Springer Spaniel? Make Sure You Choose The Right Puppy From The Litter - Check The Parents

Springer Spaniel? Make Sure You Choose The Right Puppy From The Litter - Check The Parents

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You have decided that a springer spaniel puppy is the dog for you. What's next? You'll need to find suitable breeders with litters ready or soon to be born, and then pick out one puppy and prepare his new home. But how do you choose a puppy? What do you check? Using a reputable breeder is a good place to begin. Then, you should check the parents before you even look at the litter and pick your ideal springer spaniel puppy. This short article will tell you what to check. But why look at the litter's parents?

Two reasons. Firstly, like father like son as the saying goes - the look of the parents is a pretty accurate indication of the conformation of the pup when adult. Secondly, you will avoid the emotional trap of liking a pup that may eventually prove to be a poor choice.

With the choice springer spaniel puppies which might cost more, the parents should have a good pedigree demonstrated by dog show prizes won within the last two generations. Ask the breeder. The best breeders will be proud of the dogs' achievements.

The father may not be at the breeders to look at, but should he be at the kennel, then for both ma and pa check the following:

- Is the dog's body basically square - length equals height at the shoulders - not looking either elongated or too short.

- Hindquarters should appear strong and muscular. Rear paws should point forward.

- The rear legs should have a little backward rake.. This gives the dog power for 'springing' - hence springer spaniel.

- Front paws should point forward, or no more far apart than 'five to one' on a clock. Pigeon toed is not good.

- Paws should look like a continuation of the legs.

- Check the tail. Does the base of the tail run parallel with the dog's back and not rise above it?

- Their coats should look healthy, not coarse or curly. If you don't intend to show the dog's offspring, then coloring is less important.

- For an English Springer Spaniel (black and white or liver and white), tan markings should not be excessive. There is very little scope for color variation in the Welshie (Welsh Springer).

Finally, do check out a couple of spaniel breeders - it will help improve your judgement as you begin compare various adult springer spaniels and their litters.

The lucky springer may be your pet for a long time, so it's worth taking the time to make the best selection for your home.

About the Author:
Phil has owned springer spaniels for many years, pup and rescue dogs alike. At his site, find out how avoid choosing a problem springer spaniel puppy , and find out about selecting a springer spaniel breeder. His book 'The Springer Spaniel Companion' is now on Kindle.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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