The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized Sporting dog, with a compact body and a docked or undocked tail, both are given equal consideration. His coat is moderately long, with feathering on his legs, ears, chest, and brisket. His pendulous ears, soft gentle expression, sturdy build, and friendly wagging tail proclaim him unmistakably a member of the ancient family of spaniels. He is above all a well-proportioned dog, free from exaggeration, nicely balanced in every part.

His carriage is proud and upstanding, body deep, legs strong and muscular, with enough length to carry him with ease. Taken as a whole, the English Springer Spaniel suggests power, endurance, and agility. He looks the part of a dog that can go, and keep going, under difficult hunting conditions. At his best, he is endowed with style, symmetry, balance, and enthusiasm, and is every inch a sporting dog of distinct spaniel character, combining beauty and utility.

The English Springer Spaniel is built to cover rough ground with agility and reasonable speed. His structure suggests the capacity for endurance. He is to be kept to medium size. Ideal height at the shoulder for dogs is 20 inches; for bitches, it is 19 inches. Well-proportioned and in good condition, males will weigh approximately 50 pounds while bitches will weigh approximately 40 pounds.

In evaluating the English Springer Spaniel, the overall picture is a primary consideration. One should look for the type, which includes general appearance and outline, and also for soundness, which includes movement and temperament. In as much as the dog with a smooth, easy gait must be reasonably sound and well-balanced, he is to be highly regarded; however, not to the extent of forgiving him for not looking like an English Springer Spaniel. It must be remembered that the English Springer Spaniel is first and foremost a sporting dog of the spaniel family, and he must look, behave, and move in character.

Although the AKC may consider them one and the same, there’s a distinct difference between show-bred and field-bred Springer Spaniels.

Field-bred dogs are generally smaller, often more white than brown/black and more heavily ticked, and usually have full tails or tails docked at two-thirds length. They are bred for performance and active hunting. They have a leaner build, shorter coat, and shorter ears. Their coat is lighter and more low maintenance, reflecting their outside lifestyle. They are agile and energetic workers.

Show (Bench) Springers excel in Conformation with longer coats and a composed demeanor. Their tail is typically docked, but Springers with full tails are equally acceptable in Conformation. They have thicker coats with more feathering. Regular grooming is needed to maintain their lush coat.

Both field-bred and bench-bred Springers excel at performance (Agility, Obedience, Rally, etc.) and companion (CGC, Barn Hunt, Scent Work, Dock Diving, etc.) events.

English Springer Spaniels are wonderful family dogs! They are very affectionate and loving family members. Always enthusiastic, the English Springer Spaniel is an energetic dog with a friendly, loyal, and affectionate disposition.

More information on the English Springer Spaniel may be found on our newly designed website by Blue Ridge Graphics at: https://englishspringerspaniels.org. Excerpts from this article were taken from the English Springer Spaniel Breed Standard.

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REFLECTION

The English Springer Spaniel crossed the Atlantic accompanied by the dreams of those who admired this all-purpose workman hunter. Bringing game to the table by day and a companion at the family fireside after the day’s work, the English Springer Spaniel was a do-it-all dog. Competition didn’t enter the picture until the 1920s and the advent of competitive field events. Form followed function, and the new Breed Standard, crafted in the 1930s, described the beautiful, moderate, balanced, and functional spaniel athlete of that day. As the 1930s progressed and Conformation competition grew, things began to change as breeders selected toward competitive goals. However, the dogs remained a true dual type. During the 1940s, our last Dual Champion earned his title.

The 1950s saw the refinement of the American show Springer and the American field-bred Springer. Both “ends” of the competitive spectrum share responsibility for the divergence from true type that we see today. Field Trial competitors selected, from our root stock, those qualities that led to high performance. It’s not easy to evaluate today’s Field Trial-bred Springer Spaniels by comparing them to the AKC approved Breed Standard. Their standard is field performance.

Similarly, the show enthusiasts began to make their own selections. Exaggeration created an ultra-glamorous dog that became rapidly competitive in Sporting Group rings, drawing the interest of new exhibitors and breeders. Some maintained a commitment to dual function, and their breeding programs produced fine hunters that remained representative of the Breed Standard. As we moved through the late 1960s and into the ‘70s, however, most show dogs had begun to lose key elements of functional type.

