Today we will look at 10 interesting facts
about Springer Spaniels you need to know!
One dog that often appears at the top of
people's canine wishlists is the Springer Spaniel; they were the U.K.'s sixth most
popular pet in 2020 and the 27th most Popular of all purebreds in the United States.
They have a wide range of positive attributes that Combine to make them fantastic family pets. This
rugged and intelligent dog was bred specifically To work closely and effectively with humans.
Springer spaniels are always people-pleasing and Can get along well with various other animals
in many living situations. They are incredibly Affectionate with their human family members,
especially children. They're also highly energetic And have an up-for-anything sort of attitude that
makes them ideal pets for active families. Now onto the facts about these dogs that
will surely leave you amazed!
Fact number 1: They have a noble history!
Onetime bred to be adaptable hunting dogs in The British Isles, springer spaniels
are currently making themselves right At home as versatile, loyal companion
animals across the United States. They are one of the U.K.'s oldest dog breeds,
there's evidence that spaniel-type dogs existed In Britain as early as 300 AD, and we have
clear records of them dating back to 7000 BC!
They were intended to help flush out, or
"spring," small animals and birds so that Hunters could easily capture their game in a
net or shoot it out of the air. Their impressive Sniffing power and their rugged, semi-webbed feet
also helped make them excellent hunting partners, Whether on the ground or in water.
Though it wouldn't become its own distinct Breed for another 600 years, even the giant
Scottish rebel William Wallace or Braveheart, Owned a springer spaniel named Merlin.
Together they strode into the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. This wouldn't be the
last time Springer Spaniels would go to war, As you will find out later in this video. When the wheel lock firearm started to become More common in the 17th century, the
Spaniel soon thrived at flushing game For "flying shooting" hunting. By the turn of
the 19th century, spaniel litters were prized Across the world and recognized for their
natural talent as gun dogs. Fact number 2: They have confusing cousins!
What's the difference between a Welsh springer Spaniel, an English springer
spaniel, and a Cocker Spaniel?
Well, as it turns out, not a whole lot
but enough to make them separate breeds. They were only actually recognized as distinct
breeds by the Kennel Club in 1902. Before that, Litters of Spaniels would just be separated
by size: the smaller dogs were designated As Cockers and the larger dogs as Springers.
Additionally, Welsh springer spaniels do tend To be slightly smaller than English springer
spaniels. They also have differently shaped Heads with straighter muzzles and skulls
that are more domed than other spaniels.
To add a bit more complexity when trying to tell
these dogs apart, there is also a field type and A show type. The field spaniel is usually
a smaller dog with a shorter coat and ears And was bred to be a working gundog. Meanwhile, show spaniels have a taller, Heavier build, longer coats, and bigger ears.
Can you tell the difference between all these Dogs at a glance? Let us know!
Fact number 3: They can smell out trouble!
English Springer Spaniels are brilliant
at using their nose and are often used By the police to search for things
like drugs, explosives, and guns.
It's said that their sense of smell is over
100,000 times more acute than that of humans. It can be hard to imagine because, as humans, our
world is predominantly governed by what we see.
For your Spaniel, its world is
determined by its sense of smell, With other senses being less important.
If we were put into visual terms, Then a human could see something clearly that was
about a third of a mile away. But a spaniel could See the same thing if it were 3000 miles away! Another way to explain it is that while a human Might notice if their coffee has a teaspoon of
sugar in it. One of these dogs could detect that Teaspoon of sugar in over a million gallons of
water or two Olympic-sized swimming pools! It's an impressive ability and can
be utilized for a range of tasks.
In 2015 an English Springer Spaniel called Ruby
trained as part of the U.K. Border Force as a Cash detection dog, and she ended up sniffing
the Queen's handbag. It was said that because The dog did not sit down, she confirmed that the
Queen did not carry any wads of cash around.
