DON'T BUY AN ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL!Part Two
DON'T BUY A SPRINGER IF YOU ARE FASTIDIOUS ABOUT YOUR HOME OR IF YOU DISLIKE DOING REGULAR DOG GROOMING.
The English Springer Spaniel's coat and his love of playing in water and mud combine to make him a highly efficient transporter of dirt into your home, depositing same on your floors and rugs and possibly also on your furniture and clothes. One Springer coming in from a few minutes outdoors on a rainy day can turn an immaculate house into an instant hog wallow. (Again, training is in order!) --- and lots of towels!
His ears can soak up water every time he takes a drink, then releases same drippingly across your floor or soppingly into your lap. (Buy a "spaniel bowl".) English Springer Spaniels do shed, although they do not "blow coat". Daily brushing and combing to prevent excess hair around your home is a must. Springers also require weekly ear-cleaning, monthly foot trimming and most need a full grooming every 12 to 16 weeks.
"Pet" grooming does not require a great deal of skill, but does require time and regularity (about 4 hair-cuts/year). "Show" grooming requires a great deal of skill and considerably more time and effort or expensive professional grooming. Many other dog breeds require less grooming; short coated breeds require very little.
You can take steps to keep your home cleaner by regular grooming, and things like washing your dog's paws on rainy days, after a trip outdoors. I don't mean to imply that you must be a slob to live happily with a Springer, but it does help to have the attitude that your dog's company means more to you than does neatness, and you do have to be comfortable with a less than immaculate house and/or in doing more house-work than you did pre-Springer!
His ears can soak up water every time he takes a drink, then releases same drippingly across your floor or soppingly into your lap. (Buy a "spaniel bowl".) English Springer Spaniels do shed, although they do not "blow coat". Daily brushing and combing to prevent excess hair around your home is a must. Springers also require weekly ear-cleaning, monthly foot trimming and most need a full grooming every 12 to 16 weeks.
"Pet" grooming does not require a great deal of skill, but does require time and regularity (about 4 hair-cuts/year). "Show" grooming requires a great deal of skill and considerably more time and effort or expensive professional grooming. Many other dog breeds require less grooming; short coated breeds require very little.
You can take steps to keep your home cleaner by regular grooming, and things like washing your dog's paws on rainy days, after a trip outdoors. I don't mean to imply that you must be a slob to live happily with a Springer, but it does help to have the attitude that your dog's company means more to you than does neatness, and you do have to be comfortable with a less than immaculate house and/or in doing more house-work than you did pre-Springer!
DON'T BUY AN ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL IF YOU BELIEVE THAT DOGS SHOULD RUN "FREE."
Whether you live in town or country, no dog can safely be left to run "free" outside your fenced property and without your direct supervision and control. The price of such "freedom" is inevitably injury or death: from dogfights or from automobiles. Your justifiably irate neighbours may call the Humane Society to have your dog picked up. It is illegal to allow dogs to run loose in most places.
Being sporting dogs, many Springers have high prey/chase drives. Bred to work away, flushing birds, they can be inclined to roam. An unfenced Springer is destined for disaster. A thoroughly obedience-trained Springer can enjoy the limited and supervised freedom of off-leash walks with you in appropriately chosen environments.
If you don't want the responsibility of confining and supervising your pet, then no breed of dog is suitable for you. A neutered cat will survive such irresponsibly given "freedom" somewhat longer than a dog, but will eventually come to grief. A better answer for those who crave a "free" pet is to set out feeding stations for some of the indigenous wildlife, such as raccoons, which will visit for handouts and which may eventually tolerate your close observation.
Being sporting dogs, many Springers have high prey/chase drives. Bred to work away, flushing birds, they can be inclined to roam. An unfenced Springer is destined for disaster. A thoroughly obedience-trained Springer can enjoy the limited and supervised freedom of off-leash walks with you in appropriately chosen environments.
If you don't want the responsibility of confining and supervising your pet, then no breed of dog is suitable for you. A neutered cat will survive such irresponsibly given "freedom" somewhat longer than a dog, but will eventually come to grief. A better answer for those who crave a "free" pet is to set out feeding stations for some of the indigenous wildlife, such as raccoons, which will visit for handouts and which may eventually tolerate your close observation.
DON'T BUY A SPRINGER IF YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO BUY, FEED, PROVIDE QUALITY HEALTHCARE FOR ONE.
A good quality English Springer Spaniel is not a cheap breed to buy, as running a careful breeding program with due regard for temperament, trainability, and physical soundness (hips, eyes, and more) cannot be done cheaply. The time the breeder should put into each puppy's "pre-school" and socialization is also costly.
The "bargain" puppy from a "back-yard breeder" who non-selectively mates any two Springers who happen to be of opposite sex may well prove to be extremely costly in terms of bad temperament, bad health, and lack of essential socialization. Responsible breeders strive to minimize and virtually eliminate hereditary problems.
