English springer spaniel pet

euser1984

Hi,
I've been reading one of the stickies about staying away from done deal etc. for buying dogs and I am wondering where I could get a good breeder for one of these dogs?

When I search on google all I can find are breeders for working dogs which would probably cost me a fortune when I don't need it. It's very important that I have a healthy dog so I'm not sure about rescue dogs.

Any advice appreciated. Thanks.

Pumpkinseeds

More often than not rescue dogs are given up because people cannot keep them due to financial constraints or having to emigrate or downsize. So the majority of dogs surrendered would be healthy. Maybe you could take a look on facebook at the sites of any rescues in your area, they often have other rescues on their page and you might find one that way.

It is not unusual for people to buy dogs from breeders that turn out to be sick. Obviously there are reputable breeders out there too. Another idea would be to ask a local vet if they know of any reputable breeders. There may also be a rescue for that breed in Ireland, I'm not sure, it might be worth a Google.

DBB

Working line dogs don't have to be expensive op, in fact you should get better value than you would from the websites!
That said, whilst springers from working lines tend to have lovely temperaments, they are high octane, very energetic and more work.
Why not make enquiries over on the hunting/shooting forum here? There are sometimes litters for sale there, or at least lads who can give personal recommendations.

lorebringer

To reiterate - working Springer are very, very high energy. I cannot stress it enough, they will go all day, with vigour, and can often not make the best indoor pets.

Rescues and pounds often have one or two in due to no fault of the dog - only fault of the owner. The vast majority are very healthy (I have a rescue working dog and he is has had very minor health issues) and are often young (under 2 years) with their whole lives ahead of them. Rescues are a great place to start anyway because they tend to know the personality of the dog and can give you advice as to whether a certain dog is suitable for you. Please don't be put off looking into a rescue dog due to apprehensions over health, most rescue dogs lead very long, healthy lives once placed in a good home.

If you really want to find a good breeder, the Kennel Club secretary is the place to start. They will be able to send you a list of breed club members. After this, you need to ensure all health screens are conducted by specialist vets (not by standard vets... for example, hip scoring etc, ECGs etc.) on the parents (and even better, other dogs in the line too!) and that the pups have been checked by a vet. Also, make sure you inspect where the pups are kept, the parents etc. to make sure every thing is in good order.

Good luck!

euser1984

Thanks for the replies. I would prefer to go the route of rescue really so that's good to hear about health issues.

What kind of breed would be "medium" energy?

DBB

What other factors do you need to consider OP?
Are there kids in the home, or would the dog come into regular contact with kids?
Is the dog to be kept inside?
What sort of time can you/others commit to dedicating to walks, play, training etc?
Have you/others in the house owned dogs before? I think you've a flatmate with a middle-aged Springer X?

It's kinda hard to say that one breed is less energetic than another, because you can be sure that if I say a certain breed is medium energy, someone else will come on and say they know loads of mental examples of the same breed!
Some breeds that come to mind though, and which are very "gettable" through rescue, are Staffs, Whippets, Greyhounds, Rotties, many of the Mastiffs, I'm sure others can come up with more suggestions!

euser1984

DBB wrote: »

What other factors do you need to consider OP?
Are there kids in the home, or would the dog come into regular contact with kids?
Is the dog to be kept inside?
What sort of time can you/others commit to dedicating to walks, play, training etc?
Have you/others in the house owned dogs before? I think you've a flatmate with a middle-aged Springer X?

It's kinda hard to say that one breed is less energetic than another, because you can be sure that if I say a certain breed is medium energy, someone else will come on and say they know loads of mental examples of the same breed!
Some breeds that come to mind though, and which are very "gettable" through rescue, are Staffs, Whippets, Greyhounds, Rotties, many of the Mastiffs, I'm sure others can come up with more suggestions!

You have a good memory. I'm not living with in that house anymore but that dog was great for me albeit too energetic, but I think that was down to the dog not being disciplined properly and hence I don't think (maybe) ever matured fully.

I suppose I just need to dedicate more time to research different breeds. Perhaps the problem wasn't discipline with the other dog and it's just that she was a very energetic dog (labrador x collie). On the contrary tho (or I mean to say does this not contradict?) do gun dog owners not own the dog to work only as opposed to really "petting" the dog or making it a family member. I know that greyhounds are not usually a family member.

I'm just waiting to see a dog I really like and feel like I will give the dog I like/love whatever she needs to be happy.

lorebringer

euser1984 wrote: »

I know that greyhounds are not usually a family member.

I'm just waiting to see a dog I really like and feel like I will give the dog I like/love whatever she needs to be happy.

Just two points you made there...

