English Water Spaniel vs English Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Both English Springer Spaniel and English Water Spaniel are originated from United Kingdom. Both English Springer Spaniel and English Water Spaniel are of same height. Both English Springer Spaniel and English Water Spaniel are having almost same weight. Both English Springer Spaniel and English Water Spaniel has same life span. Both English Springer Spaniel and English Water Spaniel has almost same litter size. Both English Springer Spaniel and English Water Spaniel requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Sporting dog
undefined
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Height Male:
46 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
49 - 51 cm
19 - 21 inches
Height Female:
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
45 - 47 cm
17 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
23 - 25 kg
50 - 56 pounds
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
14 - 18 kg
30 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 10
4 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
springer spaniel ESS
Water Dog, Water Rug
Colors Available:
lack or liver (dark brown) with white markings or predominantly white with black or liver markings Tricolor
liver and white
Coat:
shorter, coarser
dense, waterproof, doublecoated
Shedding:
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Stubborn
Affectionate, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

english springer spanielThe English Springer Spaniel is one of many gun dog breeds that flush and retrieve. They descended from the Shropshire Spaniels and Norfolk Spaniels. The English Springer Spaniel is somewhat similar to the Welsh Springer Spaniel and believe it or not they are also closely related to the English Cocker Spaniel. In the last century the cockers and springers came from the same parents. The larger dogs flushed game and made game “spring” from the brush while the smaller dogs – the “cockers” would hunt woodcock. Eventually through specific breeding, the UKC of England recognized the “springers” as a separate breed.

Sydenham Edwards, in 1801, proposed that the spaniels be divided into the Springing or Hawking Spaniel and the Cocking or Cocker Spaniel. From this point on there was a flourish in the development of spaniel breeds in the 19th century. They were usually named for the county in which they were founded or after the individual who developed them. In 1902, the English Springer Spaniel was officially recognized as its own breed by the UKC. It was not until 1910 that the AKC recognized them as well.

The English Water Spaniel breed is extinct and has been since the early 1900’s. It was last seen in the 1930s. The breed was a hunting breed, diving for duck and hunting other waterfowl. Legend has it that Shakespeare was referring to this breed of dog in Macbeth when he refers to the “water rug”. Again, in Two Gentlemen of Verona one of the character states about another that “She hath more qualities than a water-spaniel.’

The English Water Spaniel came along before the Irish Water Spaniel and had a part in the development the Curly Coated Retriever, the American Water Spaniel and the Field Spaniel. The English Water Spaniel looks somewhat like a Poodle/Springer Spaniel cross or a Collie. It is not known whether the English Water Spaniel was part of the development of the Irish Water Spaniel.

When the English Water Spaniel was first developed the UKC had a “Water Spaniels other than Irish” and the English Water Spaniel had no standard written and accepted for it yet. But by 1967 the breed was extinct. Still the American Water Spaniel and the Flat Coated Retriever are believed to be descendants of the English Water Spaniel.

Description

english springer spaniel puppy - descriptionAmong spaniels the English Springer is medium size and well compacted. Both the working dog and the show dog sport moderately long coats and a friendly tail. They both wear a gentle expression in their eyes. But there the commonality stops as the difference between the working English Springer Spaniel and the show line is greater in this breed than in any other. The gene pools have become almost separate over the last 70 years. If you put a field dog in the show ring they would not be able to compete. If you put a show line English Springer in the field, they would not have the stamina or speed for field trials.

The field line has a coarser coat and less pendulous ears. They may dock a few inches off the tail, and they are much scruffier than the show dogs. On the other hand, the show dogs have dewlaps, pendant ears and dangling flews. They are heavier and thicker than the field dog. They have long muzzles, not so prominent eyes and docked tails. The English Springer Spaniel stands tall and proud, coming from an ancient line of Spaniels

Resembling the Springer Spaniel, poodle, collie and setter the English Water Spaniel has very little in common with the Irish Water Spaniel in respect to looks. The English has a narrow and somewhat longer head their than other spaniels and they have long furry ears. Their body is stout, and they are shaped like a barrel – more like a Clumber. With long legs and large feet, it is ready to take to the hunt. There coat was waterproof, and their toes were webbed.