CELEBRATION

Despite our divergence in the 1930s… despite choices that took us away from true dual type… despite exaggerations and changes not consonant with our Breed Standard… we have a great deal to celebrate as we look back. We have the English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association, our parent club, begun in the ‘20s from Field Trial interests and now embracing and celebrating all the competitive activities that versatile Springers perform. Our parent club uniquely honors field, performance, hunting, and show interests, with the wisdom and foresight to keep the heritage of these great dogs foremost on the agenda. We respect individual interests; responsibility to the breed is paramount.

The 1980s saw the advent of health and genetic education, and the 1990s birthed our English Springer Foundation, providing significant leadership to raise and re-grant funds for Springer health, education, and genetic research. Our competitive events have become increasingly well managed, and we are working hard to identify, recruit, and involve a new group of leaders into whose hands the future of Springers may be confidently placed. We celebrate our differences and acknowledge individual accomplishments. There is great hope for the future.

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE

It is a decade into the future. A dog-handler team approaches the line, ready to run in their first Field Trial. The handler is a young woman or man of 25. The English Springer Spaniel’s pedigree combines imported and American show and hunting stock with old Midwest Field Trial lines. The pair makes a credible run and moves on to the second series. They don’t advance further, but the owner-handler is pleased with the performance and the gallery cheers enthusiastically. The next day, this same owner-handler shows the same Springer in Conformation and wins two championship points. Again, an appreciative gallery celebrates this accomplishment. This dog is the product of a breeder’s dream. He is sound and healthy in every way. He both looks and works like an English Springer Spaniel.

Watching at ringside, and on the line, are a host of Springer enthusiasts from decades past whose vision, enthusiasm, and hard work have brought the English Springer Spaniel into a new era—an era in which common goals, hopes, and dreams have crafted a dog as comfortable and productive in competitive venues as it is in its family environment.

May we have the wisdom to encourage a broad diversity of participation and involvement, and may we have the fortitude to dedicate ourselves to the great dog described in an elegant and comprehensive Breed Standard. Our ultimate success will be measured by the dogs themselves, and the passionate, reciprocal devotion that they continue to inspire in us all.

Let’s “dream big” so that our Springers might reflect the very best of what we, and they, can be.

Copyright 2024. May not be reproduced in any print or electronic medium without the written permission of the author.

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Living With the English Springer Spaniel

While it is unknown precisely how the Spaniel evolved, dogs of Spaniel type have populated the civilized world for many centuries. The Spaniel is thought to have originated in Spain and may have been brought to Britain by the Roman legions. The Spaniel was known in pre-Christian Britain, and is mentioned in an ancient law of Wales as early as 300 A.D.

Prints and paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries show dogs of similar type to today’s English Springer Spaniel. Some even have docked tails. There is mention made of a Spaniel on board the Mayflower. The dogs were used to spring (flush) or start game, both birds and other small game, for hawks, coursing hounds, and nets. The invention of the wheel lock firearm in the 17th century made “flying shooting” possible and the Spaniel was uniquely capable of this style of hunting due to its flushing ability. They are sometimes called the “poor man’s hunting dog” since they work relatively close to the handler/gunner and are hunted on foot rather than horseback.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th century in Britain, smaller dogs in a litter would be used to hunt woodcock and were referred to as “cockers”. Larger littermates, used to flush or spring game, were called “Springers”. Ultimately, the two sizes were developed into separate breeds, the Springer becoming the largest of the land Spaniels. The Sporting Spaniel Society of Britain decided upon the name English Springer Spaniel in 1902.

English Springer Spaniels with identifiable pedigrees were first imported to North America from England to Canada in 1913. In a short period of time, the breed became one of the most popular breeds eligible for American Kennel Club registration. Early in their history in the U.S., many Springer breeders and owners enjoyed working with their dogs in the field and also showing them in conformation competition. The English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association, the parent club of the breed, was founded in 1924. At that time, it was not unusual for dogs to compete in a field trial one day and be presented in conformation competition the next day. This emphasized the versatility of the breed from the early days here in the United States.

