How To Check The Parents Before You Buy A Springer Spaniel

You have decided that a springer spaniel puppy is
the dog for you. What are the next steps? Find
springer spaniel breeders with litters ready or
soon to be born, and then choose a puppy and
prepare his new home. But how do you choose a
puppy? What do you check? Picking a trustworthy
(Kennel Club registered) breeder is a good
start. Then, you should check the litter's
parents before you even look at the litter and
pick the best springer spaniel puppy. This short
article will tell you what to check. But why
check the litter's parents?

Two reasons. Firstly, like mother like daughter
as they say - the appearance and conformation of
the pup's parents is a very good view of the
conformation of the pup when fully grown.
Secondly, you will avoid the emotional trap of
falling for a pup that could eventually turn out
to be a poor choice (this is a particular problem
if your children are with you at the time).

With the choice springer spaniel puppies, the
parents should have a good pedigree as shown by
prizes won within the last couple of
generations. Check with the breeder. The best
breeders will be proud of their dogs'
achievements.

The pup's sire may not be at the breeders to
look at, but if he is, then for both sire and
bitch check the following:

- Is the dog's shape seen from the side
basically square - length equals height at the
shoulders - not looking either 'stretched' or
too short.

- Hindquarters should look strong and muscular.
Rear paws should point forward.

- Rear legs should have a slight backward rake..
This provides the dog's power for 'springing' -
hence springer spaniel.

- Front paws should point straight ahead, or no
further apart than 'five to one' on the face of
a clock.

- Paws should appear to be a continuation of the
legs.

- Look at the tail. The base should run parallel
with the dog's back and not rise above it.

- Their coats should look glossy and healthy. If
you don't intend to breed from the dog's
offspring, then coloring is less important.

- For an English Springer Spaniel (black and
white or liver and white), tan 'ticking' should
not be excessive, unless you want to breed
pedigrees from the dog's puppies. There is much
less room for color variation in the Welshie
(Welsh Springer).

Finally, do check out a couple of springer
spaniel breeders - it will help improve your
judgement as you begin compare various adult
springer spaniels and their litters.

The lucky springer might be with you for a long
time, so it's worth taking the time to make the
right choice for your home.

----------------------------------------------------
Phil has owned springer spaniels for many years,
pup and rescue dogs alike. If you want to know
more about choosing a springer spaniel puppy,
then check:
http://www.springerspanieladvice.com/15-checks-to-make-when-buying-a-springer-spaniel-puppy/
and his website
http://www.springerspanieladvice.com . His
complete guide 'The Springer Spaniel Companion'
is available from his website and is also on
Kindle.

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