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Some things to ponder:
You may think selecting a pup is easy. You know, call up a breeder, slap down some cash and take the dog home. Right? Wrong. Choosing any purebred pup requires thoughtfulness, consideration and commitment. After all, like a partner, you're going to be together for a long time.
Issues for consideration include:
- Your family's "makeup"; i.e. are there children and their ages. Are there any other pets in the house?
- Your extended family; will the dog socialise with adults or adults and children. Indeed will it need to socialise with other dogs?
- Your lifestyle; how much time do you spend away from home (away from your dog). Do you keep fit? What activities do you do that your dog can do too? Will the dog be exercised regularly? (Please remember that dogs benefit both mentally and physically from regular exercise.)
- Are you prepared for some grooming?
- And last but not least, do you have time to raise a puppy?
- By evaluating the time you have available to spend with a dog you can determine which breed is right for you.
You're thinking about a SPRINGER. Let's now look at their characteristics.
Very short breed history:
History hints that dogs of the Spaniel type have populated the civilized world for many centuries. The Spaniel is thought to have originated in Spain and was perhaps introduced to ancient Britons by the Roman legions. The Spaniel was known in pre-Christian Britain and is mentioned by name in an ancient law of Wales as early as 300 AD
Throughout the 19th and 20th century smaller dogs in the same litter would be used to hunt woodcock; they were called "cockers". Larger littermates, used to flush (or "spring") game were called "springers". The Sporting Spaniel Society of Britain decided upon the name "Springer" in 1902.
The first ESS in North America of traceable lineage was imported from England to Canada in 1913. In little more than a decade the breed had risen from the ranks of the unknown to become numbered among the most popular of the breeds eligible for American Kennel Club registration.
In America and Britain, extensive use is made of the Springer to achieve its original purpose. However, the appearance of "show" and "field" Springers is broadly diverse due to specialisation and the decisions made by breeders as to their endeavors. Nonetheless, the English Springer Spaniel makes for a fine companion.
Okay, you have gotten this far. Here are some more important issues for you to think about:
- Young pup or older dog? Raising a pup is rewarding but it is also time consuming and frustrating.
- Health? You will want a sound, healthy pup, representative of the breed. (Do your research, insist on seeing hip scores and eye certificates)
- Price? It varies: however, expect to pay a little more for pups from parents that have been tested for certain genetic diseases like hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. Please also remember that a little more paid in the beginning may save you later on.
- What is the Royal NSW Canine Council? This organization controls the registration of pure bred dogs in this state. Additionally, it rosters the Conformation shows and Obedience Trials and, generally, supports a wide network of breeders, show goers and trailers. It is where your pure bred pup will be registered- on the Main Register for a Show dog or the Limited Register if not.
- What is a pedigree? Pedigrees generally list three to six and even seven generations of ancestors. A pedigree may show competitive titles earned by a pups ancestors and may offer some indication of potential.
Male or female? This is very much a personal decision. Dogs tend to carry more coat but there is really nothing in from a pet perspective. Both sexes are intelligent; both easy to train, both are biddable. It is up to you.
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