I would be really interested to find out other peoples experiences of Springer’s (in a succinct way ) - sorry if these questions have been asked before

What attracted you to the Springer Spaniel breed?

Do you think the perceptions of the breed are accurate/justified?

What do you like MOST about having a Springer Spaniel?

What do you like LEAST about having a Springer Spaniel?

If you could give one piece of advice about taking on a Springer Spaniel, what would it be?

If you could say one word/sentence about your dog, what would it be?

Hx

What attracted you to the Springer Spaniel breed?

I wanted a dog I could take beating and wasn't too big and powerful, we use to have
a Lab and she could pull me over I watched friend's work theirs and loved the willingness to please and excitement of hunting in the dog.

Do you think the perceptions of the breed are accurate/justified?

Yes, they are like coiled springs, they just want to be off hunting, very inquisitive dogs.

What do you like MOST about having a Springer Spaniel?

The way they will do what ever is asked of them (most of the time) and enjoy going it, it's all a game for them and they look like big kids with so much energy. I love the way Ghillie will look at me whilst training as if to say"What do you want me to do now mom?"

What do you like LEAST about having a Springer Spaniel?

Some times they have a bit too much energy, it's a bit all or nothing and can be hard to get out of bad habits.

If you could give one piece of advice about taking on a Springer Spaniel, what would it be?

Do your research into the breed, ask your self what you want from a dog and does this breed match it. Spend time with friends that have Springers, watch how they are and of course read this forum

If you could say one word/sentence about your dog, what would it be?

He so wants to please me and some times I let him down with our training but he still loves me, I'm very proud of him and hope one day to make a great team beating

I had a heart stopping moment there.

I miss read that as 'I wanted a dog that could take a beating'

What attracted you to the Springer Spaniel breed? - Springer down the pub - quiet, sat there like a church mouse - very clean

Do you think the perceptions of the breed are accurate/justified? - yup

What do you like MOST about having a Springer Spaniel? how much she loves me

What do you like LEAST about having a Springer Spaniel? mud and eaten bras

If you could give one piece of advice about taking on a Springer Spaniel, what would it be? say goodbye to clean floors

If you could say one word/sentence about your dog, what would it be? - i love her to bits - she is my baby

Interesting subject this one

What attracted you to the Springer Spaniel breed?

Someone we knew had got Josh as a puppy but with them working long hours he was left on his own a lot and ended up destroying the house and messing every where, my Alsatian that I had at the time died so I was offered Josh knowing of his problems but nothing of the breeds character too be honest he's been a great dog but hates being on his own even if I go work on my vintage vehicles he'll follow me round rather than just lay on his bed. Our second dog we missed him when he was a puppy as we knew the owners of Jaspers parents but when he was about 2 his new owners found they couldn't cope he's really timid and frightened easy so god knows what happened in his early years.

Do you think the perceptions of the breed are accurate/justified?

only perceptions I know of are that they are very energetic, love water, don't really think their dogs and are a bit mental

What do you like MOST about having a Springer Spaniel?

everything

What do you like LEAST about having a Springer Spaniel?

only having 2 arms so can only stroke 2

If you could give one piece of advice about taking on a Springer Spaniel, what would it be?

Do it but make sure you have the time for the dog

If you could say one word/sentence about your dog, what would it be?

Wonderfully companions that need you to also return that to them to be at their happiest.

What attracted you to the Springer Spaniel breed?

Hubby scared of dog so wanted a nice natured one plus one that could keep up on cycle rides and hiking. However I hadn't decided on a Springer but one look at Woody and I was hooked (he chose us really)

Do you think the perceptions of the breed are accurate/justified?

I think most problems associated with Springers are caused by owners (& I include myself in that).

What do you like MOST about having a Springer Spaniel?

EVERYTHING and I mean everything as much as I hate cleaning I like nothing better than to see them splashing about in a muddy puddle having the time of their life (whats a bit of dirt anyway)

What do you like LEAST about having a Springer Spaniel?

They don't live long enough

If you could give one piece of advice about taking on a Springer Spaniel, what would it be?