The possible health and hereditary disorders that can affect many breeds of dogs, including the English Springer Spaniel, are: PROGRESSIVE RETINAL ATROPHY (PRA), RETINAL DYSPLASIA, CANINE HIP DYSPLASIA, EPILEPSY, HEART PROBLEMS, THYROID DISORDERS, SKIN & ALLERGY PROBLEMS, EAR INFECTIONS, BLOAT, PFK DEFICIENCY, VON WILLEBRAND'S DISEASE, TEMPERAMENT PROBLEMS and * CANINE RAGE SYNDROME.
* (NOTE: Rage is a mis-nomer ... usually it's another form of aggression, including dominance aggression, fear-related aggression, resource guarding, and territorial behaviours that has been mis-labelled.) Reputable, responsible breeders use only physically sound, mature dogs of stable temperament for breeding.
NEVER buy a Springer from a Pet Store. Let me repeat ... NEVER buy a Springer from a Puppy Mill.
The occasional adult or older pup is available at modest price from a disenchanted owner or from a breeder, shelter, or rescuer to whom the dog was abandoned. Most of these "used" Springers are capable of becoming a marvelous dog for you if you can provide training, leadership, understanding and healthcare.
Whatever the initial cost of your English Springer Spaniel, the upkeep will not be cheap. Professional grooming, if you use it, is expensive. An adequate set of grooming tools for use at home adds up to a tidy sum, but once purchased will last many dog-lifetimes.
The modest fee for participation in a series of basic obedience training classes is an essential investment in harmonious living with your dog; such fees are the same for all breeds. The modest annual outlays for immunizations and for local licensing are generally the same for all breeds, though some counties have a lower license fee for spayed/neutered dogs.
All dogs, of whatever breed and however cheaply acquired, require significant upkeep costs, and all are subject to highly expensive veterinary emergencies. Likewise all cats.
The "bargain" puppy from a "back-yard breeder" who non-selectively mates any two Springers who happen to be of opposite sex may well prove to be extremely costly in terms of bad temperament, bad health, and lack of essential socialization. Responsible breeders strive to minimize and virtually eliminate hereditary problems.
The possible health and hereditary disorders that can affect many breeds of dogs, including the English Springer Spaniel, are: PROGRESSIVE RETINAL ATROPHY (PRA), RETINAL DYSPLASIA, CANINE HIP DYSPLASIA, EPILEPSY, HEART PROBLEMS, THYROID DISORDERS, SKIN & ALLERGY PROBLEMS, EAR INFECTIONS, BLOAT, PFK DEFICIENCY, VON WILLEBRAND'S DISEASE, TEMPERAMENT PROBLEMS and * CANINE RAGE SYNDROME.
* (NOTE: Rage is a mis-nomer ... usually it's another form of aggression, including dominance aggression, fear-related aggression, resource guarding, and territorial behaviours that has been mis-labelled.) Reputable, responsible breeders use only physically sound, mature dogs of stable temperament for breeding.
NEVER buy a Springer from a Pet Store. Let me repeat ... NEVER buy a Springer from a Puppy Mill.
The occasional adult or older pup is available at modest price from a disenchanted owner or from a breeder, shelter, or rescuer to whom the dog was abandoned. Most of these "used" Springers are capable of becoming a marvelous dog for you if you can provide training, leadership, understanding and healthcare.
Whatever the initial cost of your English Springer Spaniel, the upkeep will not be cheap. Professional grooming, if you use it, is expensive. An adequate set of grooming tools for use at home adds up to a tidy sum, but once purchased will last many dog-lifetimes.
The modest fee for participation in a series of basic obedience training classes is an essential investment in harmonious living with your dog; such fees are the same for all breeds. The modest annual outlays for immunizations and for local licensing are generally the same for all breeds, though some counties have a lower license fee for spayed/neutered dogs.
All dogs, of whatever breed and however cheaply acquired, require significant upkeep costs, and all are subject to highly expensive veterinary emergencies. Likewise all cats.
DON'T BUY AN ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL IF YOU WANT A FEROCIOUS KILLER ATTACK DOG.
The English Springer Spaniel's famous disposition as a cheerful, playful, gregarious, demonstrative, and high-spirited tail-wagger is not a fable. A Springer might bark at a criminal, but it's not likely that he'd attack one. Also because of selective breeding for retrieving, most Springers are "soft-mouthed" dogs.
Protection-trained dogs are trained to bite on direct command or in reaction to direct physical assault on his master, while "deterrent dogs" (large dogs that just look mean) dissuade the vast majority of aspiring burglars, rapists, and assailants. Springers are neither of these!!! Their soft eyes, wagging tail and sweet, gentle look rarely scares anyone.
