English Springer Spainel

[stimm19941999]

I am thinking of adopting an English Springer, in the one-two year old range. I want to take it through Canine Good Citizenship and then the Delta Dog Program and use it as a rehab dog. I used to work w/ special ed kids and that's eventually what I'd like to do again, work with kids and dogs.

I've gotten lots of positive thoughts, but a vet friend said they are prone to cataracts, allergies and whole lots of other things. My point is their is no dog that is perfect. (Our Neo mastiffisf is handicapped and was given 6 months to live, he'll be 8 in Dec) And something out of the blue, like getting hit by a car could happen.

Does anyone have a Springer to give me advice? Or just comments. I've really done my research on this dog and fallen in love. Help! Shawn

[Mellie]

Don't be discouraged by what your vet friend said. It's certainly a good idea to be informed and knowledgeable about the types of conditions common to a dog you may potentially adopt. But like you said, no dog is perfect. You'll find most breeds have specific conditions inherent to that breed.

I think it is wonderful that you have considered adopting a Springer in need. And it's especially great that you have thoroughly researched the breed and sought advice from friends and people in the animal care industry.

I cannot say enough good things about this breed. I have shared my entire life with Springers. I lost 2 beloved Springers in the recent past. My current adoptee, Bubba, is almost 9 months old now. He's an absolute joy. Sure he can be a pain in the butt sometimes. But can't they all. He's goofy, energetic, and smart as a whip. And he reminds me of a little seal pup. He's just the cutest boy in the world. Of course, I am biased.

Feel free to ask any questions you have about the breed. I, too, have done plenty of research and have plenty of experience living with this wonderful breed. There are others on here, as well, that share an affinity for Springers.

Good luck with everything.

Picture of my Bubba boy with big sister, Peanut:

[stimm19941999]

Thanks! I'm still doing research, but sometimes you have to go where your heart says. It's nice to have someone to ask questions to, I may need lots of advice. Shawn

[Estie]

Oh, please, please give the English Springer Spaniel a try! You won't be sorry! We just lost our 13-year old on July 29th to hemangiosarcoma. She was an old girl and had had a good life, but she left a huge hole in our lives. We have just adopted Cassy, a 1 1/2 year old springer. We picked her up on Saturday. I love this breed. I will never have anything but! Cassy is sooo adorable, and soo playful, and loves to play tricks and tease!! She is a happy girl and will do anything to please. And she is so smart! The rescue groups do such a good job in placing the dog. The foster mom came to our home and checked it out - where she would sleep, where she would be fed, where she would be when we were gone, and how she interacted with our family. She had been neglected and picked up by the humane society. She wasn't abused, but may not have gotten the nutrition she needed the first few months of her life. You wouldn't believe that - she can run like anything. She holds no grudges, and loves people and other dogs. I have posted more pictures in the members gallery.

There is no perfect dog - always something ie: hips, ears, tumors, and always alot of articles with everyone's opinion. Springers are supposed to have hip problems, ear problems, rage...on and on. Our first dog never had any hip problems, never had any ear infections, never ever got angry or mean... she did get the tumor at the very end of her life, but she was a healthy old girl...her mother was 15 1/2 when she died!
Good luck! Keep us posted.
Estie

[Shalva]

the key is as for anything is to go to a good breeder, my biggest concern would be a neurological problem that is referred to by springer folks as springer rage. A good friend of mine is a behaviorist and has seen this several times..... I would be concerned about this aggressive behavior out of nowhere....

if you like springers (and I have met some great springers) just make sure you go to a good breeder, you are right there is no perfect dog the best you can do is minimize your risks by going to someone reputable.
s

[stimm19941999]

What a cute baby! Just had to complement! Shawn

[Estie]

Mellie - how much does Bubba weigh - and how big is he going to get?? When do they stop growing? I can't remember from having Yogurt. Cassy is about 30 lbs, 18-20 months old with big feet. They told us she wouldn't grow anymore, but that she would fill out.

She is so much fun! We just adore her!
Have a great day!
Estie

[Estie]

PS (guess I'm pretty "windy") Yes, it is true re:a good reputable breeder, best to have hip certification, etc. but in our case - hubby & I discussed this, and we decided to give the rescue dog a chance and face that situation if it should arise. There are many wonderful rescue dogs that need to be given a chance at a wonderful life. It's a personal decision for every owner. Thanks for all your input!

[Mellie]

I see Shalva's point that going to a reputable breeder who will have an informed history of the Springer lines, etc, is a good option for knowing the health of your pet. But I'd still recommend rescuing.
And as far as "Springer Rage" is concerned.... this is copied from a different thread to which I replied:
http://www.globalpaw.com/thread8208.html
I do not think it is wise to throw around the term "Springer Rage" and assume the worst. Check out the links I posted within that thread if you want to know more about it.

Shawn, if you have any questions, feel free to ask away. I get so excited when I think a Springer in need might soon get a new home.
Here's a link to a brief description of the breed.
http://www.dogbiz.com/dogs-grp1/span...ringer-eng.htm
Take care.

Estie... Bubba is a big boy. We adopted him when he was 5 1/2 months old. He was already 51 lbs at that time. Now he's almost 9 months old, and a couple lbs heavier. And he is slightly taller than the standard.
The adult female is usually between 18"-20" at the withers, and about 40 lbs. The adult male is generally the same height (19"-20") and about 50 lbs.
I have a feeling Bubba will be like our Jake (RIP). Jake was a mutant Springer, and I say that affectionately. He was 26" tall at the shoulder, and weighed over 80 lbs. He was in his senior years when we adopted him, and at that size. He was big and barrel chested. Jake suffered from degenerative joint disorder in his later days, and I'm sure his size was an important factor in that.
Bubba, at under a year old, is already bigger than most adult Springers. And he is very strong.
Our Waldo (RIP), on the other hand, was tiny. He weighed about 30 lbs as an adult, and was shorter than average. I loved that I could easily pick him up and cuddle him.
Anyway.... sure there are standards. But there will always be exceptions for whatever reasons.

I love Springers!

[Terenia]

Go for it! Springers and cockers need to be stimulated and challenged - some love frisby, others agility and/or to be trained as a shooting companion. We have hosted many through "Barking Mad" - we look after dogs when their owners go on hols. Springers and cockers have become our favourite breed because they are so much fun and great companions.

[Estie]

I wouldn't have any other breed than a springer, and the incidences of the so-called springer rage are very few. We have two rescue springers, and they are a dream!! Awesome dogs.

[mmizuno94]

Growing up we had a springer and he was awesome! He was the friendliest nicest pup. I would love to own a springer again someday.

[EnchantedGypsy]

I have shared my life with 3 wonderful Springers! The 2 littermate brothers I grew up with lived 1981-1995. They were well-bred, and did not have health problems 'til they were seniors (10 years old). They both developed food allergies, recurring urinary infections, and testicular tumors.
My first dog as an adult was also a male Springer. Elton was from a backyard breeder, before I knew better. He was neutered at 6 months, had food allergies as a young pup, and was diagnosed with "rage syndrome" just after his 2nd birthday. "Rage syndrome" is actually a seizure disorder, called temporal lobe epilepsy in humans. Elton did not respond to Phenobarbital treatment and was euthanized at 27 months old. "Rage syndrome" appears at 18-24 months of age, it is inherited from a parent. True "rage syndrome" is rare, usually springers are labeled with it at any age if they are aggressive or nip/bite people or other dogs. Any breed or mix can have "rage", however it is most commonly found in spaniel breeds and German shepherds.
That said, I still love Springers & think they are wonderful dogs