“Dual type” Springers—those capable of excelling in both conformation and field trial competition—have not existed since the 1940’s, when the last dual championships were earned. Field trial enthusiasts began selecting those qualities in their dogs which produced top caliber performance in the field, while show-minded breeders bred dogs to conform with the written standard of the breed as successful conformation competitors. The Standard for the breed does not distinguish between show and field style dogs. Many field-bred Springers have lovely breed type and many show-bred Springers have good hunting ability. The advent of spaniel hunting tests have offered a venue to those breeders and owners maintaining high level hunting ability within what is considered showbred Springers.

The true beauty of the English Springer Spaniel can be found in its original purpose as a companion gundog. The diverse appearance of today’s show and field bred Springers is due to specialization, and to the choices breeders make to achieve success in their chosen sports. Competitive field trial Springers are the ultimate in athleticism and performance, while the competitive conformation Springers are beautiful examples of breed type, soundness and symmetry.

The English Springer Spaniel has a friendly, happy, even temperament and should get along well with people and other dogs. An affectionate breed, Springers want to be part of family activity and are highly social. The breed has often been described as alert, kindly and trusting. Excessive shyness or aggression are not acceptable in an English Springer Spaniel.

While there exists a “split” within the breed, overall the English Springer Spaniel is the essence of a versatile breed. The advent of the spaniel hunting test program along with additional performance competition venues has allowed this versatility to be evaluated more readily and better demonstrated on a regular basis. Their intelligence and enthusiasm, along with the traits of being a willing-to-please and biddable breed lend to a pleasing companion dog, making the English Springer Spaniel an outstanding hunting companion as well as a breed that excels in performance events such as obedience, agility, and tracking. The ESSFTA recognizes those English Springer Spaniels demonstrating a high level of versatility through the Versatile Springer recognition program. Dogs earning this recognition can be found at http://www.essfta.org/about-the-essfta/awards-and-achievements/

The secret to the many and varied successes the English Springer Springer enjoys is related to the qualities of being a smart, happy, and eager to please breed.

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Spring cleaning can be one of those cathartic experiences that shifts your state of mind and encourages you to plan that dinner party you’ve been contemplating all winter. It can also send you down a rabbit hole or two if the clean-up involves tackling long-neglected drawers or bins of forgotten memorabilia. Instead of feeling rejuvenated, the experience can have you sitting for hours going through souvenirs and keepsakes that remind you of how much time has passed and how much things have changed. It can even bring the whole cleaning process to a complete standstill. This happened to me recently when I uncovered a box containing long-forgotten documents from my earliest days in the sport of dogs.

This year’s clean-up took me back to the year 1979. In a folder labeled “Hawkeye,” I found the AKC registration and pedigree of my first dog, an English Springer Spaniel. Also rediscovered were receipts from visits to the dog’s groomer and veterinarian. One handwritten slip from Down-Home Dog Grooming shows that I paid $23 in 1981 for a full groom. That seems like a real bargain today, since the average cost in 2024 can be anywhere from $90-140. Even more astonishing are the old vet receipts, which range from $12 for an office visit to $28 for a visit that included vaccinations and deworming meds. Although I save a bit of money now by grooming my own dogs, I’m still taking them to the vet where I rarely leave the office without dropping $500!

One of the biggest surprises was finding a handwritten note from Hawkeye’s breeder. In her letter, the lady suggests that I might enjoy going to the Kennel Club of Philadelphia’s all-breed dog show later that month. As I reread the note, I recall being intrigued by the idea of a dog show. I accepted the invitation without hesitation and spent the whole day immersed in a world I didn’t understand in the least. I know that I stayed till Best in Show and was in awe of the little dog that defeated every other dog at the show. How great, I remember thinking, that he was the winner and that the guy showing him got to take home that beautiful sterling silver trophy, or so I thought.

