English Springers

[SoCrafty]

I know that English Springers were bred for springing/flushing gamebirds but the bench variety - are they still really birdy? I have two birds - who will never be out of their cages when the dog is around but I don't want to have to keep them locked away in a bedroom in their cages too. About how much exercise does one recommend for ESS? like are they as intense as an Aussie or BC or are they just really a bigger slightly amped up Cocker? Some places I've read about them basically make them sound like they need hours and hours of daily exercise or they will go neurotic.

I like Spaniels personality in general. I like the tail wagging Velcro dogs. I like Cockers in personality but I want a slightly bigger dog - a little more hardy and with less health issues. I want a dog that gets along well with people, other animals and can be okay with relaxing at home or will be ok if we go camping, or out on the boat (maybe even swim!). I don't mind throwing a ball around, or horseplay or taking long walks.
If I were to go to a breeder when I/we are ready, how likely are we to be able to request that our pup's tail not be docked? Like are quality breeders of ESS willing to do that? I know some Breeders may refuse to do that if the breed is shown with a docked tail.

 

[Laurelin]

Have you looked into Welsh Springers? I have really enjoyed the ones I've met and they've all been substantially calmer than the ESS I've met.

 

[Flyinsbt]

They really aren't that high energy, they need reasonable exercise, but not extreme.

You could look at Field Spaniels, too.

 

[milos_mommy]

I would say not more energetic than other popular sporting breeds, like other spaniels or a retriever. I'm not too sure about bird-prey-drive...most seem pretty good with other small animals (cats, guinea pigs, etc.) when supervised. I would think there may be a difference between a field/working bred Springer and one more bred towards companionship and showing.

If the dog is only to be a pet, not a working/confo dog, many breeders will leave the tail natural upon request...but it's an individual thing.

One thing I've noticed...springer spaniels are quite a bit more wary of strangers than cockers. I don't know a single springer that is comfortable with someone they first meet touching them or petting them, they definitely take a while to warm up to people. Socialization needs to be taken pretty seriously to avoid a nervous or nippy dog, and if you want a dog to take to parties or be a therapy dog, the average springer is probably not for you.

 

[frostfell]

what about an english cocker? bigger than americans, more stable, less bitey

 

[SoCrafty]

Milos_mommy thanks for giving a comparison. That makes me feel better! I don't mind if they are wary of strangers until they warm up to them. I'm not going to be doing any pet therapy or anything like that. Just looking for a pet/companion dog. I don't mind extra socialization. There are groups in this area that get together for dog and Hunan socialization or pack walks etc.

I like English Cockers but they are extremely rare where I am. There are actually two ESS breeders within 30 minutes North and South of me. I'm afraid rarity goes for Field Spaniels too. Laurelin, no I haven't looked into Welsh Springers but will read up on them.

 

[SpringerLover]

I have a springer breeder in mind that I think you'd enjoy speaking to, even if she doesn't have anything available right now. I'll PM you her contact information. She's a great person and breeding the type of dog you're looking for (most importantly, she's a responsible breeder who has stopped docking tails).

 

[Dogs6]

My Springer is field bred and he's very gentle with other animals. He hasn't been around smaller birds but he ignored our chickens while we had them once he had been properly introduced (I put him on a leash, and told him to leave and did that for a few days and rewarded him for ignoring them) and he ignores cats, goats, sheep, cattle and other farm animals.

As far as strangers go he can be reserved with adults, mostly due to a lack of socialization but he has never met a child he didn't love and if they throw something for him he will happily go home with them. Also if anyone Comes into the house he automatically loves them and will cuddle them as long as he is allowed.

He is also the most chilled out dog we have ever had. He is bred to go all day and he definitely can but in the house he is more than happy to pick a spot on the sofa/bed and settle there until I'm ready to do something with him. He is the only dog in our house that has never been told to "go and lie down!"

His one major fault is that he is addicted to water. He will (and has) throw himself in front of a lorry to get to the sea so he can swim. Since I've stepped up his training he has become a lot more manageable and will wait to be told that he can swim before plunging in but I would. Never expect to take him for a walk along the beach without him having a least a quick swim.