Sunday, November 15, 2009

Dog of the Week!


Hey everyone! I know I haven't posted in a long time. Sorry about that. Anyways here is our doggy of the week! This dog is called the English Springer Spaniel. I also found some information about this doggy! Plus I choose these dogs randomly because in real life I would probraly choose my favorite! You don't have to read all of it. Just if you want to know some parts of the breed!

English Springer Spaniel

Country of Origin: The English Springer Spaniel emerged as a distinct breed in the 1800’s, though Spaniel-like dogs had existed for several centuries prior. It originated in England as a gun dog trained to flush game birds out into the air (‘spring’), where they could be caught by trained hawks or falcons. The English Springer Spaniel was also skilled at hunting waterfowl and small land prey such as rabbits. The breed’s name was changed from ‘Norfolk Spaniel’ (after the Duke of Norfolk, for his influential breeding program) to ‘English Springer Spaniel’ in 1900. At the time, the English Springer Spaniel was essentially a larger version of the Cocker Spaniel, but clubs were formed to promote its development, with much success. Today, the English Springer Spaniel is a popular gun dog, show dog, and pet. An English Springer Spaniel named ‘Felicity’s Diamond Jim’ won the American Kennel Club national championship in December 2006 and ‘Best in Show’ at the Westminster Dog Show in 2007. Other famous English Springer Spaniels include George W. Bush’s English Springer Spaniel ‘Spot Fetcher’ and William Wallace’s English Springer Spaniel ‘Merlin MacDonald’, who is reported to have assisted him in his victory over the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge.

Size: The English Springer Spaniel has a shoulder height of approximately 51 cm (20 in) and weighs 18-25 kg (40-55 lbs). It has large lips, long ears, oval eyes, and a moderate stop (depression where the muzzle meets the forehead). English Springer Spaniels have sloped shoulders and a tail which is normally docked. Working English Springer Spaniels and show English Springer Spaniels can vary significantly in appearance, as most work and show lines diverged over 50 years ago. Show dogs generally have a longer tail, longer coat and ears, heavier set, and larger flews (upper lips) and dewlap (skin folds beneath the chin).

Coat: The English Springer Spaniel has a dense, smooth coat which is dirt- and water-resistant. English Springer Spaniels are white with either black or liver. They may have tan markings, usually on the cheeks or above the eyes. Show dogs generally have a longer, smoother coat with more color whereas working dogs have a shorter, rougher coat which is whiter for easier visibility.

Character: English Springer Spaniels are obedient, friendly, and sociable. They are easy-going and eager to be a part of the family. The English Springer Spaniel will become hyperactive if ignored or unexercised. It enjoys playing with items it finds around the house such as socks and water bottles. English Springer Spaniels have a tendency to amuse themselves by snooping around in off-limits areas.

Temperament: The English Springer Spaniel is known for its ability to get along well with other pets, dogs, and children. Some English Springer Spaniels may be aggressive with same sex dogs. As with all breeds, socialization when young is preferred to make the English Springer Spaniel more comfortable around others.

Care: The English Springer Spaniel requires grooming with a brush several times a week and trimming or clipping several times a year. Most show dogs are professionally groomed. The English Springer Spaniel has a lifespan of 10-14 years. It is susceptible to hip dysplasia (malformed hip joint which can cause lameness or arthritis), and retinal disorders such as PRA and RD. Some English Springer Spaniels are prone to ear infection, which can be prevented by regular cleaning of the ear passages.

Training: The English Springer Spaniel is not difficult to train. It is very intelligent and eager to please. Obedience training is recommended. The English Springer Spaniel can learn a wide variety of hunting skills, such as following hand signals, ‘Scenting’ (tracking prey by smell), ‘Flushing’ (flushing birds in a zigzag pattern), ‘Quarter’ (remaining in gun range), ‘Soft Mouth’ (holding a bird in the mouth without biting it), and ‘Retrieve to Hand’ (delivering to the hunter on command).

Activity: The English Springer Spaniel is a hunting breed with high exercise requirements. It is happiest on the hunt, but also enjoys going for a walk, playing in a large field, retrieving, and swimming.


Mommy told me that Thanksgiving is coming soon. Even though last year was my first Thanksgiving, I still need her to tell me stuff about it. She said Thanksgiving is time where we are thankful and when our families come together. So I want to tell you some of my family members.

First, I'll start with my cousins. I have two doggy cousins. The first one is named Murphy. She is a Boston Terrier. She is black and white. Here is a photo I found that looks like her.


My other doggy cousin is named Cocoa. We are very good friends. She is a mix with Jack Russel and a Poodle. She doesn't look like this picture but just to show you what they would look like.



Now to my cat cousins. I can't really find any good pics for my other relatives. Sorry! My cat cousin is named Cocoa also. He is a black cat. He had a brother but when they were both little he died of this stomach disease that could spread. Now to my Aunts and Uncles. The mother of Cocoa is my Aunt who is a Calico. She is very nice. My other Aunt and Uncle both died. They were Pomeranians. My Aunt was a golden colored one named Honey Bear. My Uncle was a black Pomeranian named Smokey. Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!



Maltipoo Paws
Sunny

15 comments:

Labrador Retriever said...

:-) Congratulations on the dog of the week I may also participate in the competition? Much love. Your Betty

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

Thats a lot of useful information, thanks for that. They are very popular here. Three of mums friends have them.. They are very friendly.. Hugs GJ x

The Oceanside Animals said...

Happy Impending Thanksgiving!

Sunny said...

Actually Labrador, (Sorry I don't know your name still. Im terrible for that. Or is it Betty?) I choose a random dog breed and write imformation and if I know any dog of that breed I will post about them!
Luv,
Sunny

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Thanks for all the info on the spaniel - they are very handsome dogs. Seems like you a very lovely furamily.

Woos, the OP Pack

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

The English Springer Spaniel looks like our furiend Tommy in France!

Tank woo fur the khool and infurmative post today!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

The Adventures of the LLB Gang said...

What an informative post Sunny, thanks!!

Smileys!
Dory

Unknown said...

Hi Sunny,
Thanks so much for visiting me! I hope you like the doggy summer fashion!!
I'm following you too now.
Have a great day :-)
Patsy - Shihtzhu/Maltese
I put my pic on the guestbook too!

Amy & the house of cats said...

Hi Sunny, we are behind as usual in visiting. I love the info about the English Springer Spaniel - my grandpa had one names Samantha when he was still around. Sammy was a very nice dog - a good ambasador for the breed.

We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving - we loved hearing about your family of doggies and kitties!

Sunny said...

Thanks Dragonfly and Amy!
Luv,
Sunny

Deborah said...

Hi Sunny,
Thanks for visiting my blog! My mother raises Springer Spaniels. They are wonderful dogs, you can just ask Ariel! LOL (that's my springer) I'm looking forward to following!
Happy Thanksgiving!

Bae Bae said...

Hello Sunny, you sure are a cute doggie. :)
You sure have a very pawsome family

~Bae

Sunny said...

Thank you Deborah and Bae Bae for kind words abouot me!
Luv,
Sunny

Labrador Retriever said...

liebes sunny hündchen. du bist wirklich ganz sonnig. lass dich einmal ganz lieb umarmen. deine betty

Sunny said...

Vielen Dank Betty! Sie sind so nett zu mir!
Liebe,
Sonig