At that first show, I remember being delighted to see so many of the breeds I’d only seen in books. The Mastiffs, Borzoi, and Komondorok were even more extraordinary in person, lounging as they were in the benching area for the benefit of spectators like me. I recall wanting to learn as much as I could about each and every breed, and I must have gone on a serious letter writing campaign after the show because the box I’d opened contained dozens of letters and tri-folds from quite a few dog clubs. Much of the decades-old correspondence is from club secretaries who describe their breed in straight-forward language and extend an invitation to join their organization. Among the breeds I’d expressed interest in were the Curly-Coated Retriever, Sussex Spaniel, and French Bulldog.

The Frenchie correspondence jogged a particular memory of how I was introduced to the breed. In Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square, I encountered a dog whose owner told me that his companion had been entered in a few shows. (The breed was not at all popular at the time and was not often seen at dog shows.) I remember that we talked a bit about showing dogs, and when I commented on his dog’s color—which appeared solid black to me—the gentleman showed me where his dog had fawn-colored hairs sprinkled throughout his coat. I later learned this was called “black brindle” and that the breed has a limited color palette. More than four decades later, it’s astounding to have witnessed the breed’s meteoric rise in popularity and how cross-breeding has created the very real problem of so many non-standard colors.

Ultimately, I decided on a different breed and joined the Irish Water Spaniel Club of America with the encouragement of a couple I’d met at a few local shows. By becoming a parent club member, I was introduced to other people in the area who also showed their dogs from time to time. I still have all their letters, each one proposing where we should enter our dogs or announcing that someone has finally come in season. As a member, I also received (and have kept) the club’s monthly newsletters which introduced me to members living in other countries. I’ve especially enjoyed rereading the letters postmarked Ireland, England, Australia, and New Zealand, as they’ve brought back so many memories of a time when everything was exciting and new. Some of the letters have made me laugh, whereas others have elicited a variety of different emotions. I do keep in touch with some of the folks who are still around, although the postcards and letters have largely been replaced by email and text messages.

Rediscovering the box of memorabilia has me feeling nostalgic about my involvement in the sport of dogs. Though there have been wins and awards earned along the way (with separate boxes for the photos, ribbons, and trophies), I realize that it’s the people who’ve shared my experiences that matter most to me. Their cards and letters provide a record of the fun times we’ve shared, and they’re a testament to our common commitment to the purebred dogs we genuinely love.

Having those memories at my fingertips again has certainly renewed my enthusiasm for the sport. Now, if I could just muster enough energy for that dinner party I’ll know just who to invite.

Their cards and letters provide a record of the fun times we’ve shared, and they’re a testament to our common commitment to the purebred dogs we genuinely love.

The post Spring Cleaning & Falling in Love – AGAIN appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? What is your kennel name?
2. What is your “process” for selecting show puppies? Performance puppies?
3. In your opinion, is your breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?
4. As a Preservation Breeder, can you share your thoughts on the sport today? How’s the judging these days? What do you think about the number of shows?
5. In your opinion, is social media good for the sport? Is it harmful?
6. What are the biggest challenges facing the dog show community as a whole today and how can these be addressed?
7. What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in the sport over the past decade?

1. I live in Georgia, USA. I’ve been in dogs as long as I can remember and have been a breeder for 31 years. My kennel name is Wallylama.

In 1991, I purchased my first English Springer Spaniel. I have successfully bred dogs that have become champions in the US, Canada, Argentina, Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, and India. Across these countries, our dogs have won a total of 60 BIS awards at all-breed dog shows, including a couple of BISs in Canada, as well as more than a hundred BIGs. I became an ESS FCI judge in 1998. I have judged in South America, Canada, the US, and Australia.

In 2005, I bought my first ESS female from the world-famous kennel, Mompesson (UK), and have been working with European bloodlines for the last 19 years. In 2016, I won BOS at Westminster and Select Bitch at the National Specialty with GCH Wallyama’s Behind The Scenes. In 2022, while being a Board Member of the parent club, I proposed a motion to change the Breed Standard to include natural tails, which was approved by AKC in 2023.

In 2023, I won the CESSGA Specialty in Georgia with GCH Wallylama’s I’ve Got The Look. At the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 2023, I won Best of Breed (GCH Wallylama’s I’ve Got The Look) and Select Dog (GCH Wallylama’s I’m All In), both being the first English Springers with a natural tail to win BOB and Select Dog. We have won several OH BIS and ranked our dogs in the Top 20 ESS.

