Things you Need to Know About Springers
Do Springers shed?
Springers do shed. They have an abundance of coat as well as feathering and they will produce a more or less constant amount of hair in your house. Some of this can be alleviated with regular brushing, but if you have an aversion to dog hair in your house, a Springer will not be a good choice for you.
Are they good with kids?
Springers are wonderful with kids, especially when they have been regularly exposed to well-behaved children as puppies. However, they are excitable and may easily knock children over if they jump up to lick their faces. Never leave very young children and dogs together unattended. Just as the dog could easily accidentally hurt the children, so could they hurt him by poking him in the eyes or ears or pulling his tail.
How much exercise do they need?
They are a sporting breed and as such need exercise. They will benefit best from regular periods of high intensity activity once they are fully grown. This includes a quick session of fetching, romping with other dogs, running along the beach and so on. You do need to be careful with puppies under 18 months or so; while they need exercise, it must not be forced or sustained. For example, you cannot take them jogging or biking with you until they are fully grown, or you will damage their joints.
How about swimming?
Most Springers love to swim, and it's excellent exercise for them, even when young. Introduce them to water and let them explore on their own. If they are unsure about the water, you might get in and swim out a bit to encourage them, but let them take their own time. Younger puppies might be more standoffish to water than they would be in another month or two; that's normal. Never toss a dog into water that doesn't want to go in! Sometimes a water crazy older dog is perfect to have along to help teach your dog to appreciate swimming. You might also try tossing in a toy for him to get, but be prepared to go out and retrieve it yourself if he doesn't!
Do they bark a lot?
Not typically, but they can if they are bored.
How do they do in hot weather?
As long as they have access to shade, free moving air, and water, they will do just fine in the heat. Don't exercise them in the heat of the day, and be sure you have water with you when you do exercise them later.
They're supposed to be good in the obedience ring, aren't they?
Springers are typically very eager to please their owners. This translates into their being both relatively easy to train for obedience and to having a good attitude in the ring.
Are they any good as hunting dogs? Is there a split in hunting and show lines?
There are 2 lines of Springers Hunting and Confirmation. Many Springers make excellent hunters in real hunting situations. As with any sport that becomes highly competitive, the specialization intensifies. Show Springers, will have more coat and bone and be more laid back. The field dogs generally have less coat, more drive and be intensely "birdy" (interested in birds) with good noses. You should consider carefully the differences between the different lines when picking your own dog out so that there are no surprises. Looking at the parents and any of their previous offspring is a good approach. But no matter which lines you are interested in, you should try to find the puppies that are well balanced with correct structure and conformation as the base. Whether you are interested in pet, show, hunting, etc., will determine other characteristics that you want. But an unsound dog does not make a good show dog, hunting dog, obedience dog, or pet!
Avonview Kennels works with the show lines for Springers.
Do males or females make better pets (what are the differences)?
Besides the physical differences, personal preference is probably the only big one here. Many people think that the males are slightly more "teddy-bear like" than the females. Neither should show any type of aggression. Neutered males and females will mostly differ in size (the females will be smaller). Both males and females are good with children. For your best predictor of personality, be sure to ask about and try to meet and interact with the puppy's sire and dam. There are tests that can be done to help determine the puppy's dominance, independence, and abilities. Be sure to ask your breeder about these. Also, socializing the puppy and general obedience training are always important.
What genetic screenings should you look for when puppy hunting?
The "big three" in Springs are PRA, and OFA/OVC. The parents of the puppies you are considering should be cleared for at least these two. Other things breeders should or may take into consideration in their breeding stock include: Von Willebrand's, epilepsy, allergies, skin disorders. You can ask me about these.
When do they grow up?
Physically, Springer's are completely mature by 2 years of age. Mentally, well, that depends on the individual.
Are our English Springer Spaniel Puppies Registered?
YES - I register all my puppies with the Canadian Kennel Club
Microchips what are they? How do they work?
I microchip all my puppies with microchips provided by the CKC. It is a great tool for keeping your puppy safe. If your puppy is taken or gets lost a quick scan of the neck and his family will be identified and the puppy returned to the owner.
What is PRA? And do we test our English Springer Spaniels for it?
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), an autosomal recessive inherited disease, is a degeneration of the layers of the retina that
are responsible for vision. The disease is progressive, eventually resulting in blindness. Dogs will fall into three categories:
NORMAL: Dog has inherited two normal genes. 'Normal; dogs will not develop this form of PRA, and can safely be bred to any dog.
CARRIERS: Dog has inherited one 'normal' gene and one PRA mutant gene. 'Carrier' dogs are not at risk to develop the disease.
AFFECTED: Dog has inherited two mutant PRA genes. Dogs are at risk for developing PRA at some point in their lifetime.
At Avonview, I am committed to continue our quest to produce the healthiest dog we can, for you. All Avonview breeding dogs have been tested for PRA. My PRA 'carriers' will only be bred to 'normal' dogs. All resulting offspring will either be 'carriers' or 'normal', eliminating the risk of PRA. All of my future puppies will only test 'carrier' or 'normal' for PRA-meaning they will NOT be at risk for developing this type of PRA.
Can you ship my puppy?
It is not our preferred method but yes we can. We are within 50 minutes of the Halifax International Airport we do charge for Airport services and we will endeavour to get the best flight for you and your Avonview Spaniel. The costs are quite reasonable within North America even shipping Internationally is fairly reasonable. Call us and we will get a quote to an airport near you.
