springer spaniel?

Question

WE ARE GOING TO LOOK AT A 7 MONTH OLD SPRINGER SPANIEL, IVE TRYED TO READ UP AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, ANYONE GOT ANY EXPIRIANCE WITH OR ADVICE

Answer 1

Lovely dogs but they are quite overactive so need a lot of stimulation, excercise and company.
I had a springer called Webster and he was a wonderful pet....just slightly mental lol.

Answer 2

Springers are sweeties - happy go lucky. lets play, friendly devoted - and in any body of water they can find in a nanosecond. (She will ADORE having a kiddie wading pool in your yard.)

(1) Go here to read about the breed.

You didn't say whether it is an English or Welsh, or if you meant Brittany Spaniel that closely resembles them so I gave you links for all

English

http://www.essfta.org/
http://essfta.org/essfta/rightspringer.htm
http://essfta.org/essfta/general_info.htm

Welsh

http://www.wssca.com/
http://www.wssca.com/html/faq.htm

Brittany

http://www.wssca.com/html/faq.htm


Those take you to the National Club for each breed which is the only club about the breed that is recognized and accredited by the AKC and it sets the standards for the breed . The Clubs' websites will give you an ENORMOUS amount of information about the breed - the good, the bad, and the why or why not to get that breed. The clubs websites also have:

(1) a breeders list - all of whom have agreed to abide by the breeders code of ethics (which you can read)

(2) a link to the breed rescue for their breed


Now on health and hereditary conditions, the clubs websites have information about the problems which the good breeders are worried about.: (and hereditary eye conditions seem to be a biggy!)

These stats some from the OFA for dogs whose owner/breeders care enough to submit the xrays for review - typically breeders who are devoted to screening their stock for genetic conditions. Also if a dogs xray come up so bad that it is obvious they won't pass the OFA, pretty much no one bothers to send them since the dog will be neutered/spayed and they already know it won't pass so why spend the money.

English: about 14 % hip dysplasia and 13% elbow dysplasia

Welsh: 13% hip dysplasia, 5% elbow dysplasia and 10% thyroid deficencies

Brittany: 15% hip dysplaisa, 11% patella (kneecap) abnomalities


Now there are very important things to ask the breeder and what a responsible reliable breeder should do and ask you:

Here is a good list:

http://essfta.org/essfta/breedersguidelines.htm

The breeder should have the documentation from the OFA and CERF (eye) that the parents passed all the tests for hereditary health problems (and this is a lot more than the vet saying they are healthy) And "pass' on hips/elbows means "fair, good, excellent" - anything else is a flunk.

The breeder should have the records of all the shots and worming and vet exams for the puppy (at least 3 vaccine visits alone at that age)

The breeder should be able to show you pictures of the family -grandparents,aunts, uncles and tell you about the bloodline. Is it more a field dog line or a show line (the first being higher energy.)

The breeder should be a member and active in the national or a regional breed club for the breed

The breeder should give you a WRITTEN contract which

(1) guaranteed the pup against hereditary health defects for its life

(2) require that if at anytime during its life, you can't keep the dog, it comes back to them

(3) typically require that a dog sold as a pet (not a show prospect) be spayed or neutered

(4) provide all documentation such as a pedigree and AKC registrations for the pup - and a good breeder typically micro-chips their puppies


A good breeder will interview YOU. Your home, your commitment to the dog, will you go to obedience class, how many in your family, who is your vet, who will be the primary caretaker, how will the dog exercise, is the yyard fenced (pretty necessary in these breeds), that it won't be be banished to a doghouse or tied out (a huge no-no in the eyes of good breeders).....



GOOD LUCK!

Answer 3

I have had 2 springer spaniels and they are fantastic, intelligent dogs. Very good natured and good with children. They do need lots of exercise though and appear to be attracted to water (clean or dirty) like a magnet. Enjoy. Also, springer rage syndorme I would suggest is a highly questionable diagnosis and a common misconception is that they are called springers because they are 'bouncy'. This is not the case the name comes from the fact that they are bred to 'spring' game' from undergrowth etc.

Answer 4

I would advise you to check out the Welsh Springer Spaniel rather than the English. English Springers tend to have a lot of individuals with something called 'Springer Rage Syndrome' in which they will attack without provocation - often members of their own family - then snap out of it without realizing what they have done. Sad, scary condition, I hope they can find a cure soon - but till then, I would reccomend avoiding the English breed.

Answer 5

You don't say if you're looking at an English or Welsh springer, but they're a lot the same temperament wise. Very easy-going family dogs, good with kids, very intelligent and they really like to be close to their owners. They're also very, very energetic and need a lot of exercise. Since they're also very smart, they like to have some kind of job to do - even teaching them tricks will work. They really require a minimum of grooming, a quick brush once a week will keep them mat free (make sure you're thorough on the ears and feathering).

Answer 6

Springers are a HUGE handful, they aren't all nuts but it comes with the territory. Have you had any past dog experience??? It will need lots of excercise and that's just the start. The best Springers and the most sane ones I met were working gun dogs, plenty to occupy themselves, highly trained and respective of their owners. They really can be hardwork, especially at 7months without strong previous handling. Sorry to sound so negative, they are gorgeous dogs but do not take on the task lightly, previous experience is usually a beneifit !!!!

Answer 7

I've had my springer mollie for 8 years, and have never had such a loyal loving dog there a very active breed but lots of fun, puppy class is a good idea as it is with any dog, but if your going for a springer you've made a good choice,you cant go wrong with a springer your have many years of a very loyal fun loving member of your family.

Answer 8

I now know why they have the name of springer. I got a puppy springer and unfortunately i had to re home her because i work a few hours every day and i soon realised that she had alot more energy than i had expected. even though i took her for long walks she still had enough energy to go on and on. She seemed to use the time when she was on her own to rest so that meant when i got home she went mad. If you have alot of time and patience they are gorgeous dogs to have. Good luck

Answer 9

Wonderful dogs,loyal, obedient but as everyone else says they need a HUGE amount of exercise. At least an hours exercise a day plus 2 shorter walks too. Also watch for their pedigree because they can have problems with their sight. Mine had a detatched retina and had to have an eye removed and has only limited sight in the other-she's only 6. As with any animal they are big commitment.

Answer 10

They are good dogs for families with children but they can be a bit nutty when they are young and bounce about alot. They are working dogs so enjoy excersise but are also happy to sit in front of the fire by your feet. They are loving and loyal. They are also easy to train. They need some brushing esp. their ears as they get into their food and get matted, buy a "spaniel bowl" which is a food bowl which is narrow with high sides so the ears dont drop in the food so much.