2. We believe form follows function and concentrate our breeding on dogs with correct structure that are capable of doing the job they were bred for. Our show puppy selection occurs between weeks 7 and 12. We evaluate conformation, breed type, temperament, and movement. All my breeding choices are made to improve each generation of dogs.

3. As in many Sporting breeds, it is lacking soundness. There is too much emphasis on what is popular, and there is not enough on what is correct.

4. We need to attract the younger generation to showing and breeding through mentorship and support. How’s the judging these days? There are several good ones! We should continue to support the judges by offering more quality education that includes breed type, anatomy, and movement. Continuing education for judges is very important. The number of shows depends on the region you live in. I believe there are plenty of shows to attend.

5. Social media is great to connect with breeders worldwide. It does have a downside in that it does not always accurately reflect the dog.

6. Our challenge is to bring younger people to the sport. It is difficult for a young breeder to get started and we need to work harder at supporting them, as well as supporting Junior Handlers. They are the future.

7. The AKC ESS Standard changed last year to allow for full natural tails. As a result, there are more opportunities for breeders to look abroad and import quality bloodlines to complement their lines. Also, there are more performance opportunities like Dock Diving (2014) and Fast CAT (2016) for new owners who are not necessarily interested in Conformation. This year will be the 100th Anniversary Field Trial for the ESSFTA, where our dogs can display their potential.

It is difficult for a young breeder to get started and we need to work harder at supporting them, as well as supporting Junior Handlers.

The post Clemencia Saavedra | Wallylama English Springer Spaniels appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? What is your kennel name?
2. What is your “process” for selecting show puppies? Performance puppies?
3. In your opinion, is your breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?
4. As a Preservation Breeder, can you share your thoughts on the sport today? How’s the judging these days? What do you think about the number of shows?
5. In your opinion, is social media good for the sport? Is it harmful?
6. What are the biggest challenges facing the dog show community as a whole today and how can these be addressed?
7. What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in the sport over the past decade?

1. I’m a retired teacher/administrator and live in beautiful Pasco, Washington, near the Columbia River. I started as a Junior Handler, showing Akitas and other Working breeds in 1963 in Southern California. I’ve had English Springer Spaniels since 1968 and bred my first litter in 1970 under my kennel name Ramblewood. As a small-time hobby kennel, I’ve reached goals I never would have imagined years ago.

2. I linebreed, some inbreeding, so I know what my puppies will probably grow up to look like. I don’t really evaluate puppies until about 7-8 weeks of age. By then, their personalities and qualities become apparent and I select puppies accordingly for their future owners. I do all health tests, starting with eye clearances and then all age hip/elbow tests as they become older. I’m proud to say I’ve been working with OFA since 1968. I’ve bred dogs that have exceeded in all venues: show rings, hunting trials, and performance and therapy work.

3. I believe today’s breeders are more aware of health and temperament testing than they were years ago, which is a very positive trend. A trend which I’m concerned about, however, is I feel there is way too much emphasis placed on show markings and excessive coat. Springers come in all correct markings and should have a moderate coat in order to be successful as a sporting spaniel able to do its job.

4. As a preservation breeder, I feel too many exhibitors are more geared to the win than to what our Breed Standard states. Too many exhibitors last for only a few years and breed to the current winner rather than studying pedigrees and having long-term breeding goals. I believe there are too many dog shows turning out “cheap” champions. Fewer shows would bring more exhibitors together, and hopefully, increase the learning environment for all.

5. Social media is good to promote purebred breeds to the public. The downside is that the high cost of promoting a dog is prohibitive for most exhibitors, and therefore, many very worthy dogs are not shown and seen by most. NOHS has helped owners continue to show their good dogs to some degree.

6. I feel there are many big challenges facing our sport today: the “graying” of long-term breeders and not many younger people staying in the sport with long-range goals; nationwide pressure to “rescue” a dog instead of buying a healthy puppy from a reputable breeder; AR’s power; and the “doodle” craze. I feel AKC needs to do more nationally to promote purebred dogs and help to educate the population on the values of owning a purebred dog. They also need to put more legal pressure on puppy mills.

