Are English Springer Spaniel's overbred? Discussions

The manic thing in my experience is generally due to boredom and poor diet, when Millie came to me, she hadn't really been exercised or trained and she was being fed a certain well known food that was full of coulourings and flavours, hence she was manic and i mean manic. A week on a different food, regular exercise for both her mind and body thrown in and she was the same as Meg. We were talking about the differences in looks of Springers the other day on a rescue site i go on, and we came to the conclusion that some of it was regional, ie we have a large number that have come through with White faces like Millie, these all came from the south coast area, we also have had a really small one through, which we seem to think was more a northern thing, maybe these slight breed differences are bred in to accomodate the cover that they may have to work???

I think that is partly due to the home they are in and not getting enough stimulation. Obviously not always the case but I would say a lot of the cases. My agility instructor has said she can always tell a working springer (working as in actually working) because they are a lot calmer. Pippa has all the right ingredients to be hyper but because I've put a lot of training into her and give her a lot of work, she's calm.

Exactly.

Agree totally. They are an active, working breed and they shouldn't be placed in an unsuitable home. However, that goes for all breeds, not just springers.

Helen

I would say that is partly the case, which has then become a historical thing. People breeding from dogs in their local area - certainly keepers etc, so are using the same lines, so they are getting a slightly different look.

If anyone is going to Crufts on the Thursday, have a look at the BASC ring where you will see all sorts of working spaniels who have done a seasons beating/picking up.

Helen

You've clearly never had a German Shepherd ;-) ;-) ;-)

hee hee.

I was careful not to say 'more' than any other.

Where is this???? I'll be going to Crufts on Gundog day 3 years in a row this year and I always miss it!!!!!!!!

Not sure which hall it will be in but if you get a programme, you should find the ring. BASC run the classes and it's usually just a couple of rings. Check out basc's website for more information.

Helen

Ok thanks I'll have a look!