subject: Choosing a Springer Spaniel Puppy - Basic Decisions [print this page] Choosing a Springer Spaniel Puppy - Basic Decisions
This short article addresses the main initial choices you will need to make, and how you go about locating a breeder when you decide to become an owner of one of these great pets.What Colour?You or your children may have strong views on colouring, and with the English springer there are two main colourings - black on white or liver on white (some people call the latter a chocolate springer). Either of these colours may have tan markings in addition. Being set on a particular colour will cut down your range of breeders and may lead to a lot of travel. You should visit at least two breeders before deciding. Then you will return when the litter and your puppy is ready, to bring your springer puppy back to your home.GenderWhich - dog or bitch? Springers are loyal and affectionate, so the males are not a major problem when it comes to going awol. However, where a bitch is concerned, you have to consider the obvious - keeping her away from all male dogs when she is in season; there will be cleanliness aspects to consider at home. Spaying has side effects, such as a tendency to getting fat. If you do want to breed springer pups, then there is only one way to go. Will you Work, Show or Pet the Dog?Do you want a gundog or a show dog? For an English Springer Spaniel, these are distinctly separate breeding lines and could influence your choice of breeder. Both lines are good as family pets provided you are able to exercise them sufficiently. There is no lineage difference for Welsh Springers.How to Find your Springer Spaniel PupIf you want a pure springer spaniel puppy with no doubtful genetic background then avoid 'puppy farms'. This is important because all pure breeds are susceptible to hereditary conditions (the Springer is pretty good in this respect). So, you need to find a dog with a fully documented bloodline and pedigree certification which is in order. By choosing a fully certificated pedigree (which can usually be checked online), you would be able to show your springer in class at a dogshow - well, you never know, your children might like that! Finding the Right BreederThe main ways to find breeders are through:- Newspaper advertising- Kennel Clubs- Web search- Yellow Pages- Springer Spaniel Breed clubs- Specialist dog magazines and papers- Going to dog shows and talking to owners and breedersDo be cautious about the small ads in your local newspaper. 'Springer spaniel puppy for sale' may be genuine, or not. Make sure you see proper documentation.Most Kennel Clubs usually operate a Breeder Accreditation scheme. Kennel Club websites or Breed Clubs will provide you with the Breed Standard (there are some differences from country to country). Get to know these and prepare a summary, so that when you visit breeders you will be able to have focused conversations about particular pups and bloodlines. Of course, the better breeders (those with the best show records) will have higher prices for their spaniel puppies, and may also only want to sell to experienced owners. You might consider a Rescue Dog. Using a rescue centre requires more care and preparation, but can be a good way to go if you don't want to go through the 'house training' phase. There are other pitfalls though.