7. I think AKC has done a good job with its many rules and guidelines to bring back a more positive venue at dog shows. Dog shows are a safe place now for families and the dogs. Lots of kennel clubs are now showing great support for Junior Handlers, which is the future of our sport.

As a preservation breeder, I feel too many exhibitors are more geared to the win than to what our Breed Standard states. Too many exhibitors last for only a few years and breed to the current winner rather than studying pedigrees and having long-term breeding goals.

The post Linda Riedel | Ramblewood English Springer Spaniels appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Interview with Judy Manley, Breeder of Vistah English Springer Spaniels

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Judy Manley: I live in Saybrook, Ohio. I have been in dogs for 44 yrs, breeding for 40 years.

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

Judy Manley: My kennel name is Vistah. I generally keep between 8 and 12 English Springer Spaniels.

Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?

Judy Manley: My noteworthy winners include CH Vistah’s Jovan Musk and CH Bear Majic Vistah’s Enjoli.

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

Influential sires and dams include:

• CH Vistah’s Cool Water (sire)
• CH Bear Majic Vistah’s Enjoli (dam)
• CH Siobhan N Vistah’s Inis Arose (dam).

Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Judy Manley: I used to own a large boarding/grooming facility with my home on the property. Now I live on several acres with an in-law suite that has become my kennel area. Since I live in the snowbelt, I have covered outside runs and two fenced-in yards for the dogs to run. Puppies are whelped and raised in my office. They have general house time in a limited area that includes a dog door for them to access the outside area.

What is my “process” for selecting Show Puppies? Performance Puppies?

Judy Manley: My puppies live under my feet from birth. This gives me an opportunity to watch them from the moment they first stand up. I watch their behavior with the other puppies for temperament evaluations. We do many sessions of stacking and photos. I like taking photos to evaluate them closely. I spend an enormous number of hours watching the puppies’ movement.

Performance dogs are selected by their activity levels and how responsive they are while giving Basic Obedience training. After so many years, you develop an eye and a talent to select puppies based on their abilities and qualities.

Do I compete in Companion Events? Performance Events?

Judy Manley: Yes, to both. I used to do Obedience Trials and now I do some limited Rally competition. My knees won’t let me do Agility. I still give Obedience classes for our local kennel club.

Are Field Trials or parent club Hunt Tests important to me?

Judy Manley: Absolutely, YES!

How would I define “conditioning” as it relates to my breed?

Judy Manley: There are so many aspects to conditioning. First, it is the training. This breed hinges on a lot of coat quality and your grooming skills. I try to give bi-weekly baths and maintain their coats from matting. Some need weekly baths to keep their coats in condition. I am always searching for products to help improve my dogs’ coat quality, but the bottom line is not what goes on the dog but what goes into the dog. Genetics is a big factor in coats on Springers. The other aspect of conditioning is a dog that can run and is physically muscled.

Are there any health-related concerns in my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Judy Manley: Yes. This breed has a history of dogs with aggression and epilepsy issues. Another big issue with spaniels is auto-immune deficiencies. I take these things into consideration first when deciding on a breeding pair, and these decisions should not be made just on the first generation of dogs. I research at least eight generations in a pedigree. In my own experience, I have no notable nutritional needs for a Springer other than a high-quality food and salmon oil for their coat and skin.

Do I think your breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

Judy Manley: Absolutely. I highly believe we have preservation breeders for English Springers and there is a wonderful balance in this breed between bench and field-bred Springers. We have some phenomenal breeders who are passionately devoted to this breed. Sadly, I do see the numbers dwindling.

Is my breed well suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

Judy Manley: Yes, Springers are well suited, as it should be. People with active to semi-active lifestyles are the best candidates. Most of us know Springers as “velcro” dogs because they are so attached to their owners. One of the things that intrigues me about this breed is how they can go from outside romping and making chaos to laying on a sofa, napping within a minute’s time.

What is the biggest misconception about my breed? What is my breed’s best-kept secret?

Judy Manley: The breed has had a history of aggression. So, many who have experienced these dogs are cautious about handling or being with a Springer because of their perceived threatening behavior. The breeders are trying to repair this, and make soft and loving family members. Be careful and do your homework when selecting a dog. The best-kept secret is that they can be clowns and they like to talk back.

