Frequently Asked Questions
Do they make good family pets?
Yes! They love being with people, that is why they are referred to as Velcro dogs. They love the extra attention of having children in the family.
Do they shed hair?
Yes! As much as most other dogs.
Does neutering affect the dog in any other way than removing the problem of itches coming into season?
Yes! You have to be careful on the food or they can become overweight easily.
Neutering also causes the dog to grow a thick coat (rather like a sheep!) which needs to be clipped all over. The texture of the coat changes from the silky coat which if muddy and left to dry sheds 90+% of the mud, and a quick brush the rest, to f fluffy coat which retains the dried mud. Often the coat colour changes after neutering (not overnight!) from the lovely rich red to a pale sandy colour.
Are they good with other dogs / pets?
In general Yes! Many people keep a cat or two as well as the dog, all living in harmony. The different animals have to learn to respect each other from an early age.
Are they noisy?
They can be! They become bored and will make a noise. They also often suffer from separation anxiety as they are so attached to their owners. They need to be taught to be left for a short time - this needs to be done from when you take your puppy home, going outside and leaving the puppy for a few minutes at first and increasing the time the puppy is left. When the puppy can be taken for a walk then a short walk before leaving helps, as does a radio on and toys to play with.
Do they need lots of exercise?
Under 12 months of age the answer is no! Over exercise damages joints resulting in problems like hip dysplasia which is part hereditary and part environmental. The breeder should give you guidelines for what is suitable exercise before 12 months of age.
Over twelve months exercise should be built up, not suddenly taken for 5 mile hikes. Also beware if taking the dog out in the car to exercise him / her - if you do then it is probably a good idea not to just let the dog jump out and run straight away. In humans athletes warm up before racing, etc, to prevent damage to their muscles etc, the same can apply to dogs, ruptured cruciate ligaments from sudden rushing off. So if possible a little lead exercise to limber up first.
Do they have ear problems?
Some can, but if you keep under the ear trimmed back and keep a careful check on the ear, using a veterinary ear cleaner and taking the dog to the Vet at the first signs of infection, then it will be OK.
How do I stop them chasing other animals?
Training! Start very early and go to training classes as well.
What is the difference between an English Springer and a Welsh one?
Colour - the Welsh is a risch red and white whilst the English is liver and white, black and white, or either of the afore-mentioned with tan points.
The English is divided into the working strain which is nearer looking to the Welsh, and the show strain which has long ears and is quite a bit bigger.
A comparison of the English Springer Spaniel and the Welsh Springer Spaniel can be found here. We also have a pictorial representation here.