About The English Springer Spaniel
One breed, two types, two colours, and both can come 'with a hint of tan'!
The breed is split between the working ESS and the show bred ESS. What does this mean, I hear you say. Quite simply they are bred from different lines to acheive different aims. The worker is bred for ability and brains in the field, and the show type is bred for conformation for the show ring.
The two colours are liver & white and black & white, but they can also have tan markings, although these are rarely seen in the working lines. The working lines usually are whiter than the show lines, which enables the dog to be seen easily whilst working.
Black & White Working Type
Black White & Tan Show Type
Liver & White Working Type
Liver White & Tan Show Type
Exercise....
Exercise is an important part of the Springers day. They enjoy 'free' exercise, so a safe place where they can run is preferable. You don't have to live in the country to be able to exercise your Springer adequately, as a good run in the park, with perhaps a ball for added interest, will keep your friend happy, fit and healthy.
Coat and Grooming.....
As you can see from the photos below, the two types of ESS also have different coats. The ‘working’ type has much less coat than the ‘show’ type. Again this is because of the differences in breeding lines. However, you may find that where the two types have been brought together – you could have a coat anywhere between the two extremes. For a show dog it is preferable to have a lot of feathering, the ‘working’ type would find this amount of coat difficult to cope with in the field where it would get caught up and be full of debris!
The amount and type of grooming required by the two coats will also differ. The ‘worker’ with less coat, will require just a comb through and possible trimming away of any excess coat from the inside of the ear. The feet also need attention, in that they will require trimming to remove excess coat from the top of the foot and between the pads.
The ESS with a show coat however, as well as ears and feet, will require more work from either you the owner, or from a professional groomer. If you would like to trim your own dog, then there will be people from Welfare that will be only too willing to show you what to do. Equally, they will be able to help you find a professional groomer, should you decide to go down that route. If you choose a professional groomer, you must take into consideration that this will be an additional cost, and your dog will probably need trimming at least every 8 – 12 weeks depending on coat growth.
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The differences in coat can be clearly seen in the photos below. The show ESS in full coat to the right and the working ESS on the left with much less coat.
Your Company
English Springer Spaniel Welfare
Caring for English Springers since 1990
PATRONS
Lord Astor of Hever DL Maj-Gen John Badcock CB MBE DL Archie Norman Jenny Seagrove
