springer spaniel

cena

Anyone have one of these. My mother is looking at getting one for a pet. Are they a good breed?

kylith

IME they're a lovely friendly dog, daft as brooms. The only thing, and obviously I don't know how old your mother is or what her health is like or anything, but they have MASSES of energy, seriously; bags and bags of it. They'll go all day. My brother had a couple and they seem impossible to tire out. If your mum wants a chilled out companion a springer is not it (nor is any spaniel, really). If she wants a companion to run or to do serious walking with then they're great.

VonVix

One of the most hyperactive dog breeds I have ever met to be honest, they basically seem not built to be on a leash (just my experiences with many of them) they are FAST dogs who are go-go-go. The "Springer" part of their name suits them well!

Personality wise they tend to be very sweet, goofy natured dogs. But like I said, they are VERY busy!

SingItOut

My dog is half springer, Crazy crazy energy! Not the brightest dog at times but very loving,sweet and definitely the most loyal dog I've ever had. She is extremely vocal although that may be her Collie side coming out. If your mum is very old I wouldn't recommend a springer, they need daily long runs off the lead to burn off that crazy unending energy.

borderlinemeath

Not a dog for the faint hearted, as the other posters have said, they have boundless energy. They just don't stop, you cannot tire them out! Any I have met have fabulous personalities though.

cena

She has a 13 and half year old lab now. But feels he is on his last legs. She was talking to her neighbor that works for the ISPCA. The neighbor put one on hold for the mother to go look at one.

Rips

What everyone has said so far is true, but if you can get a mature bitch (3+) they can be very quiet settled dogs, so if she wants a springer it seems like rescue might be your best bet.

cena

Rips wrote: »

What everyone has said so far is true, but if you can get a mature bitch (3+) they can be very quiet settled dogs, so if she wants a springer it seems like rescue might be your best bet.

She was told its a year and half. Supposed to be a very clam dog like the lab she has now. He wouldnt hurt a fly the lab that is.

VonVix

cena wrote: »

She was told its a year and half. Supposed to be a very clam dog like the lab she has now. He wouldnt hurt a fly the lab that is.

I would highly recommend that she gets the dog on a lead/for a walk before deciding anything. I have met my fair share of sweet springers who turn into steam trains once they know they are heading outside lol.

For example I was walking a springer and german shepherd together. The GSD was no problem for me, but the tiny springer? Nearly pulled my arm off!

madmaggie

I got my springer when she was two years old. She came from a family where there were very young kids, and they had her gone mad. It took her a while to calm down, but she is the most devoted, intelligent, loyal, protective and loving animal in the world. The downside is she has heart and kidney trouble and I'm almost broke buying her meds, but she's worth it. Go for it, this breed will only bring joy.

cena

I wish she would stay with the same breed. At least she knows the breed

SingItOut

Honestly if the Labrador is nearly 14 years old i'd wait till after he passes to bring a new dog into the family, at that age hes probably a little creaky on his legs and a young energetic pup could hurt him

cena

SingItOut wrote: »

Honestly if the Labrador is nearly 14 years old i'd wait till after he passes to bring a new dog into the family, at that age hes probably a little creaky on his legs and a young energetic pup could hurt him

The lab walks himself down to the brothers house to play with there 2yr old dog must days. It's in the same estate.

SingItOut

Why is the dog allowed to roam out of his back garden? Please don't let him do that on his own he could be stolen or hit by a car

Toulouse

No reputable rescue will adopt a dog to a home that already lets their dog wander.

cocker5

Op personally I wouldn’t get a year and a half dog if the resident dog is already 14 years old.

Heading off down the road to play with a 2 year old dog is one thing BUT having a young adult (very active dog) 24/7 is an entirely different matter.


I have a cocker spaniel, I know NOT an actual springer but similar in traits… even if your told the dog is calm this will change one it settle into a new home…

My guy NEEDS at least one hour walking per night and he’s 10…and yes without a dogmatic head collar he would pull the arm off you… but an amazing dog, lots of fun, sweet and brilliant personality.


On a side note… the other dog shouldn’t be allowed to wander and a decent rescue centre wont rehome to a home where this is allowed to g oon.

For the life of me I cannot understand the Irish mentality of letting your dog wander… dog theft, accidents, not to mention he’s crapping everywhere and it’s not being cleaned up by your mum.

cena

He doesn't just wonder off. We do be outside when he goes down. Brother does be outside waiting for him.

Springwell

I've got a couple of springers, all working dogs and it breaks my heart seeing pet springers mostly as the majority seem to be in harnesses pulling like steam trains and not allowed off leash for lack of recall.

