Springer Spaniel
type of dog
springer spaniel, either of two ancient breeds of sporting dogs used to flush game from cover and to retrieve it. The English springer spaniel is a medium-sized, compact dog standing 19 to 20 inches (48 to 51 cm) and weighing 40 to 50 pounds (18 to 23 kg). Its glossy coat is flat or wavy and usually black and white or liver-coloured and white. The English springer spaniel is valued both as a companion and for its use in the field as a pheasant hunter. The Welsh springer spaniel, known since at least the 14th century, is somewhat smaller than the English; its flat coat is always red-brown and white, with feathering on the chest, legs, and belly. It stands 17 to 19 inches (43 to 48 cm). It is noted as both a pet and a tireless, capable hunting dog and retriever.
See the table of selected breeds of sporting dogs for further information.
name
origin
height in inches* dogs (bitches)
weight in pounds* dogs (bitches)
characteristics
comments
*1 inch = 2.54 centimetres; 1 pound = 0.454 kilogram
American Cocker Spaniel
U.S.
15 (14)
24–29 (same)
long coat with thick feathering on legs and belly
originally used in hunting; now primarily a pet or show dog
Brittany
France
17.5–20.5 (same)
30–40 (same)
tailless or short tail; flat, fine coat
similar to a Setter; originally named Brittany Spaniel
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
U.S.
23–26 (21–24)
65–80 (55–70)
dense, coarse coat; strong, powerful body
excellent duck hunter
Clumber Spaniel
France
19–20 (17–19)
70–85 (55–70)
white coat; long, heavy body; massive head
popular among British royalty
English Cocker Spaniel
England
16–17 (15–16)
28–34 (26–32)
solid, compact body; coat is less feathered than its American counterpart
popular since the 19th century; noted for its balance
English Setter
England
24–25 (same)
40–70 (same)
flecked with color; long head
mellow disposition; valued as a gun dog and companion
English Springer Spaniel
England
20 (19)
50 (40)
medium-sized; docked tail; moderately long coat
noted for endurance and agility
German Shorthaired Pointer
Germany
23–25 (21–23)
55–70 (45–60)
medium-sized; deep chest; broad ears
long-lived; versatile hunter and all-purpose gun dog
Golden Retriever
Scotland
23–24 (21.5–22.5)
65–75 (55–65)
powerful body; water-repellent coat in various shades of gold
noted for its gentle and affectionate nature
Irish Setter
Ireland
27 (25)
70 (60)
elegant build; mahogany or chestnut coat with feathering on ears, legs, belly, and chest
physically most Pointer-like of the Setters
Labrador Retriever
Canada
22.5–24.5 (21.5–23.5)
65–80 (55–70)
medium-sized; muscular build; otterlike tail
popular in England and the U.S.; a working gun dog, often used as a guide or rescue dog
Pointer
England
25–28 (23–26)
55–75 (44–65)
muscular build; tapered tail; short, dense coat
hunting instinct acquired at about two months of age
Vizsla
Hungary
22–24 (21–23)
40–60 (same)
medium-sized; light build; short, smooth coat in various shades of golden rust
nearly extinct at end of World War I; shorthaired and wirehaired varieties
Weimaraner
Germany
25–27 (23–25)
70–85 (same)
gray coat; medium-sized; graceful
dates to early 19th century
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