They often make good watch-dogs, and they can sound like large dogs, some having very deep voices, but they certainly aren't guard dogs. Good locks and an alarm system are much more appropriate and effective steps to take.
Protection-trained dogs are trained to bite on direct command or in reaction to direct physical assault on his master, while "deterrent dogs" (large dogs that just look mean) dissuade the vast majority of aspiring burglars, rapists, and assailants. Springers are neither of these!!! Their soft eyes, wagging tail and sweet, gentle look rarely scares anyone.They often make good watch-dogs, and they can sound like large dogs, some having very deep voices, but they certainly aren't guard dogs. Good locks and an alarm system are much more appropriate and effective steps to take.
DON'T BUY A SPRINGER IF YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO COMMIT YOURSELF FOR THE DOG'S ENTIRE LIFETIME.
No dog deserves to be cast out because his owners want to move to a no-pet apartment, or because he is no longer a cute puppy, or didn't grow up to be a beauty contest winner, or because his owners through lack of leadership and training have allowed him to become an unruly juvenile delinquent with a repertoire of undesirable behaviours.
The prospects of a responsible and affectionate second home for a "used" dog are not always bright, especially for a poorly mannered dog. In many cities a Springer dumped into a Pound or Shelter needs the great good fortune to be spotted by someone dedicated to Springer Rescue. The prospects for adoption for a youngish, well-trained, and well-groomed Springer whose owner seeks the assistance of the nearest Springer Club or Rescue group are fairly good, but an older Springer has diminishing prospects.
Be sure to contact your local Springer club or Rescue group if you are diagnosed as terminally ill or have other equally valid reasons for seeking an adoptive home. Be sure to contact your local Springer club if you are beginning to have difficulties in training your Springer, so these can be resolved. Be sure to make arrangements in your will or with your family to ensure continued care or an adoptive home for your English Springer Spaniel if you should pre-decease him.
The life span of a English Springer Spaniel is about 12 - 14 years. If that seems too long a time for you to give unequivocal love and care to your English Springer Spaniel, then please do not get one! Indeed, as most dogs have a life expectancy that is as long or longer, please do not get any dog. Think carefully before making a commitment that will last your pet's lifetime.
The prospects of a responsible and affectionate second home for a "used" dog are not always bright, especially for a poorly mannered dog. In many cities a Springer dumped into a Pound or Shelter needs the great good fortune to be spotted by someone dedicated to Springer Rescue. The prospects for adoption for a youngish, well-trained, and well-groomed Springer whose owner seeks the assistance of the nearest Springer Club or Rescue group are fairly good, but an older Springer has diminishing prospects.
Be sure to contact your local Springer club or Rescue group if you are diagnosed as terminally ill or have other equally valid reasons for seeking an adoptive home. Be sure to contact your local Springer club if you are beginning to have difficulties in training your Springer, so these can be resolved. Be sure to make arrangements in your will or with your family to ensure continued care or an adoptive home for your English Springer Spaniel if you should pre-decease him.
The life span of a English Springer Spaniel is about 12 - 14 years. If that seems too long a time for you to give unequivocal love and care to your English Springer Spaniel, then please do not get one! Indeed, as most dogs have a life expectancy that is as long or longer, please do not get any dog. Think carefully before making a commitment that will last your pet's lifetime.
In Conclusion
If all the preceding "bad news" about Springers hasn't turned you away from the breed, then by all means DO GET A SPRINGER! They are every bit as wonderful as you have heard! My husband and I personally think they are the very best breed of dog for our life-style.
If buying a puppy, be sure to shop carefully for a *responsible* and *knowledgeable* breeder who places high priority on breeding for sound temperament and trainability, and good health in all matings. Such a breeder will interrogate and educate potential buyers carefully. Such a breeder will continue to be available for advice and consultation for the rest of the dog's life and will insist on receiving the dog back if ever you are unable to keep it.
As an alternative to buying a Springer puppy, you may want to give some serious consideration to adopting a rescued Springer. Despite the irresponsibility of their previous owner, many rescued Springers have proven to be readily rehabilitated so as to become superb family companions for responsible and affectionate adopters.
Many rescuers are skilled trainers who evaluate temperament and provide remedial training before offering dogs for placement, and who offer continued advisory support afterwards. Contact local Springer breeders or Springer club members to learn who is doing Rescue work.
If buying a puppy, be sure to shop carefully for a *responsible* and *knowledgeable* breeder who places high priority on breeding for sound temperament and trainability, and good health in all matings. Such a breeder will interrogate and educate potential buyers carefully. Such a breeder will continue to be available for advice and consultation for the rest of the dog's life and will insist on receiving the dog back if ever you are unable to keep it.
As an alternative to buying a Springer puppy, you may want to give some serious consideration to adopting a rescued Springer. Despite the irresponsibility of their previous owner, many rescued Springers have proven to be readily rehabilitated so as to become superb family companions for responsible and affectionate adopters.