Greyhounds make fantastic pets, they are so chilled and great in a "house" environment. Unfortunately, many people in the racing industry do not treat them well (not all!) and plenty end up in rescues due to no fault of their own. Many other failed working dogs are also great in the house, but they do need A LOT of work (particularly the energetic breeds). If a dog has a working past, it doesn't mean it can't have a domestic future!

Your second statement makes you an ideal candidate for rescuing a dog - often, you don't intend on finding a dog and suddenly there they are! Don't focus on breed and look for a dog that suits you and your life. Rescues are crying out for potential owners like you and there are mother loads of dogs looking for homes. Dogs give back 10 times the amount that is put into them and it's great to hear someone willing to have an open mind and give a dog what it needs.

DBB

euser1984 wrote: »

On the contrary tho (or I mean to say does this not contradict?) do gun dog owners not own the dog to work only as opposed to really "petting" the dog or making it a family member.

You might be surprised at some shooting folk, whose dogs win prizes for them in field trials, or perform spectacularly well in the rough shooting filed, then spend the evenings spreadeagled in front of the fire in a soft, cozy bed! Unfortunately, there aren't enough hunting folk who do this, if they tried, they just might be pleasantly surprised at how their dog's performance improves!
Actually, I know a man locally who breeds working trials Springers. Absolutely picture perfect Springers. But he has realised that not all of his pups are going to make champion grade. So, from the day his pups are born, he brings them into his house every day, so that they experience all that living indoors brings, handling by adults and kids, strangers coming and going.. all the stuff that kennel-reared dogs miss out on. As a result, not only does he produce super field-trials dogs who have an exceptionally close bond with humans, those that don't make the grade as workers, make first class pet dogs. Win win.
The same owner, once he changed how he reared and trained his dogs, started winning over and over again in the field trials... this stopped the naysayers laughing at him, I can tell you. And one by one, they sheepishly approached him to ask him what his secret was!

I know that greyhounds are not usually a family member.

Not traditionally, no. But as lorebringer said, they make wonderful pets. As chilled out as you could ask for! A friend of mine came across an ancient manuscript written by Arab huntsmen, which described how important it is to give your sighthound a soft spot on your own bed after a day's hunting! So, even thousands of years ago, hunters knew that sighthounds are soft oul creatures who like their comforts!

Pumpkinseeds

I've heard a lot of people rave about rescued greyhounds as pets. Apparently they are very loving and affectionate and enjoy being a part of the family. Rescue greyhounds have become very popular in the UK and the Italians are fond of them too. I think we're just unused to the idea of greyhounds as pets in Ireland.

homerhop

I grew up in a hunting house where there was always springers, cockers etc and for me the springer has always been the dog I loved the most, they are exciting balls of energy that show nothing but total love and a drive to always try and please. True that working breeds need that extra bit more as our garden is a testament to at times. They develop odd tastes like eating rose bushes to the butt and dragging bags of coal all over the place but there is a softer side, as a toddler who watched my grandmother milk the cows our springer after having pups stood while I tried to milk her into a milk bottle.
The lad I have at present to say is treated worse than a baby is an understatement, and is upstairs asleep as I type. He has the run of the house and will not let me out if his sight at any time during the day while I am there. In the field he becomes a different dog and works so hard even though he is still quiet young. Arrives home to quiet a fuss about the dirt of him, and off to the shower.

At home relaxing...


At work....

sparkle_23

There's a springer in a pound somewhere, saw him on Facebook last night shared by one of the rescue pages!

I have a springer myself, he's 11 this year. He's not a working dog but a family pet. He's just amazing, loves to play, takes care of the cats like he's their daddy! He's amazing with kids too! Loves to play and so patient!

We saw an ad in the paper and went to see the puppies, they weren't breeders and the mammy was spayed soon after.

Lil' Smiler

lorebringer wrote: »

To reiterate - working Springer are very, very high energy. I cannot stress it enough, they will go all day, with vigour, and can often not make the best indoor pets.

We have a springer rescue pup. She was 3 weeks old and a pound in Laois was going to have her, the litter & mother put down. She's now 15 weeks and CRAZY!!!! So full of energy, not destructive at all. Finds the odd thing and chews it but that's the likes of leaves and sticks. She hasn't chewed anything of ours yet. She has plenty of toys to keep her occupied

homerhop

15 weeks is stil very young, and boy are you in for a treat. Ours has more toys, squeekers, teddy's than pet mania. He loves computer chargers and phone chargers, the odd hair dryer and one or two pairs of leather boots, certain hoodies and the odd bit of skirting board. Needles to say my argument is always the same in the house, don't leave your stuff lying around and the dog won't be able to chew it.

My partner has 2 springers. 1 she got from a trusted breeder and the other she got from working lines. The one which is registered from the trusted breeder has all sorts of problems. The breeder acknowledges them but we are not going to take him back as he is a pet.

