How to Identify an English Springer Spaniel

Last Updated: March 3, 2021 References

English Springer Spaniels are hunting dogs, and members of the Sporting Group. ^{[1]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Although they share some characteristics with other dog breeds, they have some characteristics that are unique to them as well. This wikiHow will help you with figuring out whether or not a dog is an English Springer Spaniel.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:
Looking at the Body Structure

1
See what the dog's size is. Male English Springer Spaniels are usually around 20 inches (51 cm) tall, and they usually weigh around 50 pounds (23 kg), while female English Springer Spaniels are slightly smaller, usually being around 19 inches (48 cm) tall, and they weigh approximately 40 pounds (18 kg). ^{[2]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
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2
Note the dog's head overall. English Springer Spaniels should have a head that appears to be around the same length as its neck, and it has a relatively broad-shaped skull of medium length, that appears flat on the top, and is rounded slightly at its sides and back. ^{[3]
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3
Check the dog's ears. English Springer Spaniels should have ears that are set at about eye-level, not too far back on their skull, long, and relatively wide. They should also not stand out or upwards, and they should be hanging close to the dog's cheeks. In addition, you should notice thin ear leather that appears long enough to reach the tip of the dog's nose. ^{[4]
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4
Examine the dog's eyes. English Springer Spaniels should have eyes that are set well-apart from each other, and deep in their sockets. They should also be oval-shaped and medium-sized. ^{[5]
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- The eye color will depend on the dog's coat color (likely a black or dark brown color in black and white dogs, or a darker shade of hazel in liver and white-colored dogs). ^{[6]
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5
Look at the dog's nose. English Springer Spaniels have well-opened, broad nostrils on their nose, and it should be either black or liver in color, depending on the dog's coat color. ^{[7]
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See what the dog's tail looks like. English Springer Spaniels carry their tails either horizontally or elevated slightly, and in a merry, lively manner. ^{[8]
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- The tail may also be docked. ^{[9]
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View the dog's overall appearance. Overall, English Springer Spaniels should appear balanced and well-proportioned, with a long, smooth, effortless gait. ^{[10]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:
Noticing the Coat

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Know the possible color combinations that an English Springer Spaniel may be. There are a few different possible color combinations you may notice on an English Springer Spaniel, and they include^{[11]
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- Black and white
- Liver and white
- Mostly white with liver or black markings
- Liver roan
- Blue
- Tricolor (black or liver and white, with tan-colored markings)
2
Look for feathering. English Springer Spaniels typically have areas of feathering of moderate length and moderate heaviness on their brisket, chest, legs and ears. ^{[12]
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3
Examine the coat's overall appearance. Overall, English Springer Spaniels should have a medium-sized outer-coat that is either flat or wavy, and a dense, soft and short undercoat. Their coat as a whole should have a glossy and clean appearance. ^{[13]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:
Checking Temperament

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Notice if the dog is affectionate. English Springer Spaniels are known to be very affectionate dogs. ^{[14]
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Look for cheerfulness. English Springer Spaniels are also known to be cheerful, bubbly dogs who can put a smile on people's faces. ^{[15]
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Check if the dog is people-oriented. English Springer Spaniels are very people-oriented, meaning that they love being around people, and don't like being left alone. ^{[16]
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See if the dog is very intelligent. English Springer Spaniels are known to be very intelligent dogs, which also makes them relatively easy to train. ^{[17]
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Notice attentiveness. Another thing that makes English Springer Spaniels relatively easy to train is the fact that they are attentive. ^{[18]
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6
Figure out if the dog is active. English Springer Spaniels are very active dogs, who aren't too content lounging, and instead would rather be running around outside. ^{[19]
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- Because they are active, they require a lot of exercise, even through things like daily walks, games of fetch, or time to run in a fenced-in yard. ^{[20]
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Note any alertness. English Springer Spaniels are known to be alert dogs, ready to jump into action when it is necessary. ^{[21]
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