The breed is designed to find and flush game, they are mostly a vehicle for their nose!

There is no reason they can't be taught to heel on the lead (mine heel without a lead) but they really are a working breed.

Vancity

yes, we had 2 springer spaniels and they were demented on the lead! Literally pulling the second we left the house. We would let them off lead once we got off the roads and onto the canal bank and they would run around like lunatics for as long as they were allowed. They had good recall but they hated the lead!

I thought all dogs were like that until I got my mini schnauzer and I couldn't believe that at 5 months old she walks happily alongside me on a lead! I thought that was just a myth! Based on the 2 springers we had I don't think they would be a suitable breed for an older lady unless she's extremely active or it's an unusually calm springer!

cena

Vancity wrote: »

yes, we had 2 springer spaniels and they were demented on the lead! Literally pulling the second we left the house. We would let them off lead once we got off the roads and onto the canal bank and they would run around like lunatics for as long as they were allowed. They had good recall but they hated the lead!

I thought all dogs were like that until I got my mini schnauzer and I couldn't believe that at 5 months old she walks happily alongside me on a lead! I thought that was just a myth! Based on the 2 springers we had I don't think they would be a suitable breed for an older lady unless she's extremely active or it's an unusually calm springer!

she in her 50's. not that active. I would probably end up bringing it for a walk. going to see it on Sunday. still think the lab would suit her better.

kylith

I wouldn't go for either a lab or a springer; both breeds are very energetic, especially in their youth, and need a lot of exercise. Would she consider a rescue greyhound? Fabulous dogs, very loving and gentle, and do well with a short walk a couple of times a day.

cocker5

OP if shes not that active then neither a springer or lab is suitable.

you mentioned you end of bringing "it" for a walk... what you can commit to 1 one each day, every day and more at the weekends? a bored dog who's not exercised enough will become destructive (from experience)

A greyhound or a smaller dog (ie yorkie etc) would be more suitable and also manageable for your mum, please be sensible in your decision.

gregers85

I have a 2 year old Male, Fantastic breed! very friendly and loving! They have very very high energy levels! require lots of exercise on and off lead!! They definitely suit a more active lifestyle!

I have 2, great dogs, every day is like Christmas for them.

Do you want to go out?

YES, BEST IDEA EVER !!!

Do you want to come in?

YES THATS AN EVEN BETTER IDEA!!!

Do you want to go out again?

OMG YES, YOUR IDEA'S JUST GET BETTER AND BETTER.

All while spinning in circles

cocker5

Deleted User wrote: »

I have 2, great dogs, every day is like Christmas for them.

Do you want to go out?

YES, BEST IDEA EVER !!!

Do you want to come in?

YES THATS AN EVEN BETTER IDEA!!!

Do you want to go out again?

OMG YES, YOUR IDEA'S JUST GET BETTER AND BETTER.

All while spinning in circles

sounds familiar

VonVix

Deleted User wrote: »

I have 2, great dogs, every day is like Christmas for them.

Do you want to go out?

YES, BEST IDEA EVER !!!

Do you want to come in?

YES THATS AN EVEN BETTER IDEA!!!

Do you want to go out again?

OMG YES, YOUR IDEA'S JUST GET BETTER AND BETTER.

All while spinning in circles

This basically sums up my experiences with them. Everything is winning the lottery. Everything.

SingItOut

Deleted User wrote: »

I have 2, great dogs, every day is like Christmas for them.

Do you want to go out?

YES, BEST IDEA EVER !!!

Do you want to come in?

YES THATS AN EVEN BETTER IDEA!!!

Do you want to go out again?

OMG YES, YOUR IDEA'S JUST GET BETTER AND BETTER.

All while spinning in circles

So true! You forgot barking for every emotion they feel

cena

The springer came home this evening. Really quiet dog.

cocker5

cena wrote: »

The springer came home this evening. Really quiet dog.

Time will tell op, I wish ur mum
All the very best with her new dog

Ps post a pic of the new addition!!

cena

cocker5 wrote: »

Time will tell op, I wish ur mum
All the very best with her new dog

Ps post a pic of the new addition!!

It was the only dog not barking at the <snip> place.

Well try post a pic tomorrow

Springwell

cena wrote: »

It was the only dog not barking at the <snip> place.

Well try post a pic tomorrow

Looking forward to pics.

Mine was also the only dog not barking in the place, because he'd shut down. He's anything but quiet now and would most definitely not be ok for most homes (I'm not having an ego trip, I've had huge amounts of help from a wonderful trainer plus a lot of frustration trying to train him). Any decent rescue well help with training etc if necessary down the line