Phil Springer

Just a quick note here about dew claws – a topic which crops up from time to time for springer spaniel owners. Dew claws grow on the rear of the lower leg and are vestigial ‘thumbs’ left over from ancient genetic lines, originally used for gripping prey. They serve no practical purpose on springer spaniels, though in a few breeds (e.g. the Great Pyreneean) they are considered to be essential. On other breeds, where the dew claw is lower on the paw then they can grow inward (like an... Read Full Story

This is a large business – or more accurately a group of individual charities, worldwide, which specialise in springer spaniels rescue. That is, they take in springer spaniels, and look after them until a new owner is found, or until the dog has to be destroyed. When you multiply this up across all popular breeds, and add in the ‘all-breed’ rescue centers, then you see the scale of the unwanted dogs problem. Fortunately, today, fewer dogs are having to be destroyed as a result of lack of... Read Full Story

Yet another job for springer spaniel sniffer dogs! I think it’s 8 jobs now and still counting. They are amazing dogs – I wish mine would sniff out some cash for me! Edinburgh Evening News Cash-hunting sniffer dogs helping to collar criminals Sniffer dog Roddy at work in Edinburgh Airport Published on Thursday 16 February 2012 12:10 POLICE today carried out a search operation at Edinburgh Airport with sniffer dogs deployed to track down criminals smuggling cash abroad. The... Read Full Story

Here’s a video of a well trained English springer spaniel demonstrating obedience during a dog shop. You’ll note that the tail is docked, and the ‘stocky’ build is indicative of the show (bench) line of the breed (the field line is less stocky, and in my opinion, more agile). Note the constant use of eye contact to maintain communication. Springer Spaniels are sociable, even with other dogs, and quite level-tempered. They are intelligent and eager to please (‘biddable’) so they are easier... Read Full Story

I picked up this story and picture from the New Zealand Herald News, reporter John Weekes, with thanks. Yet another springer spaniel sniffer dog  job. That’s eight jobs and still counting. It’s great to see that the dog has a real Welsh name. Rhys Jones, a Welsh springer spaniel sniffer dog. “New Zealand’s first ant-sniffing canine is training for battle against hordes of Argentine invaders. Local biosecurity experts hope Welsh springer spaniel Rhys Jones will soon hunt Argentine ants... Read Full Story

This article is a list of the most common springer spaniel problems, with links to the more detailed articles on this site. Click the underlined words for more information. Hereditary Problems Most hereditary problems with springers can be screened for, and may be known about by the breeder from the history of the parents and grandparents. Fortunately, the more common problems such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and retinal dysplasia are being bred out of the springer stock... Read Full Story

Springer Spaniels, like most dogs with long hairy ears, are prone to ear problems. This is no reason to avoid the breed – regular grooming and care of the ears mean that your dog may never suffer. A springer spaniel ear problem usually becomes obvious by ‘smelly ears’ or by your dog’s rubbing at his ear with a paw – quite often both go together. Inflammation of the ear is known as otitis. There are several causes and a range of treatments, but with the right care, most problems can be... Read Full Story

A great story from David Wilkes at the UK’s Daily Mail this week. Jack, the English springer spaniel sniffer dog, finding bombs in Afghanistan. And a terrific picture too! Technically, they are called Arms and Explosives Search Dogs. To them, it’s all a bit of fun, with a reward – maybe a game or a bit of spoiling! For the soldiers though, it’s life and death. When Jack’s handler, Private Andrew Duff, sees Jack sit down, then it’s time for very great care. Patient sitting is a sign of a... Read Full Story

Pet therapy brings comfort to hospital patients Tracy Toth and volunteer Wilma Stubbs visit different patients throughout McDowell Hospital on Wednesdays. By: Landdis Hollifield Published: November 19, 2011 »  Comments | Post a Comment Every Wednesday afternoon, visitors at McDowell Hospital will notice a four-legged guest being lead to various rooms throughout the hospital. Abbey is a therapy dog whose duty is to bring comfort and companionship to those at the medical facility. The... Read Full Story

Here’s an excerpt from a reader’s letter about springer spaniel training and introducing rescue dogs to others: I just need a bit of advice on introducing Cassie to another dog. My mum has just got a rescue dog herself and although Cassie has been going to my mum’s for quite a while and has settled nicely when we are there, we are not sure on what’s the best way of introducing the dogs to each other and how soon. Rusty the newcomer has basic commands but when we went round the other day he... Read Full Story