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Things You Didn’t Know About the English Springer Spaniel

English Springer Spaniels are energetic, friendly dogs that are happy hunting in the fields or fetching in the park. With impressive speed and endurance, the Springer Spaniel is game for hours of playtime. Here are some interesting facts about this exuberant breed:

1. They Are Named for Their Hunting Style

English Springer Spaniels were bred to be hunting dogs. Specifically, they were used to “flush” or “spring” game, meaning they would chase birds into flight so that hunters would then shoot. English Springer Spaniels can also retrieve game.

2. Springers and Cockers Used to Be the Same Breed

Springer Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels used to be the same breed. A litter of puppies would be separated by size. The smaller dogs were designated as Cocker Spaniels, which hunted a kind of bird called the woodcock, and the larger dogs were designated as Springer Spaniels. It wasn’t until the turn of the 20th century that Springers and Cockers were designated separate breeds.

3. They Appear in 16th Century Art

Though they may not have gone by the name “Springer Spaniel” in the 16th century, there are many paintings of dogs that look very much like English Springer Spaniels from that time period.

4. There Are Two Types of Springers: Bench and Field

There are two different types of English Springer Spaniel: bench and field. Although the AKC breed standard does not separate the two types, there are some key differences. The bench type is designed for the show ring, so he has a longer, thicker coat with more feathering. The field type is designed for hunting, so he has a lighter coat and a docked tail.

5. They Are Exceptional Show Dogs

As a breed, English Springer Spaniels have won the third most Best in Show awards at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. With 6 titles, English Springer Spaniels fall behind Scottish Terriers with 8, and Wire Fox Terriers with 14.

And as always have a chilled day from the Viking