Although some Springer dogs have long been used for hunting in the United States, they were not better known until 1924 when the British Springer Spaniel Field Hunting and Testing Association was established. Three years (1927) after the start of field hunting testing, the English Springer Spaniel Field Hunting Testing Association became the British Springer Spaniel Club.

Appearance and Gait

The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized sporting dog with a compact, stocky body and a docked tail. Moderately wavy, with feathering on the limbs, ears, and chest. Lop ears, a relaxed expression, a steady body and a friendly wagging tail indicate that it is indeed a member of the old hound family. Its body is very well-proportioned, but not overly well-proportioned in any part. Well-mannered and conspicuous, with a deep trunk, strong and muscular legs, long enough to make it easy. Overall, the English Springer Spaniel should display strength, endurance and liveliness. It should exhibit a runner and long-lasting physique that will keep working under tough hunting conditions. At its best, it has the qualities of style, symmetry, balance and enthusiasm, and it is a combination of beauty and utility, a true hunting dog that can distinguish its prey.

The structure of the English Springer Spaniel allows him to cover rough terrain, with agility and reasonable speed. His structure allows him to generate great stamina. He should be of medium size. The ideal height at the withers for males is 20 inches; the ideal height for females is 19 inches. An error of more than 1 inch is a defect. A 20-inch-at-shoulder male, when well-proportioned and in good condition in all respects, weighs about 50 pounds; a 19-inch-at-shoulder female weighs about 40 pounds. The length of the body (the distance from the junction of the shoulder blade to the upper arm to the hip) is slightly greater than the height at the withers. A dog that is too long, especially at the waist, is prone to fatigue and lacks the tight silhouette that this breed should have; a dog that is too short relative to the length of the legs, destroys overall balance and affect gait. Both are equally undesirable and both are flaws. The English Springer Spaniel should be of the correct constitution, appearing solid and strong, with plenty of bone, but never appearing clumsy or clumsy.

Balance in the English Springer Spaniel is a prerequisite for good movement. The body fore and aft fit must have the same angle and robust development for a smooth and effortless gait. Shoulders that are well angled to allow for stride movement are just as important as rear quarters that provide strong drive. Viewed from the side, the dog shows length, a square stride for searching, and a strong back with no tendency to sink, a topline that slowly rises from side to side at the waist or a rounded topline.

Front view, the legs move forward with ease. The elbows are not restricted by the shoulders and the movement of the legs is not affected. Viewed from behind, the back legs are well supported and in line with the front legs. As the speed increases, the hind legs will have a natural tendency to focus on the centerline of motion. Gait drawbacks include strenuous strides; swaying walks; irritability; and primarily foot-based movement that causes the trunk to roll or wobble.

General Overview

For the English Springer Spaniel, consider the overall impression first. Whether it looks typical, mainly includes the overall appearance and silhouette; and stability, including movement and temperament. For, if he has a smooth, easy gait, he must have a healthy and well-proportioned structure, which deserves great attention, but if he does not look like an English Springer Spaniel at all, it cannot be condoned. If a dog's legs are too long or too short, and the head or expression is completely wrong, the action may be fine, but it is never preferable to a dog that is otherwise good and has some minor deficiencies in gait. It must be remembered that the English Springer Spaniel is first (and first) a member of the Spaniel family, a sporting dog and must meet this standard in appearance, manner and gait.