Opinions - English Springer Spaniel Dog Breed

Added on Jan 1st, 2008
I have a beautiful black and white Springer Spaniel. I have had nothing but problems with him. On the health side. He has hip problems, constant ear infections and allergies. His temperament is difficult also. He can be fine one moment and go into a rage the next. He has lashed out at me on several occasions. I will tell him no or shake my finger at him and he goes into a trance like state and will attack me if given the chance. I've owned dogs for over 25 years and I've never seen such aggression in one of my pets. I have to feed him in the bathroom because if I walk by him while he's eating he will attack me. He turns two in March and I pray that he will grow out of this awful behavior as he gets older. My vet believes he's the result of an inbreeding or has what they call Rage Syndrome. I have talked to many people about this but no one seems to have any answers. Someone even suggested I have him put down. That will never happen so I live with the situation.

Added on Jan 1st, 2008
Their tail NEVER stops wagging! I think at times it could be used as an outboard motor for a boat. My Springer, Jesse, has a great personality and wonderful temperament. I have found out in research that the tail wagging is a trait of theirs along with the need to touch the people around them. Jesse sits next to me on the couch, on my feet if she's on the floor, or over me on the couch. If I am standing she will rub my legs like a cat. They demand a lot of attention because they are clingy to their owner, but that's not to be taken in a bad way, they just love your company. I have read that they do not make very good watch dogs, but she is alert to sounds and sights and barks when she isn't sure what's making them. She is protective when people drive up, are in the yard or at the door. She has been easy to train picking up sign language and verbal commands. She is willing to obey and is quick to. Grooming is not as tedious as it may sound, but bare in mind that this breed sheds like a cat. If you are looking for a loving companion, a pet to lift your spirits and be gentle with your children then this is the breed for you.

Added on Jan 1st, 2008
We got our Springer, Josie, from a dog shelter. Josie was six years old and already spayed. She had been with three different families in about as many months. At first she wouldn't eat and was very nervous, but given her history, it was understandable. By the end of her first month with us, she had come out of her shell. She will chase after a ball or stick, is okay with the kids but seems to prefer the company of adults, and is a constant "shadow" -including following us into the bathroom. She is certainly a "people" dog and wants to be in the same room with us, preferably on a lap. She also sleeps in the master bedroom and sometimes on the bed with us. As others have commented, she is not a guard dog, but will bark if she hears someone approaching. She is certainly no threat to the mailman or door-to-door salespeople. Even though Josie is six, there is still a lot of puppy in her. She loves to chase squirrels and rabbits and birds in our back yard and has caught two field mice so far. She also enjoys rolling around in the grass and playing tug-of-war with an old sock. At the park, she is well-behaved and can be unleashed without fear. She stays nearby (within 100 feet) and will follow the kids onto the playground equipment, including going down the slide (although I think she does so more out of loyalty than her enjoyment). The honest summary is: how did we ever get by without her. We are now die-hard Springer fans.

Added on Jan 1st, 2008
My partner and I adopted an 8year old Springer called Robson from a kennel just before Xmas 2006. When we brought Robson home he settled quite well however when we left him he would bark and whine until we returned. However in the last few weeks we have had a breakthrough, We walk him for about 45mins before leaving through the back door (in his full view) and exit the property from the side gate. On return we come though the front door. Since we have started this Robson has been fast asleep and totally relaxed. I have to admit I was not much of a Dog lover before we had Robson. However he is such a loving and gentle dog. He also has a great sense of humor. We both love him VERY much and would consider getting another spaniel again. Lovely breed!!!