Article From SubmitYOURArticle.com: Does Your Springer Stand Straight?

There are a few ways in which the physical
characteristics of a springer spaniel can differ
from the ideal show-dog standard. These include
the overall shape and size, the head, eyes,
ears, teeth and bite, the tail, the coat and so
on. Stance and gait are important too, and we
will look here at some of the ways in which the
stance can vary from the show standard.

Although the English and Welsh Springers differ
from each other in several obvious ways, the
stance problems described here are common to
both. The stance variations may be present in
other breeds too. Of course, if your springer
exhibits one of these stance characteristics, it
is not necessarily a problem for the dog - it may
only be a problem for a show judge!

In some cases though, such as a minor hip
malformation, this can lead to physical
discomfort for the dog, particularly as it ages.

The Hindquarters

Cow Hocked. This is when the dog's stance shows
both its rear legs and paws angled outwards and
not in line with its body. The hocks ('elbows')
will be pointing inwards.

Side Hocked. This is visible when only one of the
rear legs turns outwards (compared with both for
cow hocked).

Leg Rake describes too much rake in the leg (that
is, the paws are too far behind the rump) and is
considered a show fault. Too little rake, where
the leg is almost vertical (sometimes described
as 'straight in the stifle') reduces the power of
the spring and is considered undesirable too.

Cow hocked is the one feature that is likely to
lead to later discomfort for the springer, as the
dog's weight is not carried properly by the
joints. Excessive rake could also be a problem,
for the same weight-carrying reason.

The Tail

If a tail has been docked then it should be
horizontal. If the tail is undocked, the weight
will mean that the dog will not naturally carry
the first 6[&quote;] horizontally.

The Forequarters

The legs should be vertically below the shoulders
(withers). If they are set too wide then this
variation is known (unsurprisingly) as
wide-fronted. Conversely, if the paws are too
close together, then this is known as narrow
fronted. A wide-fronted dog may not be carrying
his weight properly through his shoulder joints,
but as always, it is a matter of degree.

Front paws which are angled inwards are described
as pigeon-toed; if they point outwards they are
known as splayed.

Splayed is also a term that applies to the claws,
when there is too much separation between them.

Many of these variances from the show standard
require a practised eye to judge. If you are
buying a pup, then the advice as always is: if
you can, then look at the parents first - this
will give a good indication of how the pup will
probably grow.

It is not always possible to see the parents
first, and variations may appear anyway. Of
course, if you do not intend to show the
springer, then these issues of stance are of much
less importance. You can still have fun with your
springer!

(c) 2010 Phil Marks

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The author has owned Springer Spaniels, both
English and Welsh, rescue dog and pups alike. If
you want to buy a springer spaniel then you can
get a lot more advice at =>
http://www.springerspanieladvice.com/buy-springer-
spaniel/ plus tips for caring for these great
dogs at => http://www.springerspanieladvice.com
,including finding a breeder, house-training,
feeding, exercising and grooming.

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