English Springer Spaniel Problems

What are the main problems Springer Spaniel owners experience (besides) the usual day-to-day illnesses)? If you are considering a springer spaniel, then this biref introduction will give you an insight into what to . In general, springer spaniels are healthy dogs, whether the Welsh or English bloodlines, but there are several potential conditions which usually come up in discussions about their springers. These arise from hereditary factors, and those which come about from environmental factors.

The risks of the hereditary-based problems being present in the dog of your choice can be reduced by a series of tests and careful selection of the puppy. The nurturing (or lack of it) affect all dogs, more or less, and these environmental effects can be avoided by proper training and nurturing, as long as there is no inbuilt tendency. For example, if his parents are themselves particularly nervous, then this could show in the pup. You can't screen for this, but you can check the parents - and this aspect may be increased or decreased depending on the way that the puppy is treated and trained, either reinforcing the trait or minimising its effect.

1. Inherited

This group of conditions mainly covers eye and hip problems (such as hip dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy, and will be tested for by any reputable breeder who wants to register the pedigree of an English or Welsh springer spaniel. In the UK, the recommends that breeders screen breeding dams and sires for hip dysplasia and eye problems (by gonioscopy). There are other conditions (such as canine fucosidosis - a metabolic disorder) which are screened for, but are now increasingly rare and have almost been bred out of all springer bloodlines.

Springer spaniels are also predisposed to other problems - such as inturning eyelids (entropion), but these sorts of problem are almost impossible to screen for, unless presenting in a parent.

2. Environmental

Temperament

Excitablity. The main aspect that is raised is excitability. Springers are at the higher end of canine intelligence and very active. A high activity level can be seen to be excitability, and if young children (or anyone else) teases or winds up a young dog, then they will get excited.

As with children, this tends to become less apparent with age.

Nervousness. This can also be a problem, but this is usually a result of ill-treatment. When compared with some other breeds of dog they are far from being highly-strung. They are loyal and loving, but as with all loyalty it has to be earned and maintained. So, if a springer spaniel is mistreated at a young age, then this will affect their character and their trust of human beings; it could result in excessive nervousness or an overly defensive nature (which itself can be seen as aggression when provoked or teased.

Aggression. Unless they have been properly trained, springers can become aggressive in the presence of other dogs of the same sex. This is not a major issue, but again is one of those things that is mentioned in owners' questions. To be fair, this trait is common in almost all dogs.

Both aggression and nervousness are more likely to be found in dogs which have been abused and abandoned. Springer spaniels from rescue centres will be, more prone to these problems than would a well treated and properly trained springer which has been nurtured from a puppy in a healthy family home. If you take a sensible approach when choosing a rescue springer (best from a springer spaniel rescue centre), with a good idea of what to watch for, then you should be able to find a perfectly sound example of these wonderful breeds.

Outdoor Dogs.

Because they are outdoor dogs and have hairy ears, they can get ear problems unless they are groomed carefully.

All in all, springer spaniels are not high on the scale of nervousness and aggression, and the inherited physical factors can be screened for. For those reasons they make a fantastic choice of pet for a young family or loyal companion for more mature dog lovers.


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Phil and his family have kept and
been big fans of both English and Welsh
springer spaniels for many years, both pups and rescue alike. These dogs will keep you young! Find out more about
these loyal and affectionate pets now at
==> www.springerspanieladvice.com and lots more about springer
spaniel health issues