Article From SubmitYOURArticle.com: English Springer Spaniel Problems

What are the main issues owners experience with
Springer Spaniels (besides) the usual day-to-day
illnesses)? If you are considering a springer
spaniel, then this short piece will give you an
idea of what to expect. Overall, springers are
robust dogs, whether the English or Welsh lines,
but there are several potential problems which
often crop up when owners talk about their
springers. These are problems which arise from
hereditary factors, and those which occur due to
environmental factors.

The risks of the hereditary-based problems being
present in the dog of your choice can be
minimised by proper screening and careful
selection of the puppy. The environmental
problems affect all dogs, more or less, and
conditions arising from environmental factors can
be avoided by proper training and nurturing,
provided the springer is not pre-disposed. For
example, if the springer's parents are themselves
particularly nervous, then this could show in the
young dog. You can't screen for this, but you can
check the parents - and the aspect may be made
worse or disappear depending on the way that the
pup is nurtured and trained, either reinforcing
the trait or minimising its effect.

1. Hereditary

This set of problems mainly covers eye and hip
conditions (e.g. as hip dysplasia, and
progressive retinal atrophy, and will be tested
for by any reputable breeder wanting to register
the pedigree of a springer spaniel of either
line. In the UK, the recommends that springer
breeders screen breeding dams and sires for hip
dysplasia and eye problems (by gonioscopy). There
are other undesirable problems (such as canine
fucosidosis) which are checked for, but are now
increasingly rare and have almost been bred out
of all springer bloodlines.

Springers are also prone to other problems - such
as inturning eyelids (entropion), but these sorts
of problem are almost impossible to anticipate,
unless presenting in a parent.

2. Environmental

Temperament

Excitablity. The main aspect that is mentioned is
excitability. Springers are at the higher end of
the canine intelligence spectrum and are very
active. A high activity level can be associated
with excitability, and if young children (or
anyone else) teases or winds up a young dog, then
they will get excited.

As with children, this tends to become less
apparent with increased age.

Nervousness. This is also mentioned, and this is
usually a result of ill-treatment. When compared
with some other breeds of dog they are far from
being highly-strung. Springers are loyal and
loving, but as with all loyalty it has to be
earned by the owner and maintained. So, if a
springer is mistreated at a young age, then this
will affect their development and their trust in
human beings; it could result in excessive
nervousness or a defensive nature (which itself
can be seen as aggression when provoked or teased.

Aggression. Besides the previous reason for
aggression, springers can become aggressive in
the presence of other dogs of the same sex. This
is not a major issue, but again is one of those
things that is mentioned in owners' questions. To
be fair, this trait is common in most dogs.

Excessive nervousness and aggression are more
likely to be found in dogs which have been abused
and abandoned. Springers in rescue centres will
be, more prone to these problems than would a
well treated and properly trained springer which
has been raised from a puppy in a healthy family
environment. If you follow sensible steps when
choosing a rescue springer (best from a springer
spaniel rescue centre), with a good idea of what
to look out for, then there is no reason why you
should not be able to find a good example of
these wonderful breeds.

Outdoor Dogs.

Because they love mucking about and have hairy
ears, they tend to get ear problems unless
groomed regularly.

All in all, springer spaniels are not high on the
scale of nervousness and aggression, and the
genetic factors can be tested for. For those
reasons they make a fantastic choice of pet for a
young family or faithful companion for more
mature dog lovers.

----------------------------------------------------
Phil and his family have owned and been huge fans
of both English and Welsh springer spaniels for
many years, both pups and rescue alike. These
dogs will help you stay young! Find out more
about these fun dogs at
http://www.springerspanieladvice.com and learn
more about springer spaniel health issues at
http://www.springerspanieladvice.com/springer-span
iel-health-issues/

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