Springer spaniels are great with children and other pets, they make great companions and working dogs alike. But you might wonder if your new puppy or adopted springer spaniel will pick a favorite person in the household.
Springer spaniels might have a favorite to whom they show more affection and loyalty, usually the person who gives them the most attention. Springer spaniels are loving, affectionate, and highly sociable. They show this love and loyalty to every family member and expect the same in return.
While a springer spaniel might have a particular leaning towards one person in the family, they do not necessarily show favoritism or ignore anybody in the family. Provided a person gives them the affection and love they crave, the springer spaniel will always show that love in return, even to strangers. It’s important, however, to socialize springer spaniels from a young age to instill confidence.
Do Springer Spaniels Pick A Favorite Person?
Springer spaniels are an extremely popular dog breed due to their affectionate, friendly, playful, and loyal nature. This dog breed thoroughly enjoys spending time with the people in its family. They are extremely affectionate and loving towards people.
As such, a springer spaniel does not fit into the typical “one person dog” category. They are a very person-oriented dog breed and would prefer to spend all their time surrounded by people. If left alone for long periods, a springer spaniel may start to engage in destructive and problematic behavior such as destroying personal items and barking excessively.
Because they are highly affectionate and not your typical “one-person dog,” a springer spaniel will generally show equal love and affection to all members of its human family. However, there might be one or two “favorite” people to whom the springer spaniel might show more love and loyalty.
This is not to say that the springer spaniel will be unpleasant towards other family members. Instead, it means there will simply be a subtle inclination towards one person over another regarding cuddles or quality time.
Suppose this so-called “favorite” person is no longer in the room. In that case, the springer spaniel will show equal affection to another family member or even a stranger to whom they have quickly become accustomed.
A springer spaniel might show more affection to one person, in particular. The reason for this is simple. It is most likely that this person has shown the springer spaniel more attention than anybody else. This might be the person that feeds the springer spaniel. This might be the person who bathes the springer spaniel and takes them for regular walks.
This is probably the person who plays with the springer spaniel most frequently and gives them the most affection and the person with whom the springer spaniel might cuddle up at night in bed or on the couch. Naturally, the bond between the springer spaniel and this person will be substantially stronger than that with another person who does not dedicate as much time to the dog.
As a result, the springer spaniel will be more drawn to that person when they are present. If anybody else gave the dog the same amount of attention and affection, the springer spaniel would be equally as close and attached to them.
How Do Springer Spaniels React To Strangers?
Springer spaniels are not necessarily known as the best watchdogs. However, they can certainly alert their families to the presence of a stranger, invited or not. The stranger in question will be greeted with a suspicious bark by the springer spaniel, alerting their family.
However, once this “stranger” has been welcomed into the home, the springer spaniel will show them a high degree of affection and expect the same level of affection in return.
Some springer spaniels will be completely focused on their own family and will be far less inclined to pay attention to anybody else, be it other dogs or people. This does not mean they will be aggressive to others in a public space. It just means that they may not necessarily acknowledge their presence.
How Are Springer Spaniels With Children?
Springer spaniels are generally considered very good with children. It’s important, however, that the springer spaniels are introduced to the children at a young age. This will ensure that they become used to children and do not react negatively towards children at a later stage in their lives.
It’s imperative to educate your children on how to behave around dogs. Suppose a child is shown how to interact appropriately with dogs. In that case, they will ensure that the dog is comfortable and will not react negatively to the child. Suppose a child pulls on a dog’s tail or engages in similar behavior. In that case, the dog will most likely react badly, especially if the springer spaniel is not used to being around children.
How Are Springer Spaniels With Other Animals?
Springer spaniels are generally very good with other pets, especially dogs. Provided your springer spaniel has been brought up correctly and properly socialized from a young age, they ought to have positive interactions with any other dog they come into contact with.
Springer spaniels are also good with other animals such as cats and smaller pets. Springer spaniels are unlikely to attack any other small animals in their presence. However, a springer spaniel may try to hunt birds. This is due to being bred as a hunting dog.
Springer Spaniels & Separation Anxiety
Because springer spaniels are highly friendly dogs that thrive in the company of other humans, they sometimes struggle when left alone for long periods. A springer spaniel would prefer to be in human company at all times.
If left alone, a springer spaniel may start to engage in unwanted behavior. This behavior can include excessive barking and chewing other items such as shoes and socks.
Conclusion
Springer spaniels are extremely loving and affectionate dogs. This makes them excellent companions for individuals and families alike. They generally love everybody but may show more affection to the person who spends more time with them and gives more attention. While a springer spaniel might warn you with a bark when a stranger enters the home, they will quickly start to demand affection from this stranger once they realize there is no threat.
Sources
https://figopetinsurance.com/blog/getting-know-english-springer-spaniel
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/about-the-english-springer-spaniel/
https://www.pumpkin.care/dog-breeds/english-springer-spaniel/
https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/amazing-springer-spaniel-facts-here-are-10-interesting-dog-facts-about-the-energetic-springer-spaniel-3362243
https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/englishspringerspaniels.html
https://thedogvisitor.com/do-springer-spaniels-have-a-favorite-person
https://www.hillspet.co.za/dog-care/dog-breeds/english-springer-spaniel
https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/english-springer-spaniel#/slide/1