When they are not sticking their snout in the
belongings of royalty or searching airports For contraband, Springer Spaniels can often
be found following trails only they can find While on walks or, more likely, appearing
out of nowhere when you open a snack! Fact number 4: They have boundless energy!
The word 'springer' in their name says it All. Springer Spaniels don't just walk; they
sprint and jump through the air to get from A to B. Some people get overwhelmed by all
this energy and may wish there was a 'stop' Button. This breed has almost endless energy
reserves and is always ready to play! Springer Spaniels are happy hunting in the fields
or fetching in the park. As sporting dogs, These spaniels need plenty of exercise and
should not simply be apartment dwellers. However, they are very adaptable and show
some variation in energy between individuals.
Most Springers will take exercise whenever they
can get it, and they may become a bit hyperactive Without it. This dog does love to join in on
family activities and will become quite sad if They feel like they're being left out! Considering
the Springer Spaniel's history as a working dog, It's a no-surprize that they need plenty of
exercise. Once your pup reaches adulthood, They'll need between 1 and 2 hours a day,
depending on whether they are from a show
Or working line. Also, because Springer
Spaniels are so intelligent, their brains Must be given as much exercise as their bodies.
A plod around the block won't cut it for these Active pups! Take them out to safe, open areas
where they can be off-lead or on a long line. As hunting dogs, the best way to keep them
entertained is by mimicking those kinds Of activities. So let them sniff, play
lots of scent and hiding games, fetch, Or even run through their training when out
on a walk and they'll thank you for it!
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Fact number 5: They are excellent hunting dogs!
As we mentioned earlier, the Springer Spaniel is An old breed and a versatile hunting dog used
in numerous hunting situations. The Springer Has proven itself able to hunt everything
from upland game to waterfowl while being An excellent companion adding enjoyment
and efficiency to each hunting trip.
With rudimentary obedience training
and some initial field training, This breed can fulfill most hunters'
desires, and there is nothing to compare to A springer's hard-charging trailing of a bird. Moreover, the Springer can quarter efficiently In front of a hunting party, staying within
gun range and periodically checking back to Confirm it maintains a proper working distance.
This pattern allows for a quieter hunt, with the Handler able to observe their springer companion
methodically and carefully searching the field in Front. With experience, they will even utilize
the wind and learn to "cut off" fast-running Birds and get in front of them, thus placing
the bird between them and the hunter, allowing For a better shooting situation. Fact number 6: They can run like the wind!
It goes without saying that a field-bred springer
spaniel is adept at running great distances while Chasing and retrieving prey for hunters. Generally
speaking, these dogs are very energetic and can Easily accompany you on a five mile jog! They may
not be racing dogs, but they are far from slow, With the highest speed recorded by the AKC being
28.49 mph! They can achieve tremendous speed with Proper training and have the stamina to go all
day. The Spaniel Field Trial Association organizes Hunting and sporting games yearly where several
dog breeds compete. Springers are among the most Competitive breeds and have shown excellent
caliber in springer spaniel field trials. They are also very clever dogs, so be prepared
to increase your activity levels to match and Spend some time running with your Spaniel. Boredom can lead to destructiveness – this is Not a breed that enjoys a sedentary lifestyle
or to be left alone. They are at their happiest When working or just being with their owners.
If you're looking for an active dog with endless
Enthusiasm and a genuine desire to please, the
springer spaniel may tick many boxes for you. All in all, this busy and jovial breed
makes for an outstanding running buddy!
Fact number 7: They've lived in the Whitehouse!
Perhaps the most famous dog in White House History, Millie, was George H.W. Bush's springer
spaniel that stayed with him throughout his term As President of the United States. This Springer
became part of pop culture and was even portrayed In episodes of Murphy Brown and The Simpsons.
She was also mentioned by name in Bush's Presidential stump speeches.
Moreover, she actually became a New York Times bestselling author with her adventures
as First Canine in a tour of her famous residence. This was, of course, alongside her equally
famous owners and dictated by Barber Bush.