Characteristics

english springer spaniel dog - characteristicsThe English Springer Spaniel is a friendly dog who loves to please his people. They are great family dogs, easy-going and affectionate. In addition, they are attentive and alert which makes them such great hunting dogs. With exceptional speed and stamina, he needs activity to stimulate his body and brain. He is very intelligent. That intelligence can lead to stubbornness as well. He’d great with kids and good with other pets with perhaps the exception of cats. The breed is in love with water and will get in at any time.

The English Water Spaniel was aloof with strangers but loyal with his hunter. He was a little stubborn and an excellent water dog. They loved being in the water and could enter it without making any noise so as not to frighten his prey. He was highly intelligent and trainable. He also was very affectionate with his people.

Health Problems

The English Springer Spaniel has a tendency toward issues such as:

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

english springer spaniel puppies - health problemsNot an uncommon issue for most medium to smaller sized dogs. It can lead to lameness or arthritis.

PRA – Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Loss of vision due to a deterioration of the retina.

RD - Retinal Dysplasia

Clubs form in the retinal tissue and can lead to blindness.

Bloat

The twisting or distention of the stomach that effects dogs with deep chests and can lead to death if not treated immediately.

The English Water Spaniel is a fairly healthy breed given to some fairly common disorders such as:

Hip Dysplasia

Can lead to lameness and arthritis

Cardiac abnormalities

Arterial fib and flutter and other problems that could lead to death.

Degenerative Myelopathy

This is a disease seem in several “Dwarf” breeds such as Corgis, as well as in many spaniels. This is the canine version of Lou Gehrig’s Disease or ALS and it is fatal.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

english springer spaniel dogs - caringThe English Springer Spaniel can gain weight easily and obesity is one of the biggest health issues for this breed. Feed them a high quality dry dog food. Working dogs need more energy and more calories than the inactive dog. An active member of the breed should have around 1353 calories every day in at least 2 meals if not 3. Do not feed a large meal before or after strenuous exercise as this can cause bloat.

Health Issues

In addition to the health issues listed above the English Springer Spaniel is also prone to:

PFK: Phosphofructokinase Deficiency

This is a genetic condition where the body cannot use the carbohydrates it takes in and convert it to energy. This is identified as a blood disorder.

Epilepsy

Causes seizures but can be treated with medications.

Ear Infections

With longer , droopy ears, infection is always a possibility. Clean them regularly and keep them dry.

Exercise and games

The working English Springer Spaniel is a very energetic dog requiring daily exercise and loving to play. They love walks and hikes. They can excel in competitions such as rally, agility, tracking, field and obedience.

Feeding

The English Water Spaniel is not an overly energetic dog and has a tendency to over eat. Feed him 1 to 1.5 cups of high quality dry dog food over two meals each day.

Health issues

In addition to the health issues mentioned earlier, the English Water Spaniel is also prone to:

Baldness

Pattern baldness – is genetic and occurs on the neck and back of the hind legs.

Cataracts

English Water Spaniels can have these in old age like most other breeds.

Retinal Dysplasia

Clumps form in the retinal tissue and can lead to blindness

Exercise and games

The English Water Spaniel was a worker and an outdoor athlete at a time before organized canine games and activities such as agility and flyball. They loved to swim, and they loved to hunt. Without a job to do they could become barky and destructive.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. English Water Spaniel vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. English Water Spaniel vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. English Water Spaniel vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. English Water Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. English Water Spaniel vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. English Water Spaniel vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. English Water Spaniel vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. English Water Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. English Water Spaniel vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. English Water Spaniel vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. English Water Spaniel vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. English Water Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. English Water Spaniel vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. English Water Spaniel vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. English Water Spaniel vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. English Water Spaniel vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. English Water Spaniel vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. English Water Spaniel vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. English Water Spaniel vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. English Water Spaniel vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. English Water Spaniel vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. English Water Spaniel vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. English Water Spaniel vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. English Water Spaniel vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. English Water Spaniel vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. English Springer Spaniel vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. English Springer Spaniel vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. English Springer Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. English Springer Spaniel vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. English Springer Spaniel vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. English Springer Spaniel vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. English Springer Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. English Springer Spaniel vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. English Springer Spaniel vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. English Springer Spaniel vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. English Springer Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. English Springer Spaniel vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. English Springer Spaniel vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. English Springer Spaniel vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. English Springer Spaniel vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. English Springer Spaniel vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. English Springer Spaniel vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. English Springer Spaniel vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. English Springer Spaniel vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. English Springer Spaniel vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. English Springer Spaniel vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. English Springer Spaniel vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. English Springer Spaniel vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. English Springer Spaniel vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison