Information on the Spaniel Dog Breed

Spaniels are great for hunting and for family companionship.

There are many types of spaniels, from the cocker spaniel to springer spaniel. Despite the differences in their appearances, all dogs belonging to the spaniel category share a common ancestry and a set of characteristics that make them ideal pets for many kinds of people and situations.

Descent

Although the origin of this dog breed is still debated today, some people believe that it came from Rome, where spaniels were used to hunt. The old Italian verb "spaniere" means "to get out of a trap or net," notes the Dog Owner's Guide's website. This may be a reference to the spaniels' hunting style of crouching and then springing on prey. However, many of the types of spaniels common today were developed in England. Today, the spaniel breed includes the American and English cocker spaniels, the Field and Sussex spaniel, the English and Welsh springer, the Clumber, the Irish and American water spaniels, and the Boykin spaniel.

Function

All spaniels were bred for two main tasks: to hunt and to serve as family companions. Many people who own spaniels say that these dogs live for their families. When hunting, spaniels are used to flush game from hiding. After a hunter shoots down the quarry, the spaniels retrieve it. They stay relatively close to their owners during hunts, so that their owners can follow on foot. Additionally, they were bred to get into thick brush to retrieve quarry.

Physical Traits

Spaniels can range from small- to medium-sized. There are also some toy-sized versions of the breed that are used solely for companionship. Generally, these dogs have medium to long coats of fur that come in many colors and color combinations. Main distinguishing features of all spaniels are their long, floppy ears.

Character

People who own spaniels often say that this breed of dog has a real enthusiasm for life. Their tails are always wagging and they are always ready to put a smile on their families' faces. This makes them an ideal pet for families, including those with small children. They are highly intelligent dogs and full of energy, but at the same time are gentle and sociable.

Needs

Like any other sporting breed of dog, spaniels need a moderate amount of daily exercise. This breed has a long life span, compared to other similarly sized breeds. However, spaniels can be prone to eye problems, including blindness, so owners need to pay attention to any vision problems that may develop. Additionally, because spaniels have long, floppy ears, dirt and bacteria can easily accumulate in the ear, leading to infection. Frequent cleaning can prevent this.

References

• Dog Owner's Guide: Spaniels
• Gun Dogs Online: Spaniel Secrets
• Purina: English Cocker Spaniel