What's more, one of Millie's
offspring, Spot Fetcher, would Go on to serve as another president's First Pet. George W. Bush brought this Springer with him for The first four years of his administration, making
her the only pet so far to live in the White House for two non-consecutive terms.
Fact number 8: They are easy to train!
Springer spaniels are exceptionally easy to train
because they are friendly, obedient, and eager To please. They are highly receptive to training
that requires agility, flexibility, and of course, A high energy level. Oftentimes these dog breeds
are trained as show dogs or even to win dog Championships. Naturally an active, extroverted
type, the Springer Spaniel is friendly, quick to Learn, and eager to please. Show varieties can be
less active and appear calmer than working types; However, all retain the desire to find
items and carry objects in their mouths. They make great companion dogs for
the active outdoor family if their Needs are understood and met. It's their natural instincts and Ability to follow directions that gets
them the job as drug and bomb-sniffing Dogs and ensure they excel in dog sports. This breed does have a slightly crazy streak Though, and is best suited to an active household
where they'll get plenty of exercise; otherwise, Their obedience could come into question.
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What's your favorite fact
about Springer Spaniels? Let us know in the comments and share
your thoughts with other enthusiasts!
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Fact number 9: They love water!
Springer Spaniels are well known for their LOVE of
water. They will always enjoy a trip to a beach, River, or lake and can be a little obsessed
with it to the point where they will also Relish leaping into puddles and even water
bowls just as much. With Springers, you Should be ready for mud and water to be tracked
through the house and for tons of doggy baths!
This is not a particularly dainty breed, nor one
for very proud housekeepers. They naturally take To water activity due to their heritage and
hunting background. Whether their owner wants
To swim in a pool or pond or wants to splash their
feet in a creek, the Springer Spaniel will make a Perfect companion for this type of activity. Highly intelligent, they will learn to swim Quickly alongside a dedicated companion
who teaches them the ropes of what is Safe and not safe water play. This breed is a natural choice for Potential dog owners looking for a versatile
dog breed that loves to be active and swim or Play in the water. They will enjoy the fun
had in the water and the physical activity And companionship it can bring.
Fact number 10: They are war heroes!
Over the years, several Springer Spaniels
have been awarded The Dickin Medal, Which is often referred to as the animal
equivalent of the Victoria Cross in the U.K. or the Purple Heart in the U.S.
One of these was a Springer named Theo, Who served as a bomb detection dog for the
British Army while stationed in Afghanistan. He was one of the most successful working dogs
during the Afghanistan war, having made more Bomb finds than any other during his five months
stationed there for a total of fourteen finds. In fact, he had proved so successful that Theo's
stay in the country was extended by a month. Theo Saved many lives but, unfortunately, was himself
killed in the line of duty after coming under fire From Taliban insurgents while on patrol.
Another brave Springer named Buster later Took up the mantle as a military
detection dog during the Iraq War. Buster and his handler were assigned to the
Duke of Wellington's Regiment at a time where British troops were experiencing random
rocket attacks. Buster was called in after Three failed searches of a property suspected
to be an extremist group's headquarters. The Spaniel quickly found a concealed cache of
weapons hidden in a wall cavity. It had been Covered with a sheet of tin and then
had a wardrobe pushed in front of it, Yet he still sniffed it out!
Items in the cache included an AK-47, Grenades, and bomb-making equipment. Thanks to
his actions in discovering these hidden weapons, The dog was credited with saving
service personnel from terrorists.
Buster was considered so valuable to the
military that he had his own protective Gear in case of a chemical or biological attack. After his tour Buster was awarded a Dickin Medal For his efforts and became the 60th animal to be
awarded the medal since its introduction in 1943.
Happily, Buster was able to retire from his long
service after another tour in Afghanistan but Remained the RAF Police mascot until 2015.
These dogs are clearly exemplary members of Their breed, and their stories show just
how amazing Springer Spaniels really are!
