How To Avoid Mistakes When Choosing A Springer Spaniel Puppy

This article addresses some of the initial choices you will need to make, and how you go about locating a breeder should you decide to become an owner of one of these great pets.

Colouring

You may have strong views on colouring, and with the English springer there are two main colourings - black on white or liver on white (chocolate). Either of these colours could be combined with tan markings. Wanting a particular colour will reduce your choice of breeders and may lead to significant travel. You should visit at least two breeders before deciding. Then you will return when the litter and pup is ready, to bring your springer puppy back to your home.

Male or Female

Which - dog or bitch? Springers are loyal and affectionate, so the males are not a major problem when it comes to straying. However, where a bitch is concerned, you have to plan for the obvious - keeping her away from all male dogs when she is in season; there will be hygiene aspects to consider at home. Spaying has side effects, such as a tendency to coat quality and weight issues. If you do want to breed springer pups, then there is only one way to go.

Will you Work, Show or Pet the Dog?

Do you want a gundog or a show dog? For an English Springer Spaniel, these are distinctly separate breeding lines and could influence your choice of breeder. Both types are fine as family pets provided you are able to exercise them adequately. There is no genetic distinction for Welsh Springer Spaniels.

How to Find your Springer Spaniel Pup

Keep clear of so-called 'puppy farms' if you want a pure springer spaniel puppy with no doubtful genetic background and with full pedigree certification. This is important because all pure breeds are susceptible to hereditary conditions (though the Springer is relatively ok in this respect). So, you need to find a dog with a fully documented bloodline and pedigree certification which is in order. By choosing a fully certificated pedigree (which can usually be checked online), you would be able to enter the dog in class in a dog show - well, you never know, the kids might like that!

Finding the Right Breeder

The main ways to find breeders are through:

- Newspaper advertising

- Kennel Clubs

- Web search

- Yellow Pages

- Springer Spaniel Breed clubs

- Specialist dog magazines and papers

- Going to dog shows and talking to owners and breeders

Do beware the small ads in your town newspaper. 'Springer spaniel puppy for sale' may be genuine, or not. Make sure you see proper documentation.

Official Kennel Clubs usually operate a Breeder Accreditation scheme. Kennel Club websites or Breed Clubs will provide you with the Breed Standard (there are some differences from country to country). It is well worth reading up on these and preparing a summary, so that when you visit breeders you will be able to have informed discussions about particular pups and bloodlines.

Of course, the better breeders (those with the best show records) will have higher prices for their spaniel puppies, but that's to be expected.

You might also want to consider a Rescue Dog. Using a rescue centre requires more care and preparation, but can be a good way to go if you don't want to go through the 'house training' phase. There are other pitfalls though.