There are numerous breeds of spaniel, each with its own characteristics. Some of the breeds appear similar at first and in some cases have been classified as the same breed at points in their history. If seeking a spaniel as a pet, then the different types will have varying degrees of suitability. The breeds can be broadly grouped into three main types, each of which contains various breeds:
- Cocker Spaniels
- Springer Spaniels
- Toy Spaniels
Spaniels have existed in various forms for many centuries, and while their name might at first seem to imply a Spanish origin, this is something of a mystery as they are recorded in history around the globe, so the word might just as easily be a term originating from a specific type of historical activity.
The term "Cocker" is generally believed to have originated from their use in hunting woodcock, while the word "springer" refers to flushing out or "springing" pursued game. The toy types also have an ancient history which pre-dates some of the popular breed names associated with royal patronage in the sixteenth century.
Spaniel Characteristics
Cocker Spaniels generally make good family pets. They are good with children and their naturally appealing look makes them very popular. The larger types, including the English Springer Spaniel and Welsh Springer Spaniel, the Irish Water Spaniel and the older type of French spaniels which resemble setters are generally even more energetic than the Cocker types.
Some of the breeds with sporting origins have a more steady nature but possess great stamina, such as the Clumber Spaniel. The toy breeds are as playful as the larger breeds but also tend to be more affectionate. These dogs, especially the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and English Toy Spaniels are easy to over-indulge which can be detrimental to both training and health as they mature.
Spaniel Grooming
Grooming can be a challenge with spaniels. All the breeds have medium-length coats, which are particularly tightly-knit in the Irish Water Spaniel and Boykin Spaniel, tangle-prone in the popular spaniels and very fine and silky in the Tibetan Spaniel, which more resembles a Pekingese breed than the appearance of its spaniel namesakes. Regular, sometimes daily brushing will be required and trims carried out every few weeks for most, especially due to the feathering common to some of the breeds. All the larger breeds enjoy swimming and if kept outdoors, some of the breeds' coats will thicken up into a woolly texture requiring yet more grooming.
Spaniel Training
Spaniels are very eager dogs and a fine balance of training is required to successfully manage some of their natural traits. Fun types of training are best so as not to undermine their appetite for life, but a firm and consistent approach will also be required. The toy dogs and the Cockers are so naturally appealing that they can sometimes almost accidentally manipulate owners who are a little too charmed by them from young and allow bad habits to develop.
With the sporting types, it is advisable to continue training longer than with most breeds. These dogs are also good for advanced training which provides the opportunity to burn off some of their energy and utilise their stamina. As gaming dogs by nature, they are very able to pick up scents and as result, if not adequately trained they will chase birds and harass other small pets given the opportunity.
Spaniel Health
The different breeds are more susceptible to some specific health issues than some, but most are relatively well-known and reputable breeders will have screened puppies and removed vulnerable breeding lines from the adult dogs' history. An issue common to all spaniels is that their long, floppy ears keep air and light out of the ear, which being warm is ideal for ear mites, so that regular checks after any outdoor activity are advisable and any sign of the spaniel persistently scratching the area around the ears should be acted upon.
The toy types' bulbous eyes are also prone to attracting dust and will require veterinary checks if this should happen. Tear staining in cockers and toy types should also be watched for. If it is not clearing, then vets can treat it, but slight cases can be dealt with by wiping gently with either witch hazel, cold tea or used tea bags.
All spaniels' diets, whether the dog be a working or toy type, require keeping in check in terms of the amount they are fed, because, more so than many breeds, they are prone to obesity if overfed and under-exercised, which if not acted upon increases the likelihood of more serious issues later in the spaniel's life.
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