If I could share a comment or two with judges of my breed, what would I like to say to them?

Judy Manley: Take note of how the breed is being changed. They are not supposed to be “settery” and many have lost their “spanieliness.” Watch head planes and do not evaluate on markings.

Do I have any words of wisdom to pass along to newer breeders?

Judy Manley: Dig deep to find the honest breeders. Try to evaluate pedigrees and sit ringside with different mentors for different viewpoints.

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with a Sporting Dog?

Judy Manley: One weekend out with some field dogs was followed by being at a bench show the following weekend at a fairground. My dog was just sitting without restraint on his grooming table at the show when I noticed a pigeon walking on the floor. The bird walked right past my bird dog, which sat watching the bird walk by without even standing up. I knew instantly that he was not a field dog candidate.

Are you looking for a English Springer Spaniel puppy?

The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase one from a responsible breeder. Not sure where to begin finding a breeder?

Contact the National Parent Club’s Breeder Referral person, which you can find on the AKC Breeder Referral Contacts page.

Want to help rescue and re-home a English Springer Spaniel dog?

Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.

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The post Judy Manley | Vistah English Springer Spaniels appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Interview with Laureen Camisi, Breeder of Sapphire English Springer Spaniels

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Laureen Camisi: I live in Tabernacle, Burlington County, New Jersey. I have been involved with show Springers since 1995 and have been breeding show Springers since 1996.

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

Laureen Camisi: My kennel name is Sapphire English Springer Spaniels. I currently have four dogs at my house, which includes my oldest at 12 years of age. I also have about 10 dogs that I co-own, but live elsewhere.

Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?

• My most noteworthy winner was CH Twin Oaks Sapphire Makin’ Waves, “Chessie.” She won our National Specialty in 2009, was a Top 20 placing bitch, and had notable Group and Best of Breed wins during her career.
• GCHB Sapphire n Twin Oaks Cabaret, “Eliza,” was WB/BOW at the prestigious Eastern ESS Club Specialty. She had numerous Owner-Handled Bests in Show to her name.
• GCH Sapphires Frequent Flier, “Miles,” was a wonderful boy with some notable wins to his name.

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

Dams:

• Holidays Blu Clarion,
• CH Twin Oaks Black Ice,
• CH Twin Oaks Sapphire Making Waves,
• GCHB Sapphire n Twin Oaks Cabaret,
• GCHB Sapphire n Twin Oaks Weep No More, Sapphires Tiger Lillie,
• CH Sapphire Sirakian Destiny.

Sires:

• GCH Sapphires Frequent Flier,
• CH Sapphires Power Play,
• GCH CH Suncoast n Sapphires Great Scott!

Can I Talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Laureen Camisi: I do not have a separate outdoor kennel building; my dogs are kept in my home. They are crated at night and during the day when necessary. They have house time with us every day and run with the other dogs if they get along. My puppies are also whelped in a whelping room in my home.

They are never left unsupervised and are raised with human interaction constantly. I try hard to get my children and grandchildren to come and play with them as often as possible so that the puppies get used to children and other people.

What is my “process” for selecting Show puppies? Performance puppies? Field puppies?

Laureen Camisi: I have no experience with field training. I have chosen puppies that seem to be biddable, confident, friendly, structurally sound, and agile to move on to Agility homes. For show prospects, we obviously look at structure, head, general personality, and confidence of the dog. We usually choose a few that are show quality at about 6-7 weeks and re-evaluate those at 8-10 weeks.

Those that are still looking promising, which includes shoulder angle, forechest, topline, head planes, tail set, bite, personality, confidence, foot timing, and overall appearance, will be held out. We constantly evaluate them after that, as things can and do change. A once confident puppy can become frightened due to a bad experience. A once perfect scissors bite can change, etc. Eventually, the true stars will shine and go on to show careers.

Do I compete in Companion Events? Performance Events?

Laureen Camisi: I have dabbled in Rally and have a Rally title on one of my girls. I’ve also done Agility and have Agility titles on two of my dogs. Due to some health issues my Agility days are probably behind me, but I enjoyed it and miss it. The sad thing is that the Springers love Agility, and unless someone else will run them, without me, they can’t participate either.