Many rescuers are skilled trainers who evaluate temperament and provide remedial training before offering dogs for placement, and who offer continued advisory support afterwards. Contact local Springer breeders or Springer club members to learn who is doing Rescue work.
Pam Green's original article is... DON'T BUY A BOUVIER! (Pam Green, 1992).
Much of what you have just read is verbatim from Pam's article. Of course Bouviers and Springers are very different from one another, so I simply wrote the sections that are breed-specific for the Springer. I tend to be verbose so I expanded somewhat on other areas, such as obedience.
Please Note: All dogs, be they pure-bred or of a mixed heritage deserve to be loved and well-taken care of. There are simply too many dogs born every year. Spaying and neutering your pets is absolutely crucial, and not just your bitches. Neutered males have far fewer prostate problems (including cysts, abscesses, and prostate cancer) than do unaltered males, and they can't develop testicular cancer. They are less likely to roam, fight, demonstrate aggressiveness, or display hyperactive behaviour.
Much of what you have just read is verbatim from Pam's article. Of course Bouviers and Springers are very different from one another, so I simply wrote the sections that are breed-specific for the Springer. I tend to be verbose so I expanded somewhat on other areas, such as obedience.Please Note: All dogs, be they pure-bred or of a mixed heritage deserve to be loved and well-taken care of. There are simply too many dogs born every year. Spaying and neutering your pets is absolutely crucial, and not just your bitches. Neutered males have far fewer prostate problems (including cysts, abscesses, and prostate cancer) than do unaltered males, and they can't develop testicular cancer. They are less likely to roam, fight, demonstrate aggressiveness, or display hyperactive behaviour.
- Altered bitches and dogs, on average, live longer, healthier lives.
- Altered bitches and dogs behave better and are more focused on training.
- Altered bitches and dogs cannot contribute to the over-population in the canine world!
Altering your dog, male or female, is the most responsible thing you can do in today's world of pet overpopulation. There are so many homeless pets--dogs and cats alike--that any pet owner who lets their dog breed is only adding to the serious problem of overpopulation by letting their pets reproduce.
Unless you are a professional breeder who already has good homes for all puppies born to your dog, you shouldn't even consider breeding your dog/bitch. It only contributes to the tragic situation of unwanted, homeless animals being abandoned, abused, and even euthanized.
Benefits of altering
The benefits of altering your canine are self-explanatory in regards to suppressing the overpopulation of dogs and puppies. Behavioural benefits can be reaped, too, when your dog or puppy is altered. Male dogs who are neutered do NOT, contrary to popular belief, become fat and lazy.
What neutering does do for your male, in most cases, is keep him closer to home (he won't feel the need to roam to look for females in heat). In addition, a neutered male will be less aggressive towards others, including dogs, other animals, and even people. The benefits of altering your dog seriously outweigh any doubts you may have ever had about this common, harmless procedure.
Unless you are a professional breeder who already has good homes for all puppies born to your dog, you shouldn't even consider breeding your dog/bitch. It only contributes to the tragic situation of unwanted, homeless animals being abandoned, abused, and even euthanized.
Benefits of altering
The benefits of altering your canine are self-explanatory in regards to suppressing the overpopulation of dogs and puppies. Behavioural benefits can be reaped, too, when your dog or puppy is altered. Male dogs who are neutered do NOT, contrary to popular belief, become fat and lazy.
What neutering does do for your male, in most cases, is keep him closer to home (he won't feel the need to roam to look for females in heat). In addition, a neutered male will be less aggressive towards others, including dogs, other animals, and even people. The benefits of altering your dog seriously outweigh any doubts you may have ever had about this common, harmless procedure.
Arlene Blum
If you have a web-site and would like to provide a link to "DON'T BUY AN ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL!" for your visitors, please feel free to use one of the banners or buttons on the next page for linking purposes.
For current and accurate information about this wonderful, versatile breed, both show-bred Springers and field-bred Springers. The ESSFTA is the Parent Club for the English Springer Spaniel and their site includes a wealth of info on health and a breeder referral service.
More Links
Here are some links to sites which you may find useful.
- The Canadian Kennel Club
- The American Kennel Club
- The English Springer Spaniel Club of Canada (ESSCC)
- Wild Rose English Springer Spaniel Association of Alberta (WRESSAA)
- The Kennel Club (UK)
- The United Kennel Club
- The Westminster Kennel Club
- Field VS Show (The difference between a Show Bred & Field Bred E.S.S.)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
- Canine Eye Registration Foundation (C.E.R.F.)
- English Springer Spaniel Breed History
- Dogs in Canada Magazine
Home
www.nanjay.com
www.nanjay.com
Copyright © 2003-2006 Arlene Blum.
All rights reserved.
All rights reserved.