The English Springer Spaniel originated in England. It is a medium-sized sporting dog and is a member of the ancient family of gundogs. It has a naturally docked tail, drooping ears, a gentle and elegant expression, and a compact body structure. It greets humans or companions in a friendly manner by wagging its tail.
When it shows friendliness, its short tail keeps wagging. When it is in its best condition, its body muscles are evenly distributed and very symmetrical. They are very enthusiastic towards humans and have the vitality and capabilities of a spaniel.
Spaniels are currently divided into two breeds: Welsh Springer Spaniel and English Springer Spaniel. Both originate from England, but the Welsh Springer Spaniel was formed earlier.
The English Springer Spaniel is the ancestor of many English dogs and was considered the perfect companion by European hunters. In the 17th century, it was enthusiastically welcomed by Americans and became very popular in the United States.
Spaniels are ancient and pure hunting dogs. Originally bred for birding, falconry, or hunting, they have a high level of activity and often travel on hunting trips, diligently searching, flushing, or retrieving game for their owners.
The American Kennel Club, established in 1880, classified dogs based on their size, with any dog weighing over 12.70 kilograms being classified as a Springer Spaniel.
Although some Springer Spaniels were used in hunting in the United States, it was not until the establishment of the English Springer Spaniel Field Trials Association in 1924 that they gained a deeper understanding. In 1927, the association was renamed the English Springer Spaniel Club and focused on showcasing the breed and conducting field trials.
In 1927, the American Kennel Club officially established the English Springer Spaniel standard, which was revised in 1932. This standard was based on the dog's natural breeding abilities, as it is a hunting dog that is trained to perform the tasks required of it.
The English Springer Spaniel has always been a very popular companion dog in Europe. It has a friendly, optimistic, and gentle temperament, and it is very obedient to its owner. Because of this, it has been loved by many dog lovers.
However, the English Springer Spaniel requires a relatively large amount of exercise and needs to be taken out for activities every day, so it is not suitable for the elderly or busy working people to raise.
1. Heart disease
Dogs are more likely to have heart disease due to obesity and old age. When dogs have heart disease, they mainly show symptoms such as easy fatigue and difficulty breathing. It is difficult to detect heart disease in dogs, and often when the owner notices it, the dog is already seriously ill.
2. Infectious diseases
Canine distemper and canine parvovirus are common and highly fatal infectious diseases in dogs. Dogs that have not been vaccinated in time are susceptible to these two infectious diseases, and once infected, they may show symptoms such as listlessness, loss of appetite, increased body temperature, vomiting, and diarrhea.
3. Kidney disease
When talking about common diseases and symptoms in dogs, it is necessary to mention kidney disease. The terrible thing about kidney disease in dogs is that the onset process is invisible. When the owner discovers it, the dog's renal cells are already damaged by more than 75%. When the dog's kidneys have problems, the symptoms are generally blood in the urine, abnormal urine color, and changes in urination habits.
4. Parasites
Intestinal worms such as roundworms and hookworms, as well as heartworms, are common parasites that infect dogs. When dogs are infected with gastrointestinal parasites, the main symptoms are emaciation, lethargy, diarrhea, presence of worms in the feces, and pale gingival mucosa. Heartworms are parasites that parasitize in the dog's heart. After dogs are infected, they may show symptoms such as decreased vitality, cough, anemia, dyspnea, and ascites.
5. Canine pneumonia
Pneumonia is also a common disease in dogs, but canine pneumonia is mostly a complication of other diseases, often occurring in dogs with abnormal upper respiratory tract, bacterial infection, canine distemper infection, viral cold, lung dysfunction, and heartworm infection. Cough, nasal congestion, and increased body temperature are the main symptoms of canine pneumonia.
1. The English Springer Spaniel needs plenty of exercise due to its natural love for physical activity. It should not be kept indoors for too long as it can hinder its growth and development, and also affect its mental health, leading to restlessness and depression.
