English Springer Spaniel (ESS)   History The English Springer Spaniel is a gun dog traditionally used for flushing and retrieving game. It is one of many spaniel breeds. This spaniel is an older breed, appearing in paintings as early as the 1600s. It is possibly the ancestor of most modern spaniels; Springer Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels were not recognized as separate breeds until the 1800s. The name ‘springer’ is derived from the use of this type of Spaniel to startle the birds into the air so that they spring upwards. The English Springer, with his black and white or liver and white markings, is the traditional dog for the rough-shooter - a dog capable of working tirelessly all day; ready to enter water even when he has to break ice to do it. Like so many of the gundog breeds, his cheerful extrovert nature has endeared him to the general public, and he is in great demand as an energetic companion for a growing family. His thick coat is tough and weather-resistant, but like so many Spaniels his lengthy ear flaps need to be kept well trimmed if he is not to suffer from uninvited seeds and twigs getting inside the more sensitive depths of the ears themselves. Official breed status was accorded the English Springer in 1902. He took his present name in 1900 after formerly being known for many years as the Norfolk Spaniel. There are currently two standards of Spaniel - Working and Show. Character/Temperament The Springer is an affectionate and easy-going family dog, and its alertness and attentiveness make it the ideal hunting companion. An intelligent dog, and eager to please, a Springer is easily incorporated into a family setting and are good with children.  it tends to have a moderate to high energy level. Its build makes it among the fastest of the spaniels. With a high energy level it has unlimited stamina and needs plenty of activity to focus its mind. They are playful animals and are best at home retrieving. Springers love human contact aiming to please at all opportunities and will follow their owners religiously. Unless trained from a young age, some may become agitated and whine if they cannot get near people that they know are nearby. Breed Health English Springer Spaniels are amongst the healthiest of Pedigree Dogs. As in most breeds, there are some health issues that are more likely to occur in this breed but are significantly reduced by sensible and responsible breeding. Hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) are two such diseases. English Springer Spaniels are prone to ear infections but regular care will reduce the likelihood of infections and retard the growth of yeast and bacteria. Other health issues include autoimmune diseases, which include allergies and other sensitivities to the environment. These are not common.                                                                                 ESS Breed Standard     General Appearance -Symmetrically built, compact, strong, merry, active. Highest on leg and raciest in build of all British land Spaniels. Characteristics -Breed is of ancient and pure origins, oldest of sporting gundogs; original purpose was finding and springing game for net, falcon or greyhound. Now used to find, flush and retrieve game for gun. Temperament - Friendly, happy disposition, biddable. Timidity or aggression highly undesirable. Head and Skull - Skull of medium length, fairly broad, slightly rounded, rising from foreface, making a brow or stop, divided by fluting between eyes, dying away along forehead towards occipital bone which should not be prominent. Cheeks flat. Foreface of proportionate length to skull, fairly broad and deep, well chiselled below eyes, fairly deep and square in flew. Nostrils well developed. Eyes -Medium size, almond-shaped, not prominent nor sunken, well set in (not showing haw), alert, kind expression. Dark hazel. Light eyes undesirable. Ears - Lobular, good length and width, fairly close to head, set in line with eye. Nicely feathered. Mouth - Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Neck - Good length, strong and muscular, free from throatiness, slightly arched, tapering towards head. Forequarters - Forelegs straight and well boned. Shoulders sloping and well laid. Elbows set well to body. Strong flexible pasterns. Body - Strong, neither too long nor too short. Chest deep, well developed. Well sprung ribs. Loin muscular, strong with slight arch and well coupled. Hindquarters - Hindlegs well let down. Stifles and hocks moderately bent. Thighs broad, muscular, well developed. Coarse hocks undesirable. Feet -Tight, compact, well rounded, with strong, full pads. Tail - Previously customarily docked. Docked: Set low, never carried above level of back. Well feathered with lively action. Undocked: Set low, never carried above level of back. Well feathered with lively action. In balance with the rest of the dog. Gait/Movement - Strictly his own. Forelegs swing straight forward from shoulder, throwing feet well forward in an easy free manner. Hocks driving well under body, following in line with forelegs. At slow movement may have a pacing stride typical of this breed. Coat - Close, straight and weather resisting, never coarse. Moderate feathering on ears, forelegs, body and hindquarters. Colour - Liver and white, black and white, or either of these colours with tan markings. Size - Approximate height: 51 cms (20 ins).