The English Springer Spaniel is an intelligent, friendly, and energetic dog breed that makes a great family companion. Here are a few more facts about English Springer Spaniels:

1. The English Springer Spaniel Was Bred to be a Hunting Dog

Centuries ago, the English Springer Spaniel was used as a bird dog. In this capacity as a hunting companion, they were responsible for flushing out birds in high grass and then pointing to let the hunter know where their prey has landed or retrieving the bird to bring it back to the hunter.

For this job, the English Springer Spaniel was bred specifically to have a light, but tough and muscular stature. This, plus their endurance, would allow them to spend long days out in the field assisting their owners while they hunted.

When the hunting rifle was perfected after the 17th century, the English Springer Spaniel moved from working as a bird dog to working more commonly as a gundog.

2. They Are a Separate and Specific Spaniel Breed

For centuries, all spaniel breeds were considered relatively the same. As time progressed, specific spaniel breeds started to emerge, but separate and specific spaniel breeds are still relatively new. Before the 1900s, the English Springer Spaniel, Welsh Springer Spaniel, and even Cocker Spaniels were all considered to be the same breed.

In 1902, the Kennel Club of England recognized the English Springer Spaniel and Welsh Springer Spaniel as two distinct and separate dog breeds. And, in doing so, also separated and distinguished them from Cocker Spaniels. The American Kennel Club recognized the English Springer Spaniel in 1910 and consider them a member of the Sporting Group.

3. English Springer Spaniels Are Great Family Dogs

Although they can have a high prey drive and may not be the best fit for homes with birds as pets, the English Springer Spaniel tends to be a great family dog. They crave company and attention as a sociable and friendly dog breed and strive to be an involved member of the family unit.

Plus, they are eager to please and thrive on attention from their favorite humans. Their friendly nature, playful and energetic personality, and gentle demeanor make them a fantastic companion for children. They also tend to get along well with other dogs and even other pets as long as they have been socialized with them.

4. They Can be a Good Fit for First-Time Dog Owners

As long as you can give them the exercise they need as a high-energy dog breed, the English Springer Spaniel can be a good fit for first-time dog owners. They are highly intelligent, eager to please, and are usually easy to train.

They can get bored easily. But, as long as you keep training consistent, interesting, and focused on positive rewards, they tend to respond well and pick up on things quickly. If they are given enough activity and exercise, and expectations are clearly communication throughout training, they tend to be obedient dogs that excel at whatever you put in front of them.

Once your dog masters basic commands, dog sports can be a great way to incorporate fun and interesting training while also letting your English Springer Spaniel get some exercise. These dogs tend to excel in obedience, rally, tracking, agility, and more. You can also keep things simple and teach your dog how to play frisbee or games of catch.

Puppy training classes can be a good idea, even if you don’t feel like you need them. Not only will they help keep training consistent, and add something new and interesting, but you’ll also get some opportunities to socialize a puppy. Plus, your English Springer Spaniel will love the opportunity to be sociable and make new friends while spending more time with you.

These are just a few facts about English Springer Spaniels. If you think this could be the right dog breed for you, learn more about them and check out the available English Springer Spaniel puppies. You could end finding your next best friend!