2. Dogs are carnivorous animals, so when feeding them, ingredients rich in animal protein and fat should be added to their diet, along with an appropriate amount of vegetables to ensure a balanced diet and nutrition for their normal growth and physical health.
3. Feeding an English Springer Spaniel should be done on a regular schedule. Feeding them at specific times helps develop their conditioned reflex for eating, stimulates gastric acid secretion, increases their appetite, and promotes digestion and absorption. Generally, adult Springer Spaniels should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, with a slightly larger portion in the evening. Springer Spaniels under 1 year old should be fed 3 times a day; those under 3 months old should be fed 4 times a day; and puppies under 2 months old should be fed 5 times a day.
4. Dog food can vary in presentation, but the quantity should remain relatively stable. Feeding can be done both inside and outside the kennel, but it is usually preferred to feed them inside. Feeding at a specific location helps maintain a stable eating environment and facilitates management. Some Springer Spaniels may refuse to eat or experience decreased appetite when the feeding location is changed.
5. Except for summer, the temperature of the food should be kept warm. The ideal temperature for the food is around 40°C, not too cold or too hot. Cold food can be consumed in summer, while in winter, the food must be warmed to around 35°C, warm to the touch. If the food is too hot, it can not only affect the dog's appetite but also burn its teeth and mouth. However, food that is too cold can cause stomach upset. Each dog should have its own designated food bowl and should not share with other dogs, especially when feeding multiple dogs together, to prevent disease transmission. Food utensils should be promptly cleaned after feeding and periodically sterilized by boiling. Dogs have a highly regular lifestyle, so it's best to establish a designated eating area for them.
6. When feeding, it is important to observe the dog's eating habits. If there is leftover food or if it refuses to eat, the cause should be identified and addressed promptly. Any leftover food should be removed immediately and not left for the dog to consume freely.
7. Special attention should be given to Springer Spaniel puppies and those that are ill. Springer Spaniel puppies are best fed 4 times a day. The amount of food should gradually increase from small to large, from bad to good, with a fixed portion. It should neither be underfed nor overfed. Sick Springer Spaniels should be fed a mainly liquid diet, along with some lean meat, eggs, or easily digestible, nutritionally balanced food for sick dogs. They should also drink plenty of clean water.
1. Do not bathe frequently
When bathing a dog, of course, it should not be too frequent. The frequency of bathing a dog depends on the dog's hygiene condition. In hot weather, it can be bathed one or two more times, and in winter, it can be reduced by one or two times. But overall, it should not exceed 5 times. Otherwise, it will damage its fur and skin!
2. Brush the fur regularly
Dogs shed almost every day, especially during spring and autumn. Regular brushing is an important step to ensure good hair growth. Pet owners can use a pet-specific brush to help the dog remove natural shedding fur and prevent tangling. Brushing once in the morning and once in the evening for about five minutes each time is sufficient.
3. Sunbathe
Sunbathing is beneficial for the growth of a dog's fur. In addition to making the fur more shiny, letting the dog bask in the sun can also help kill bacteria. While sunbathing, pet owners can let the dog exercise a bit, which can help improve the dog's physical fitness, promote blood circulation, and grow healthier fur.
4. Deworming
Poor fur condition is closely related to parasites. Parasites absorb a large amount of nutrients from the dog's body, robbing nutrition. Therefore, deworming is necessary. It is recommended to deworm internally and externally at the same time. Also, deworming medication can cause great harm to the dog's digestive system, so it is recommended to feed probiotics regularly to relieve gastrointestinal discomfort.
5. Pay attention to diet
To ensure that a dog has a shiny coat, it must have a solid nutritional foundation and pay attention to daily diet. On one hand, feed the dog with nutritious and healthy dog food, choose a brand that suits the dog's needs and has sufficient nutrition to meet the dog's requirements. On the other hand, you can also feed the dog an appropriate amount of lean meat, cooked egg yolks, and vegetable oil.
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