Are Field Trials or parent club Hunt Tests Important to me?

Laureen Camisi: Although I do not compete in these events, they are very important to me and they should be important to everyone in the breed. This is what our Springers are bred to do. All of the Conformation competition is to ensure that the dogs we are showing maintain the ability to perform in the field, and the future breeding of those dogs will pass on the proper traits to continue to do so. It is an amazing thing to watch a Springer in the field, doing what they do. It takes my breath away.

How would I define “conditioning” as it relates to my breed?

Laureen Camisi: Although this is not a breed that has huge, prominent muscle, they have to be in good condition and at a good weight to be able to do their job. Too much weight keeps the dog from moving properly, expending too much energy, and therefore, it cannot do its job in the field. Too little weight also keeps the dog from being able to work for long periods of time in the field, as the dog will tire. It is important for these dogs to be at a good weight and exercised enough to keep muscle and stamina.

Are there any health-related concerns in my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Laureen Camisi: The normal health concerns for medium to large dogs is hip and elbow dysplasia. Also, there are issues with their eyes; PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) and RD (Retinal Dysplasia). We test the dogs we are breeding for the above-mentioned issues and will not breed if any potential problems are present. Epilepsy is a problem that crops up. Unfortunately, there isn’t a test that will indicate if the sire or dam can pass it on. There are a few other issues, but those are usually not that common.

As for nutritional needs, I feed my dogs very little dry dog food. Their diets consist mostly of meat, either raw freeze-dried or raw frozen, a good quality canned, or most of the time, meat that I’ve cooked for them. I supplement with a good quality vitamin, joint supplement, and a piece of cooked salmon daily. They are healthy, have great coats, and lots of energy.

Do I think my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

Laureen Camisi: The answer to this is NO. The responsible breeders are dwindling due to a few factors. Many are old, unhealthy, or have passed on. So, there is a huge gap as not as many younger breeders are stepping in. Finances, veterinary care, and dog laws have severely impacted who is breeding and how often.

In years past, I remember New Jersey as having many responsible, ethical breeders of English Springer Spaniels. Currently, I think I am one of the few left in the state and I’m not young enough to foresee a long future of breeding.

Is my breed well suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

Laureen Camisi: I’ve raised five children with English Springer Spaniels, and the children and dogs flourished and loved each other. Springers are fun, cuddly, loveable, friendly, and so attentive to what the children wanted to do that there was never an issue. My sons played soccer with the dogs and the little ones cuddled with them to watch TV. I would always recommend a well-bred Springer as a family dog and would always prefer a family as a pet home for my puppies, as they thrive with their people around them.

What is the biggest misconception about my breed? What is my breed’s best-kept secret?

Laureen Camisi: Many people are of the misconception that Springers are nasty, which couldn’t be further from the truth. There are nasty dogs in every breed and I stress strongly to always get a dog of any breed from a reputable, ethical breeder. These dogs are so versatile and this is their draw. They can go from working in the field to the show ring and back to cuddling on the couch with your grandchildren. They excel in Performance Sports such as Agility, Rally, Obedience, and Nose Work, and they are also used for Search and Rescue. They’re happy and a joy to live with.

If I could share a comment or two with judges of my breed, what would I like to say to them?

Laureen Camisi: I don’t really want to tell judges how to do their job.

Do I have any words of wisdom to pass along to newer breeders?

Laureen Camisi: Study your breed and study it again. The more you know about what a Springer should be, the better prepared you will be to take the breed into the future and make good breeding decisions.

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with a Sporting Dog?

Laureen Camisi: I am constantly blown away by the intelligence and devotion of Sporting Dogs. I know that if I ask something of my Springer, he/she will always try to do it. I don’t think of this as amusing, but more humbling as to the heart of Sporting Dogs.

Are you looking for an English Springer Spaniel puppy?

The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase one from a responsible breeder. Not sure where to begin finding a breeder?

Contact the National Parent Club’s Breeder Referral person, which you can find on the AKC Breeder Referral Contacts page.

Want to help rescue and re-home an English Springer Spaniel dog?

Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.

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