Spring into action–there's no choice but to get on your feet and get going when you share your life with a Springer. But this dog is more than just a play date–he's a true life partner who will have you falling under his spaniel spell.
Heritage
The earliest spaniels probably arose during the Middle Ages, when they flushed birds into nets. Different spaniels became specialized for hunting different birds over different terrain. Larger spaniels, which hunted larger birds, were Springers because they sprang at the birds to flush them into the air.
Springers have been very successful at field trials, in the dog show ring and in family homes throughout the world. They shared the White House with both Presidents Bush.
Springers still love to hunt, but they're almost as happy to hunt toys in the yard and sniff around the neighborhood. They enjoy retrieving, hiking and challenging mind games, as well as cuddling and giving kisses.
Health and Upkeep
To grow your Springer's coat to its full potential, feed a nutritious food with vitamin supplements. You must keep the coat free of parasites and dirt. When brushing or combing, spritz the coat lightly with a combination of water and conditioner; this prevents static electricity and breakage. Bathe often, using a deodorizing or color-enhancing shampoo. If your dog tends to scratch, use an avocado oil-based shampoo. Follow with a conditioner. You can also apply a leave-in conditioner that will help prevent tangling and matting.
Keep the ears dry after swimming. Ear cleansers have a drying agent that can dry deep into the canal, so it's a good idea to clean the ear after swimming, or once a week in dry conditions. Any time they get goopy, clean with an ear-cleanser. If the goop comes back, see your veterinarian.
Brush the teeth daily.
Clip the nails every two weeks or so using a medium-duty dog nail clipper.
Springer Spaniels hate to slow down for anything, but sometimes age-related physical changes, such as arthritis, make it tough to keep going at full intensity. Besides any intervention recommended by your veterinarian, a soft cushion to lie on and glucosamine chondroitin supplements added to the diet can help soothe aching joints, and keep him as young in body as he is in spirit.
