Are you looking for a loyal friend and companion that will never betray you? Look no further than getting yourself a dog! There are many different breeds of dogs, and they all have different personalities. It would help if you got a dog who suits your personality and lifestyle.
English Springer Spaniels are ideal for first-time owners who have ample yard space. English Springer Spaniels were first bred to be hunting or gun dogs and hence have a lot of energy they need to get rid of; they are also very dependent on human company.
If you have never been a dog owner before and are looking for your first dog, an English Springer Spaniel may be the perfect choice for you if you are prepared for some maintenance.
Are English Springer Spaniels Good For First Time Owners?
These dogs are absolutely remarkable creatures. They are very loving and playful and love to give cuddles; well, most of them do its personality dependent like with humans too. English Springer Spaniels were initially bred to be hunting or gun dogs, so they have a lot of energy and need a lot of space to get rid of it.
The English Springer Spaniel comes from the spaniels, who were very popular in the 1500s and used as hunting companions. They were initially called Norfolk spaniels after the Duke of Norfolk, who developed this line of spaniels. We are very grateful that he did develop these sweet creatures.
They have an excellent temperament, perfect for first-time owners. English Springer Spaniels are not rebellious, although they are very playful. They will require some training; this should go well, though, as they are swift to learn and eager to obey. Their main concern is you, and they want to see you happy.
The English Springer Spaniel is a knowledgeable animal, and they are affectionate, alert, and attentive. If you want a guard dog that you can cuddle, this is the dog breed for you. They might select one person in the family and become very attached to this person, becoming a “Velcro dog” to this person.
English Springer Spaniels would need a lot of space to run out all of their energy and toys to keep them entertained. If they are unstimulated, they might start acting out by doing things like digging holes in the garden. To avoid them destroying your garden, you could set up a dedicated sandpit.
Taking them on regular walks is also really important, especially if they do not have a large yard to help them get rid of some of that excess energy. If they do have a big yard, it would still be beneficial to take them on walks as they get to explore a different environment, and you will be able to enjoy some exercise too.
Are English Springer Spaniels Good With Kids?
English Springer Spaniels are very playful and loving and are fantastic family dogs. They are great dogs for kids to grow up with as companions. They will be protective of your kids but not so much that their friends can’t play with them. Perhaps the dog will even become a “Velcro dog” to one of your kids.
Are English Springer Spaniels Good With Other Pets?
These dogs are good with other dogs, sometimes even cats. If your spaniel is already a few years old and you want to introduce a new dog into the family, you would have to introduce them slowly, but once they know each other, they will be good friends running and playing.
If you have pets like bunnies or chickens, it might be a bit trickier for your dog to get used to them. As the English Springer Spaniel has the natural hunting instincts because of their breeding, they might mistake a chicken or a bunny as prey and go hunting. If you introduce your spaniel to these as a puppy, it might go better.
How Much Grooming Does An English Springer Spaniel Require?
One of the things people love about English Springer Spaniels is their beautifully soft and fluffy hair. This hair does not magically stay this way; it needs to be maintained. Their hair needs to be brushed two to three times a week. Thankfully this also helps to reduce the amount of hair that they shed.
Their hair would also need to be washed, cut, and groomed regularly. It may be best to have a standing monthly appointment with a professional dog groomer if you are not up to the challenge yourself. Their nails also need to be clipped regularly. It is no secret that dogs aren’t fans of having their nails clipped, but it is worth it.
Health Issues Of The English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is generally a healthy dog, but they can have severe health issues in rare cases. They may develop hip, elbow, or retinal dysplasia. They are also prone to recurring ear infections, as you see with many floppy-eared dogs.
They could also become overweight quite quickly if overfed and not well exercised. You would need to ensure that they are getting the correct amount of nutritious food in and not too many treats to make sure that they remain healthy for the breed. Please don’t fall for their puppy dog eyes; you are doing it for their benefit.
If they do become overweight, you may need to consult your local vet about a diet that would help to keep your companion as healthy as possible.
Conclusion
English Springer Spaniels are terrific pets to have as first-time dog owners. They are playful, loving, and obedient well most of the time. They make incredible companions, and they are loyal beyond words. They do need a lot of space and exercise. They should be taken on regular walks.
They should get on well with most other pets, just not the kind they might like to hunt. They need regular grooming to prevent their beautiful coat from turning into dreadlocks. They are a generally healthy dog breed, and however, sometimes there are a few health issues, overall amazing dogs to love and have love you.
References
- https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/english-springer-spaniel
- https://www.quora.com/Why-do-some-people-not-recommend-the-English-Springer-Spaniel-for-first-time-owners
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Springer_Spaniel
- https://www.reddit.com/r/springerspaniel/comments/bkn6da/advice_for_a_first_time_springer_owner/
- https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/english-springer-spaniel/
- http://www.vetstreet.com/dogs/english-springer-spaniel
- https://kids.kiddle.co/English_Springer_Spaniel
