English Springer Spaniels

Known as bird dogs, English Springer Spaniels are beloved for their smarts, obedience, stamina, and loyalty. These pups are made for spending long days out running. They’re muscular, fast, and incredibly agile. They have a long double coat of hair that comes in a variety of colors and patterns, and their puppy dog ears are their trademark.

English Springer Spaniels were specifically bred so that they can work together with humans. They are very easy to train and love to please their masters. They are also very social animals and don’t like to be left alone. Good with children and other animals, this breed is a great choice for families, farmhands, and hunters. They are always eager to partake in activities, such as playing fetch, walking, and swimming. Of course, they also love a good cuddle.

English Springer Spaniels are often used as hunting buddies for people who hunt for sport, particularly those in the Northeast and Midwest.

English Springer Spaniel Food and Health

The English Springer Spaniel is an active, muscular breed. To keep up with their health needs, it’s suggested that an active dog of this breed eat approximately 1,300 calories a day; however, less active dogs should be fed less calories to avoid the unnecessary weight gain that could potentially complicate their health.

English Springer Spaniels of all ages should be fed a diet that is rich in whole meat proteins, such as fish, lamb, and poultry, for muscle strength. Healthy fats are also important for these dogs, as they provide the energy this breed requires. and great sources of healthy fats can come from flaxseed oil or safflower. Fruits and vegetables are also required, as they are great sources of fiber.

There are a lot of commercial dog foods available, but make sure that you are choosing recipes that meet the nutritional needs of your English Springer Spaniel. Whole meats should be listed as the first ingredients on the label. Also, you should avoid feeding your Spaniel any commercial foods that contain added sugars and meat by-products, as they are more difficult to digest.

English Springer Spaniels are generally healthy dogs; however, some are prone to seborrhea, a condition of the skin that causes flaking and itching (much like dandruff in humans). If your Spaniel has this problem, foods that contain Omega-3 fatty acids can ease your pup’s skin.

Commercial dry and wet dog food are both great choices for Springer Spaniels. Since they are chewers, dry food can help to satiate their desire to chew; plus, it can keep their teeth clean. Some great commercial recipes for Springer Spaniels include rocky mountain high protein and high protein dry dog food. Feeding twice a day is recommended for Spaniels’ of all ages; however, be mindful of the calorie content to avoid obesity, which can lead to hip dysplasia, a condition that these dogs are prone to.

Spaniels eat with great zest. To prevent the bowl from sliding around during mealtime, consider using a bowl that features a non-skid bottom, such as stainless steel dog bowl.

Leashes and Collars for your English Springer Spaniel

In order to ensure the safety of your pet, you are going to want to outfit him with a dog leash and collar. There are several types of leashes and dog collars on the market, but you want to make sure you choose one that’s both comfortable and durable.

If you have a puppy, it’s important to keep in mind that he is going to grow, and as he does, the collar will become tighter. To avoid the constantly replacing the collar for your fast-growing dog, invest in one that’s adjustable; however, once your pup outgrows it, you will need to purchase one that will properly fit his adult-sized neck. As a general rule of thumb, you should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck.

Collars that are made of durable materials are feature clip fasteners are ideal, like this one waterproof, rechargeable dog training collars. They can withstand the strength of the dog, as well as any water he comes in contact with, and they are easy to fasten.

As for a leash, ensure that it offers your dog enough space to explore; however, you don’t want it to be so long that it becomes difficult to control your pooch. Also, the leash should be comfortable for you to hold, easy to attach to a collar, and highly durable, like this one PetFusion ultimate pet bed.

Best Crates, Beds, and Doghouses for English Springer Spaniels

Crates are an important accessory for an English Springer Spaniel. Not only are they a great tool for training (particularly potty training), but they also provide a “den” like environment that can comfort your dog when you aren’t with him. As mentioned, Springer Spaniels are quiet social and can become nervous when they are left alone. A dog crate can offer the comfort that is needed.

To select a crate for your Springer Spaniel, make sure that there’s enough room for him to stand up and turn around; however, avoid too much space, as it can defeat the purpose of the crate.

You’ll also want to provide your Springer Spaniel with a comfortable bed. Again, make sure that it isn’t oversize, as it will prevent the dog from having that “snuggled” feeling that they enjoy. Furthermore, you should also consider investing in a bed that is easy to wash, as Springer Spaniels tend to shed and you’ll want to be able to remove the fur with ease.

For a dog house, consider the climate of your location. For instance, if you live in Maine where winter weather can be harsh, consider a dog house that features built-in heating and insulation. If you live in a warm climate, such as southern California, a dog house with built-in air conditioning is a wise investment.

English Springer Spaniel Toys

Springer Spaniels are highly energetic and love to play! Keeping them entertained with toys is a great way to provide them with the exercise that they need to stay healthy; it’s also a great way to help prevent them from getting into trouble.

These dogs are very strong, so you want to ensure that you are choosing toys that are made out of high-quality, durable materials. Some great options include Blue washable cotton tough chewing toy and puppy chew toys for playtime . They are virtually indestructible, so they should be able to withstand the power of your pup’s jaw.

Other great toys for Springer Spaniels include toys that can have food stuffed into them, such as peanut butter. There are tons of options to choose from, including bones and balls; however, do make sure that, whatever you choose, it’s extremely durable.

Grooming Insights for English Springer Spaniel owners

If your dog is highly active or is used for hunting, grooming about once a week is recommended, including bathing and brushing; however, if he is just a companion, bathing once a month with weekly brushings is recommended.

Use a slicker brush, like this one pro quality Slicker brush to get loosen tangles and remove any mats. Next, use a medium-bristle brush to comb, like this double sided pin and bristle pet brush, brushing in the direction that the hair grows. Remove as much loosened hair as possible.

For bathing, use a shampoo that is specially formulated for sensitive skin, which Springer Spaniels tend to have. This is a great option to use Earthbath pet shampoo. A bath mitt can be helpful, as it will allow you to reach your dog’s undercoat and also removes dead hair.

If you live in an area where fleas and ticks are known to be issues, such as Long Island, New York, Georgia, or New Hampshire, make sure you apply flea and tick products as needed; particularly before the height of the flea and tick seasons.

Springer Spaniel Accessories

There are tons of accessories available that are well-suited for English Springer Spaniels. Consider the lifestyle of your dog to determine what type of accessories you should purchase. For example, if he will be your hunting companion, a specialty hunting vest, like this one Camouflage dog life vest is a great option; or, if your pup will be walking trails with you during hot weather, you may want to invest in a cooling vest, such as this Petilleur dog cooling vest to keep him comfortable and safe. You can also purchase travel water and food bowls, which are ideal for pups that will be traveling frequently.

English Springer Spaniels are excellent dogs that will be sure to bring you years of joy; especially when properly cared for.