Don't have a Springer (or any dog) unless you are prepared to spend lots of time with it, work at training, go out everyday in any weather and include them in your lifestyle as part of the family. I would also suggest that the final decision on getting a dog should be made by the person who is at home the most and will be responsible for cleaning etc. Even if other members of the family promise to be responsible this may not happen so the final decision should go to the person who will do all the work if everyone else gets fed up.

If you could say one word/sentence about your dog, what would it be?

What attracted you to the Springer Spaniel breed?


I was bitten by a dog on the face as a three year old, and had never felt safe around any breed - until i met Kelly, the loopy springer of my (now) husband - when I was 17. I always said if we should have a dog - it would be a springer or no dog at all. My son - (Now 18) has been asking for a dog for 16 years, finally we had the money, time, energy, and space to care for a dog properly.

Do you think the perceptions of the breed are accurate/justified?

Hard for me to say yet (our two are 16 weeks) though friends seem disappointed that my house isn't reduced to rubble and are surprised that how laid back the pair of them are.

What do you like MOST about having a Springer Spaniel?

so many things, it's hard to choose... maybe that they have given the whole family a reason to be together more , socially - (obviously, cuddles and companionship go without saying)

What do you like LEAST about having a Springer Spaniel?

Not being able to take them every where with me -

If you could give one piece of advice about taking on a Springer Spaniel, what would it be?

Make sure you have the time, energy and above all, patience... just like raising kids - pick your battles, have realistic expectations, be firm but fair - and love them!

If you could say one word/sentence about your dog, what would it be?

Completely gorgeous (but keep the curry powder locked away )

What attracted you to the Springer Spaniel breed?

Always had springers in our family.

Do you think the perceptions of the breed are accurate/justified?

Definitely inaccurate and unjustified

What do you like MOST about having a Springer Spaniel?

Easily trained and fantastic companions.

What do you like LEAST about having a Springer Spaniel?

Nothing

If you could give one piece of advice about taking on a Springer Spaniel, what would it be?

Consistency and training is the the secret of success.

If you could say one word/sentence about your dog, what would it be?

Loyal and great fun to be with

What attracted you to the Springer Spaniel breed?

A friend at primary school had a wonderful one, Belle, and I was very fond of her. So when I was in a position to get another dog I'd learned alot about them (I hoped) and finally got a Springer puppy.

Do you think the perceptions of the breed are accurate/justified?

Depends on what perceptions they are. Some breeders have sold them as cute docile house pets for older couples which is totally wrong. Others say they are completely loopy and totally unsuitable for the non working home. Both are extremes and there is a happy medium.

What do you like MOST about having a Springer Spaniel?

They give so much and are a loyal companion to their humans. Also that spaniel waggy bum when the tail itself just isn't enough

What do you like LEAST about having a Springer Spaniel?

Have to agree with Robert - nothing - as any drawback is outweighed by them being a super dog ............ or am I biased

If you could give one piece of advice about taking on a Springer Spaniel, what would it be?

They are loyal and loving dogs make sure you are loyal and loving in return. Whatever you give a springer they return tenfold ............. be it love or mud

If you could say one word/sentence about your dogs, what would it be?

They each hold a piece of my heart

What attracted you to the Springer Spaniel breed?

We wanted a dog who would be friendly, lively and part of the family. Also had to be able to get on with other dogs in the family.

Do you think the perceptions of the breed are accurate/justified?

I can see where there could be difficulties! But I think the way you treat them and interact with them has an effect too.

What do you like MOST about having a Springer Spaniel?

Her absolute unconditional devotion, and the joy on her face when she sees me.

What do you like LEAST about having a Springer Spaniel?

Her obsession with my shoes!

If you could give one piece of advice about taking on a Springer Spaniel, what would it be?

Put your shoes away as soon as you take them off

If you could say one word/sentence about your dog, what would it be?

I love her, and at the moment, she's keeping me sane.

What attracted you to the Springer Spaniel breed?

OH never had a dog before and was quite frightened by them. I wanted to get a pup and a litter of springers came on offer. Researched them lots and went to see Doodles (now Ellie) who was last of the little and the rest is history

Do you think the perceptions of the breed are accurate/justified?

Unaccurate defo...yes they are nuts and yes they could run forever but i knew what i was getting my self in to Some people just dont bother researching.

What do you like MOST about having a Springer Spaniel?