Do Springers shed?
Springers do shed. They have an abundance of coat as well as feathering and they will produce a more or less constant amount of hair in your house. Some of this can be alleviated with regular brushing, but if you have an aversion to dog hair in your house, a Springer will not be a good choice for you.
Are they good with kids?
Springers are wonderful with kids, especially when they have been regularly exposed to well-behaved children as puppies. However, they are excitable and may easily knock children over if they jump up to lick their faces. Never leave very young children and dogs together unattended. Just as the dog could easily accidentally hurt the children, so could they hurt him by poking him in the eyes or ears or pulling his tail.
How much exercise do they need?
They are a sporting breed and as such need exercise. They will benefit best from regular periods of high intensity activity once they are fully grown. This includes a quick session of fetching, romping with other dogs, running along the beach and so on. You do need to be careful with puppies under 18 months or so; while they need exercise, it must not be forced or sustained. For example, you cannot take them jogging or biking with you until they are fully grown, or you will damage their joints.
How about swimming?
Most Springers love to swim, and it's excellent exercise for them, even when young. Introduce them to water and let them explore on their own. If they are unsure about the water, you might get in and swim out a bit to encourage them, but let them take their own time. Younger puppies might be more standoffish to water than they would be in another month or two; that's normal. Never toss a dog into water that doesn't want to go in! Sometimes a water crazy older dog is perfect to have along to help teach your dog to appreciate swimming. You might also try tossing in a toy for him to get, but be prepared to go out and retrieve it yourself if he doesn't!
Do they bark a lot?
Not typically, but they can if they are bored.
How do they do in hot weather?
As long as they have access to shade, free moving air, and water, they will do just fine in the heat. Don't exercise them in the heat of the day, and be sure you have water with you when you do exercise them later.
They're supposed to be good in the obedience ring, aren't they?
Springers are typically very eager to please their owners. This translates into their being both relatively easy to train for obedience and to having a good attitude in the ring.
Are they any good as hunting dogs? Is there a split in hunting and show lines?
There are 2 lines of Springers Hunting and Confirmation. Many Springers make excellent hunters in real hunting situations. As with any sport that becomes highly competitive, the specialization intensifies. Show Springers, will have more coat and bone and be more laid back. The field dogs generally have less coat, more drive and be intensely "birdy" (interested in birds) with good noses. You should consider carefully the differences between the different lines when picking your own dog out so that there are no surprises. Looking at the parents and any of their previous offspring is a good approach. But no matter which lines you are interested in, you should try to find the puppies that are well balanced with correct structure and conformation as the base. Whether you are interested in pet, show, hunting, etc., will determine other characteristics that you want. But an unsound dog does not make a good show dog, hunting dog, obedience dog, or pet!
Avonview Kennels works with the show lines for Springers.
Do males or females make better pets (what are the differences)?
Besides the physical differences, personal preference is probably the only big one here. Many people think that the males are slightly more "teddy-bear like" than the females. Neither should show any type of aggression. Neutered males and females will mostly differ in size (the females will be smaller). Both males and females are good with children. For your best predictor of personality, be sure to ask about and try to meet and interact with the puppy's sire and dam. There are tests that can be done to help determine the puppy's dominance, independence, and abilities. Be sure to ask your breeder about these. Also, socializing the puppy and general obedience training are always important.
What genetic screenings should you look for when puppy hunting?
The "big three" in Springs are PRA, and OFA/OVC. The parents of the puppies you are considering should be cleared for at least these two. Other things breeders should or may take into consideration in their breeding stock include: Von Willebrand's, epilepsy, allergies, skin disorders. You can ask me about these.
When do they grow up?
Physically, Springer's are completely mature by 2 years of age. Mentally, well, that depends on the individual.
Are our English Springer Spaniel Puppies Registered?
YES - I register all my puppies with the Canadian Kennel Club
Microchips what are they? How do they work?
I microchip all my puppies with microchips provided by the CKC. It is a great tool for keeping your puppy safe. If your puppy is taken or gets lost a quick scan of the neck and his family will be identified and the puppy returned to the owner.
What is PRA? And do we test our English Springer Spaniels for it?
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), an autosomal recessive inherited disease, is a degeneration of the layers of the retina that
are responsible for vision. The disease is progressive, eventually resulting in blindness. Dogs will fall into three categories:
NORMAL: Dog has inherited two normal genes. 'Normal; dogs will not develop this form of PRA, and can safely be bred to any dog.
CARRIERS: Dog has inherited one 'normal' gene and one PRA mutant gene. 'Carrier' dogs are not at risk to develop the disease.
AFFECTED: Dog has inherited two mutant PRA genes. Dogs are at risk for developing PRA at some point in their lifetime.
At Avonview, I am committed to continue our quest to produce the healthiest dog we can, for you. All Avonview breeding dogs have been tested for PRA. My PRA 'carriers' will only be bred to 'normal' dogs. All resulting offspring will either be 'carriers' or 'normal', eliminating the risk of PRA. All of my future puppies will only test 'carrier' or 'normal' for PRA-meaning they will NOT be at risk for developing this type of PRA.
Can you ship my puppy?
It is not our preferred method but yes we can. We are within 50 minutes of the Halifax International Airport we do charge for Airport services and we will endeavour to get the best flight for you and your Avonview Spaniel. The costs are quite reasonable within North America even shipping Internationally is fairly reasonable. Call us and we will get a quote to an airport near you.