English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association
AKC Parent Club of the Breed
The Decision to Get a Dog by Sandi Dremel
The decision to get a dog is not something to be taken lightly. An adorable puppy can tug at your
heartstrings but, in the end, will require a substantial investment of your time and money for a significant
number of years. Making this decision impulsively can lead to frustration, disappointment, and may
eventually result in the surrender of the dog to a shelter or rescue.
The sad fact is that, here in the US, millions of dogs are prematurely euthanatized every year. Most often
it is the owners, not the dogs, who are responsible for their premature deaths. Impulsive or poorly
thought out decisions that fail to consider how a particular breed and the individual dog will fit your
lifestyle, both now and for the next 12 to 14 years, as well as the lack of proper socialization, training,
physical activity, and attention all contribute significantly to the need for so many shelters and rescues.
The first question you should ask yourself, honestly . . . Why do I/we want a dog? If your
answer is:
For my son/daughter/children:
Trust me, this will be YOUR dog. The kids will play with the dog occasionally, will groan and grumble about
any dog-related responsibilities, and will probably only do them begrudgingly after significant prodding
from you. Further, children's interests and activities change frequently, which will render their involvement
with the dog inconsistent at best.
For protection:
Though the typical English Springer may bark at unusual noises or a knock on the door, good locks and an
alarm system are much more appropriate and effective steps to take.
To breed puppies:
If you've read the second paragraph of this piece and still feel this way, there is probably little I can offer
to change your mind. But, just in case, let me restate the case a little more thoroughly. The breeding of
dogs is a responsibility not to be taken lightly. If you do not intend to remain responsible for all of the
puppies you produce for their entire lives, including being willing to take back and care for those who may
find themselves homeless, do not enter into this endeavor. If you are planning on breeding for profit,
understand that there are much easier, more profitable and ethical ways to make a buck. To responsibly
and humanely breed dogs requires a significant investment of time, money, labor, knowledge (both
academic and practical), patience, and emotional fortitude. Please visit a few of the shelter sites or your
local shelter and witness the problem yourself. View the faces of the homeless dogs and talk to the
volunteers and staff who, all too often, must take that 'final walk' with them.
Because Breed X is 'Cool', was in a movie you saw, is unique and exotic, is free/cheap, or other
such nonsense . . .
One of the WORSE reasons to get a dog, or any other animal, for that matter, is because of their physical
appearance or popularity due to a movie, TV show, or other publicity. And, remember to incorporate the
same thoughtful consideration of whether or not to get a dog when your friend, coworker or relative offers
you one of Fluffy's puppies. Dogs are never really 'free' or 'cheap' and, in reality, require significant
financial, physical, time, and environmental resources.
English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association
AKC Parent Club of the Breed
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Some Final Considerations
If you're looking for a guard dog, consider another breed! Although its barking might
deter an intruder, the typical Springer temperament is that of a loving, gentle (though
active) dog. At best, the Springer might immobilize an intruder while attempting to be
petted.
If you want a one-person dog, or if you are away from home a great deal, you might
consider a different breed. Springers are intensely people-oriented and are not happy
as full time kennel dogs. This does not mean that they should not be confined. Any
reputable breeder will ask you if you have a fenced yard or kennel in which to protect
your dog. Most breeders, in fact, will hesitate to sell a dog to someone who does not
have a facility in which to confine it.
Most Springers will shed a moderate amount throughout the year. If you are an
immaculate housekeeper, you might find a Springer to be more than you wish to
manage in this regard; however, almost all breeds of dogs will shed.
Springers require a certain amount of grooming and trimming to keep them looking
neat and free from mats and tangles. It can be very enjoyable to learn to do this
yourself; or you can locate a professional groomer to provide assistance from time to
time. Regular grooming helps control coat loss, and keeps the coat in top condition.
English Springer Spaniels are wonderful family pets and companions. They are loving,
devoted dogs, eager to please and beautiful to look at. Because they are of medium
size, they can live comfortably in city apartments (with proper exercise, of course) or
large country homes.
The time and effort you spend to find the right
Springer should reward you with a wonderful
companion for many years.
English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association
AKC Parent Club of the Breed
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First Things First: "The Basics"
1) Young puppy, or older dog? Raising a puppy is rewarding, but it is also time
consuming, demanding consistency, attentiveness, and patience. Older puppies (six
months plus) and young dogs are occasionally available from breeders, and can be
excellent family companions. Many are housebroken; some may even have begun
obedience training. Both options -- young puppies or older pups/grown dogs -- are
worthy of your careful consideration. Some local clubs have rescue programs through
which older dogs may be adopted.
2) How about health? You will want a sound, healthy puppy who will grow up to be a
sound, healthy English Springer Spaniel, fully representative of the breed whether it's
a pet, hunting companion, field trial athlete, or show dog.
3) How much? The price of a well bred, carefully raised puppy is not necessarily the
same in Nebraska as it might be in California or Vermont! Allowing for regional
differences, you should expect to pay around $1500.00 - $2000 for a sound, healthy,
properly raised pet puppy from good parentage. A good breeder will require you to
spay or neuter your pet puppy; prospects intended as competition quality and
candidates for breeding will be more costly.
4) What does American Kennel Club Registration mean? It means that your puppy's
parents and ancestors are English Springer Spaniels who are also AKC-registered.
American Kennel Club registration says nothing about the quality of a dog or puppy.
Even "puppy mill" and petshop puppies can usually be registered.
5) What is a pedigree? Pedigrees list three to six generations of ancestors. A pedigree
may show competitive titles earned by a puppy's ancestors and may offer some
indication of future potential.
6) Male or female? It's an individual decision, but there is very little difference
between genders in Springers. Neither is easier/more difficult to train or housebreak;
both are equally intelligent, affectionate, and tractable. Both males and females
should be excellent family dogs and companions. Males are somewhat larger and
heavier in build than females, and males carry more coat than females. Spaying and
neutering pets will eliminate sex-related behaviors and will help to avoid reproductive
health problems later in life.