Springer Spaniel Breed Origins and Caracteristics

The English Springer Spaniel descends from the "Field Spaniel", it is the biggest of the English Spaniels. Its name derives from the way that pushes the hunt towards the fusil. It frightens away the birds and through a series of small jumps (to spring), it makes them fly away. It is also known for its peculiar way to advance: The front legs are thrown horizontally, so that they can rest very far. It runs like a horse. This characteristic is accentuated in the slow hike. The other Spaniels advance with shorter steps.

The Springer Spaniel shows excellent qualities of a hunter; its relatively big silhouette allows it to make great acts. The book of the Origins of this breed exists since 1813, but the standard was established later in 1902.

In the Wales, especially in the valley of Neath, there is a Spaniel breed that goes back to the Brittany Spaniel. It was brought from Britain by the Welsh that continued breeding them. In 1912, the breed got its standard and the name of the Welsh Springer Spaniel. These dogs have extremely developed qualities for hunting.

English Springer Spaniel. Size: 50-51 cm. Weight: 22.5 kg. Colors: white and brown, white and black (1) or one of these colors with tan patches.

Welsh Springer Spaniel (2). Size: 45-48 cm. Weight: 16-21 kg. White with bright red patches is accepted. The hair is bright and soft. The origin of the name Spaniel or Épagneul is very controversial. Many experts ascribed its name to the Carthaginian "span" that made reference to a wild bunny that was hunted with dogs. For others it comes from the Irish term "espana" used nowadays in Basque language and it refers to the hedges where the dogs used to search for the prey. For others the name comes from Basque "frighten away" that means "search for", or "s'épagner" which in old French means to be lied down.