English Springer Spaniel Good Length of Stride Puppy

English Springer Spaniel Keep in mind that there is a “point of correctness” and anything beyond it is exaggeration, which creates angulation the dog is unable to utilize. This is particularly a problem in Springer hindquarters. A properly angulated rear, posed with the rear pasterns vertical, will stand with the front of the toes approximately under the rearmost point of the buttocks. Dogs that stand with their feet considerably behind this point have either too much angulation or excessive length of the second thigh (or both). Musculature cannot support that exaggerated bone length and therefore strength and endurance are seriously compromised. Because of this lack of support, coupled with improper forequarter construction, we often see dogs that have “fused” joints that cannot open in movement. This is not limited to the hock joint (sickle hocks) but includes the stifle joint as well.

When assessing movement it is always best to see the dog go on a loose lead. A English Springer Spaniel should maintain his upstanding outline when moving, but will naturally put his head somewhat forward for balance. The English Springer Spaniel gait should be smooth, well coordinated and effortless, showing good length of stride. A dog with a correctly built forequarter will move forward with total ease, using a minimum amount of energy. Feet should remain close to the ground through all phases of the trot, and should converge toward a center line of travel. Tails should be carried merrily, but never approaching “straight up”. Any sort of fancy, high stepping, kicking up or exaggerated side gait is a devise used by the dog to adjust foot timing and avoid interference. Since this action uses tremendous effort, it cannot be sustained for any length of time and is therefore inappropriate for an endurance trotting dog.

A correct  English Springer Spaniel coat is a weather protective jacket. Topcoat should lie firmly against the body, feel alive and resilient, and be of sufficient length to provide the dog with protection from the elements. The soft, dense undercoat will vary with climate and season, but some should be apparent. Springer grooming has become an art form, and it is up to the judge to look beyond an artful trim to the dog underneath. Trimming is fine, but if the dog is sculpted into a shape by excessive barbering (especially of the topcoat or underline), then it is over trimmed and should be penalized.  English Springer Spaniel judging should never be reduced to a trimming and presentation contest.

Of course they should always be spotlessly clean, in proper weight and muscle and glowing with good health-but the mediocre dog with the glamorous trim should never defeat the good dog with a more casual haircut. A good Springer, with his quality and virtues enhanced by a knowing trim, is a beautiful sight. A poor Springer with an ultra-fancy trim is still a poor  English Springer Spaniel , and it is important that judges are able to discern the difference.

English Springer Spaniel  Temperament has been much in the news in the past few years. Breeders have worked very hard to stabilize temperament and judges around the country are commenting favorably on the improvement of temperament in the ring. Springers should be friendly and agreeable in the ring, with some allowance for unsureness in puppies and novices. They should display poise, intelligence and confidence. Aggression, towards either people or other dogs, is unacceptable. The standard clearly defines type as the most important consideration when judging the Springer.

The standard clearly defines type as the most important consideration when judging the Springer. The typical English Springer Spaniel combines beauty with utility, which means that the Springer should be lovely to look at without sacrificing the qualities of head, substance, bone, balance and movement defined as being necessary for function in the breed standard. The flashy, extreme, exaggerated dog, lacking in the basic spaniel characteristics so important to maintaining the integrity of the breed, should not be valued over the correctly balanced and proportioned one who looks the part of a stylish, capable, useful hunting partner and endearing family companion. This is the purpose for which the English Springer Spaniel was created, and this is how he should be maintained for the future.