| By :
Brent McCoy
The English Springer Spaniel (also known simply as the "Springer Spaniel") is a sporting breed of dog that is very closely related to the English Cocker Spaniel - the two breeds having been considered the same at one time - which features long ears and a white coat with either black or liver markings. The breed came into existence during the mid-1800s, and was first used for the key purpose of flushing birds into the air on hunting trips. A few of their most distinct traits typically include their high intelligence, friendly nature, soft mouth, keen sense of smell and their signature ability to flush birds into the air - which all help in making the English Springer Spaniel a fitting choice for use in hunting purposes, drug detection and as a companion dog for active families. The English Springer Spaniel is thought to have descended from the Norfolk Spaniel and Shropshire Spaniel of the mid-1800s and is very closely related to the English Cocker Spaniels - in fact, during the early 1900s both breeds were known to have come from the same litters. They received their name and favor among hunters based on their special ability to "spring" and flush birds into the air. English Springer Spaniels are classed as a medium-sized breed. The recommended standard size for the English Springer Spaniel male is 20 inches tall from paw to shoulder and a weight of 50 pounds, whereas the recommended size for female English Springer Spaniels is 19 inches high from paw to shoulder with a weight of 40 pounds. The English Springer Spaniel is legendary for their cheerful, playful, sociable and devoted temperament. They are often friendly with visitors, which often makes them quite unsuitable as a guard dog. The English Springer Spaniel is also demonstrated to be extremely intelligent - scoring 13th compared to other dogs when taking into account their ability to be taught obedience commands. They are also famous to be good with kids - meaning they are highly suitable as a family pet. The English Springer Spaniel is usually compatible with other animals with the exception of birds and dogs of the same gender who they may become aggressive with. The English Springer Spaniel enjoys having at least an average-sized yard to provide them with enough space, but they can be mildly suitable for life in an apartment just as long as they are given enough exercise. The English Springer Spaniel prefers to be out on hunting trips but their need for activity can also be met through exploring the wilderness, going swimming, sessions of obedience training or learning tricks, taking part in agility trials and chasing after a ball or frisbee. They have a medium to high degree of energy and require daily exercise in the form of long walks or jogs at a minimum to avert hyperactivity or destructive behavior as well as prevent excessive weight gain. The English Springer Spaniel could make the ideal breed of dog for hunters as well as active owners or families that enjoy the outdoors. They are suitable to anybody who is eager to execute a regular amount of grooming and take time to provide them with positive reinforcement training and regular mental stimulation in addition to take them on long daily walks and offer a very high quantity of love and devotion - they thrive on human contact and like their relative in the Cocker Spaniel they prefer being part of the family's social outings to being left alone in the yard all day. Though they can be a bit out of place in some multiple pet households, if you are capable of meeting their high demands for physical and mental stimulation then the English Springer Spaniel may possibly make the ideal dog for you.
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