THE FIELD-BRED ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL
Pine Shadows Higgins
Delivery to hand repeat.
Merlin
Henry
Morgan runs some energy out of his litter with a feathered wing.
Springers are gifted at noting their training partner’s (your) movements, mood, and demeanor. With a Springer, one needs to be consistent in your actions, voice, and movements. Springers are not good with heavy-handed training, harsh words or neglect. Springers can vary in their intelligence level, from breeding to breeding. Some pick up on things quickly whereas others need rep- etitions. Some can overthink situations; they know what you are going to do, and react (good or bad) to the desired outcome. In selecting a Springer, make sure that you find a litter that is going to have a pup that fits your lifestyle. Springers love a routine and they quickly adapt well to one. The routine that you develop with your Springer needs to be the cor- rect routine for developing a happy family member with a likable personality; obedient and trusting. The personality of the Springer
determines the correct routine to follow. Some Springers with a soft, easy-going mentality that pick up things quickly will adapt to soft, easy treatment. A quick thinker, high-energy Springer needs someone who is on their toes all the time, to stay consistent and ahead in the learning curve. One might need to change a bit to adapt to your new Springer pup as it develops. A well-trained, well cared for Springer will live, on average, 13-15 years. Good Springer breeders are aware of any negative reproducible issues such as eye, hip or mouth problems, and will do the testing for these defects. Ethical Springer breeders will not reproduce these negative traits, no matter the titles earned by the dogs. Having a Springer in your family is a rewarding adventure, and the time spent with one is always too short.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR My wife, Sophie, and I reside in Brainerd, Minnesota, and we own and operate Pine Shadows. We are a Springer Spaniel kennel, raising and training English Springer Spaniels. Starting in 1975, with a field-bred Springer Spaniel puppy as a college graduation present from Sophie (my fiancé at the time), we nurtured, expanded, and became actively involved in all aspects of the field trial world for Springer Spaniels. Memberships include several Springer clubs as well as leadership roles in the parent club of the breed and participation in field trials as a judge, gunner, and chairman. The highlight for Sophie and me is openly welcoming new people into the world of Springer Spaniels at our kennel—we so enjoy all aspects of this game. Mark Haglin www.pineshadows.com
296 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JUNE 2021
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