English springer spaniels
Peasblossom
About the breed
So you are thinking about an English Springer Spaniel joining your family? This section will hopefully cover some of the questions that you might have about the breed but please don't hesitate to ask if you need more information.
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First of all we are breeders of the 'show type' English Springer. It is important to understand the differences between the 'show' type and the 'working' type. In the UK the 'workers' out-number the show-bred dogs by a huge number in terms of kennel club registrations so the show type is much less common. In our opinion, however, it generally makes the better family pet. It is usually a bigger dog with stronger bone, a different head type and more coat. Most importantly, it tends to be less active, making it suit family life very well. That is not to say that working dogs cannot also make super pets, nevertheless, it is fair to make this observation based on all we know about the differences between the two types. Working dogs can be extremely active and far too much for a normal family to manage.
Probably most of us, on deciding on an English Springer Spaniel to join our family, will be told 'you are crazy! 'you will need to walk for ten miles a day!' 'you will never be able to tire it out' and similar comments based on their perceptions of the breed. Springers definitely do get some bad press specifically relating to their activity levels. Imagine my surprise to bring home a sweet little 'couch potato' as my first springer who was happy to do whatever we did, whether that was sitting watching television or going for a nice walk in the woods. There is no doubt that it is an active breed however and some are very much more active than others! From my own experience, I would say that English Springers just love to be with their families and to be completely immersed in family life. They are not dogs that suit kennel life or any life that deprives them of other family members. If you are looking for a dog that will occupy itself while you are out all day, then this is not the breed for you. Be fully prepared for never going to the bathroom alone again, for 'help' with the gardening and to have your personal space invaded as the norm! They will require regular appointments with a groomer to keep their coats looking good and are definitely not a 'wash and go' kind of dog. All that said, they make the very best family dog that you could wish for - medium-sized, beautiful and with a wonderful, happy go lucky temperament. Also the breed is very versatile - a family dog absolutely but its eagerness to learn also makes it suitable for obedience, agility and even dancing to music. Photos below of Peasblossom Kastor, Peasblossom Over The Moon and Peasblossom Zappa.
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Another very important consideration before purchasing a puppy would be whether to take a dog or a bitch. I would say that from the puppy enquiries we receive, requests for girl puppies outweigh those for boys around three to one if not more. I think that many of us are pre-conditioned to somehow believing that girls are easier, quieter, more loving, smaller and cleaner than boys. Similarly that boys are more wilful, harder to train and will pee in the house! Of course I am going to say that is all completely wrong :) We have found our own boys to be absolutely 'the best' and if it wasn't for the fact that we breed, then I know we would keep only boys. They are always the same happy souls, less complicated and easily as loving and adoring as the girls. So there you have it. In respect of size, the Breed Standard gives a required height of 20" at the shoulder and does not differentiate between dogs and bitches. There is little difference in height between our own males and females in fact.
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Incidentally, click here to see the Breed Standard. I have published the UK version of it simply because it is a dog of English origins. There are several other variations of it should you wish to look them up.
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Ch Peasblossom Heaven Sent
The Breed is generally considered to be a healthy one, with an average life expectancy of between 11 and 13 years. However, some inherited conditions are known to exist. Reputable breeders will routinely test for eye conditions such as PRA, MRD and Goniodysgenesis (Glaucoma). Breeding stock should also be DNA screened for Fucosidosis, a fatal disease of the nervous system. Using the DNA and clinical tests available, breeders are better placed to breed out these health issues from their lines. English Springers, like many other breeds, are predisposed to a number of auto-immune conditions as well as Hepatitis and Epilepsy. Hip Dysplasia in the English Springer is uncommon – the average hip score for the Breed is 14 out of a possible total of 106. For more information on all the conditions known to be present, please see the Southern English Springer Spaniel Society website and the section on health and welfare, at www.sesss.org/health.
Cepen Celtic Charm for Peasblossom (left)