They are so loyal and affectionate and we have the best days out all together...its heaven and i wouldnt change it for the world.

What do you like LEAST about having a Springer Spaniel?

People judging us and telling us we must be mad....hm me thinks they are the mad ones!!

If you could give one piece of advice about taking on a Springer Spaniel, what would it be?

They need lots of stimulation and exersize but the more you put in to them the more you get out of them.

If you could say one word/sentence about your dog, what would it be?

They are the most wonderful friends a person could have.

This is interesting!!

What attracted you to the Springer Spaniel breed?

When James and I realised we were 'serious' about each other and started talking about our future together we knew a dog would be part of that future and both said springer spaniels were our favourite. We did a LOT of research before taking the plunge though. And then a dog became dogs!

Do you think the perceptions of the breed are accurate/justified?

Agree with Val...depends on what perceptions they are. For example, some people presume all springers love water...well Bob doesn't really. He'll go in if there is a ball to chase after but steps around puddles and hates going out in the rain. Also that they're nutjobs...ours are calm in the house because of the time Jim spends with them outside everyday.

What do you like MOST about having a Springer Spaniel?

Everything that they're so much fun to be around I suppose. Whether that be having a loopy 5 minutes or the little noises they make when they are dreaming. So adorable and they're so easy to love

What do you like LEAST about having a Springer Spaniel?

That they won't live forever Just the thought of either not being around scares me silly about how we'd get over it

If you could give one piece of advice about taking on a Springer Spaniel, what would it be?

Please consider carefully before you get any kind of dog. Please don't make the decision lightly - the amount of dogs in rescue tells us that too many people don't think carefully enough about having a dog.

If you could say one word/sentence about your dogs, what would it be?

What attracted you to the Springer Spaniel breed?
Errr, actually I had considered and discounted had a lost of breeds we were considering sent to a friend in rescue, the list included cockers Then we had the phonecall, the history, the PTS story, researched the breed and took her on

Do you think the perceptions of the breed are accurate/justified?
So many factors to take into account, English, Welsh, personalities, genes etc

What do you like MOST about having a Springer Spaniel?
Their love of life, springy cuddles, muddy pawprints, silly little noises they make

What do you like LEAST about having a Springer Spaniel?
Bottom burps

If you could give one piece of advice about taking on a Springer Spaniel, what would it be?
Do your research, be 100% sure the breed is right for you and your lifestyle, be prepared for your life to revolve around the dog(s). Consider a rescue

If you could say one word/sentence about your dog, what would it be?
Beeeeeooooooooowwwwittttttcccchhhhhhhh

What attracted you to the Springer Spaniel breed?

Ive always loved their enthusiasm and overall happy disposition!

Do you think the perceptions of the breed are accurate/justified?

Theyre a lot more intelligent and cooperative than I thought they were initially. Not at all the boisterous, difficult to train, lunatics that I expected them to be.
Maybe mine's just warming up LOL

What do you like MOST about having a Springer Spaniel?

Great company, never a dull moment!

What do you like LEAST about having a Springer Spaniel?

currently standing outside in the freezing cold waiting for my puppy to 'get busy' LOL

If you could give one piece of advice about taking on a Springer Spaniel, what would it be?

Expect your lifestyle to change dramatically. Ive always had dogs but taking on a couple of Springers has been an entirely different experience.

If you could say one word/sentence about your dog, what would it be?

They make everyday more enjoyable.

x

I always had a soft spot for spaniels. OH wanted a Springer and after research we decided a Welsh it must be, due to the size (a bit smaller than the show ESS. Didn't know anything about the working side of ESS than)

People haven't got any perseptions about the Welsh, they're not common enough. So generally people think they're the same as the ESS, but they are quite different.

Looks, cuteness, soft as butter coat, being so calm and chilled in the house and the lie ins in the morning, flexibility, character and personality

Too easily wound up and too easily excitable. For example a visitor to the house just needs to make eye contact and she is literally on his/her lap licking his/her face. (I found a remedy for this and am working on it)

Have enough time esp for the puppy to be with and to train. Expect that you have to put loads of effort into training, be realistic about expectations and tailor your patience (which you need lots of) according to the individual dog.

I love her to bits