So, you want to know about English Springer Spaniels, eh?
Then by all means, READ ON!
The English Springer Spaniel was first recognized by the Kennel Club of England in 1902. The breed was used enthusiastically in England, and it took many years for Springer Spaniels to reach the United States. In 1910 the Springer Spaniel was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club.It wasn't until 1924 that the English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association formed in America. In 1932 a committe was formed to represent the major kennels and established a standard for the breed. These standards were then approved by both the American Kennel Club, and the English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association
What are the standards for the breed? Because of
the type of work that the Springer is intended for, he should be kept to a
medium size. The ideal shoulder height is 20 inches for males and 19 inches
for females. Weight is dependent upon size of course. A 20 inch male who
is well proportioned and in good condition should weigh between 49 and 55
pounds. It is important the size and proportion of the dogs head be in
balance with his overall size. If viewed from the side, his head should
appear to be about the same length as his neck, and should "blend" in, not
appearing too large or obtrusive. The dogs expression should be alert,
trusting and kind. His eyes should be neither small, full, round, nor
prominent, hard in expression or bold. They should be set well apart and
deep in the sockets, not bulging or protruding. The liver and white variety
should have irises that are a dark hazel, and black and white dogs, black or
deep brown irises. Ears should be level with the line of the eyes, on the
side of the skull and not too far back on the head. Flaps should be fairly
long and wide, and hang close to the cheeks. There should be no tendency to
stand either up or out, and should be of thin leather, and long enought to
reach the tip of the nose. Skull appearance should be medium in length,
fairly broad, flat on top and slightly rounded on the back and sides. The
occiput bone (in the center of the head, towards the base of the skull, and
extending to about the middle of the skull) should be rounded and incon-
spicuous. The foreface (from the eyes forward) should be about the same
length as the skull. Cheeks should be flat and nicely chiseled under the
eyes. A profile view of the dog shows a muzzle in an almost parallel plane
to the topline of the skull. Flesh colored ("Dudley noses") or spotted
("butterfly noses") are not desirable. Jaws should be strong and long
enough to carry game easily. As with all dogs a good bite is needed.
Dogs should have a strong, muscular neck, with a nice length to it.
Forelegs should be straight and nicely feathered. The body should be
strong and well proportioned in all areas. Hindquarters should be well let
down from the hips to the hocks. They should be moderately bent at the hock
and stifles, and should not project either inwards or outwards.
Those are just the basics as far as standards go. I would be here for
a month of Sundays if I were to tell you ALL of the things that judges look
for in the breed. However, that should give you a pretty good grasp of the
breeds standards.
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