fine flat hair with long fine feathering. Grooming is suggested for 4 – 6-week intervals to clean ears, clip nails, check anal glands and insure the coat and skin are in healthy condition.
Eyes
Eyes should be alert and bright. Use Opti-Soothe Eye Wash during the bath to flush any foreign objects. Check eyes after working out in the field each time.
Ears
Monthly ear cleaning with Ear Care is advised to be sure no ear problems that might need vet attention arise. Only clean as far as you can see, never further.
Bathing
The Springer requires 2 baths. If your dog is a working dog and spend a lot of time out in the field then we recommend Energee Plus Shampoo for that extra dirty dog. The second bath is targeted for the need of your dog , if your dog has allergies or sensitive skin we would suggest a Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo and follow it with a Tea Tree & Aloe Shampoo or Luxury Tar and Sulfa Itch Relief Shampoo. During the spring and fall shedding seasons we recommend Simple Shed Shampoo and Simple Shed Treatment, the oat proteins help strengthen the hair shaft and help remove dead undercoat.
Common Problems
3 in 1 Healing Cream should also be kept on hand since Springers are prone to scrapes and irritations for running outside, they are very active and need a lot of exercise. Since Springers love to run through brush outside, they are prone to pick up a lot of stickers; High Sheen Finishing Spray and Restore before going outside will help when removing them and keep the furnishings from breaking.
Coat Care
Aloe Hydrating Spray should be used during the dry winter months as well if you live in a dry climate. Simple Shed and Static Spray between grooming is a great help to keep the shedding under control.
Show Dog Tips
Use Aloe Silk before drying the furnishings to add a silky feel to the ears and furnishings. High Sheen Finishing Spray before entering the ring to add a shine without leaving a residue. Bright White Shampoo is recommended followed by Silky Show Shampoo and Silky Show Conditioner.
Paws
Paw Balm should be used weekly to keep paw pads soft and pliable. This makes the pads less likely to dry and crack.