We got one from working lines who is fantastic. So good, so easy to train etc.

There are warnings about done deal yes. But the IKC really is far from perfect.

Remember this .

If you are choosing a dog from .....

Trusted breeder its a gamble

Done deal/online, its a gamble

Working lines , its a gamble

People will say that you have come back from a trusted breeder, but lets face it, it could be a few months in and have bonded with the dog , so your not going to return it.

euser1984

Just wondering if anyone would be able to suggest other dogs than just greyhounds and lurchers that would not be too energetic.
I'm looking around at lurchers but haven't found one I like yet.

Thanks.

andreac

Rottweilers!! I have two. They arent high energy dogs. Love their walks but are really chilled and lazy around the house.

ShaShaBear

Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie Staffie ...
And rotties

Rottweilers +1

kylith

euser1984 wrote: »

Just wondering if anyone would be able to suggest other dogs than just greyhounds and lurchers that would not be too energetic.
I'm looking around at lurchers but haven't found one I like yet.

Thanks.

Help us narrow it down a bit

How big are you looking for?
How much exercise are you prepared to do?
How much grooming are you prepared to do?

mrs.machine

Deleted User wrote: »

My partner has 2 springers. 1 she got from a trusted breeder and the other she got from working lines. The one which is registered from the trusted breeder has all sorts of problems. The breeder acknowledges them but we are not going to take him back as he is a pet.

We got one from working lines who is fantastic. So good, so easy to train etc.

Working bred dogs are generally healthier than show dogs because if they are not physically capable of doing their job, they are not bred from so defects are not carried onto the next generation. Show breeders have destroyed the health of so, so many breeds because showing is all about looks, not performance. The temperament of working bred dogs is also better as they have to be trainable to be useful in the field. BUT as said previously, they have much, much more energy.
When you are choosing a dog think about the purpose it was originally bred for. This will tell you a lot about the character it is likely to develop as an adult. For a pet dog, why not aim for breeds which were originally bred for that purpose. If you want to increase the chance of avoiding the health problems associated with a breed, choose a cross between two breeds whose original purpose was companionship.
Best of luck

mrs.machine

euser1984 wrote: »

Just wondering if anyone would be able to suggest other dogs than just greyhounds and lurchers that would not be too energetic.
I'm looking around at lurchers but haven't found one I like yet.

Thanks.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Vel

mrs.machine wrote: »

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

You're going on in the post before this about show breeders ruining the health of certain breeds and then you go on to recommend the Cavalier King Charles which is probably one of the most unhealthiest breeds around

Vel

Vel wrote: »

You're going on in the post before this about show breeders ruining the health of certain breeds and then you go on to recommend the Cavalier King Charles which is probably one of the most unhealthiest breeds around

I kinda chuckled about that too.

mrs.machine

Vel wrote: »

You're going on in the post before this about show breeders ruining the health of certain breeds and then you go on to recommend the Cavalier King Charles which is probably one of the most unhealthiest breeds around

I didn't recommend the breed, I answered his question, plain and simple. It's a less energetic breed. In a previous post I explained that a crossbreed would be healthier. I actually don't recommend any pure breed for health reasons

ISDW

mrs.machine wrote: »

I didn't recommend the breed, I answered his question, plain and simple. It's a less energetic breed. In a previous post I explained that a crossbreed would be healthier. I actually don't recommend any pure breed for health reasons

This gets said a lot, can you please post up the scentific evidence that backs this up. Crossing two unhealthy breeds does not mean that you get a healthy dog.

Whilst it is true that some breeds do have health issues, saying that all pure breeds have them is nonsense. Can you please explain what health issues siberian huskies have that should stop someone buying one from a responsible, reputable breeder that has done all relevant genetic testing and research into good lines.

ISDW

ISDW wrote: »

This gets said a lot, can you please post up the scentific evidence that backs this up. Crossing two unhealthy breeds does not mean that you get a healthy dog.

Whilst it is true that some breeds do have health issues, saying that all pure breeds have them is nonsense. Can you please explain what health issues siberian huskies have that should stop someone buying one from a responsible, reputable breeder that has done all relevant genetic testing and research into good lines.

Hip Dyspepsia and eye disorders.

mrs.machine

ISDW wrote: »

This gets said a lot, can you please post up the scentific evidence that backs this up. Crossing two unhealthy breeds does not mean that you get a healthy dog.

No problem: The 13 year study - Scott, J.P. & Fuller, J.L. (1965) Genetics and the social behavior of the dog, University of Chicago Press. Enjoy

If you read my previous post, I never claimed that crossing 2 unhealthy breeds gives you a healthy dog. I said that this would increase the chance of avoiding health problems associated with a pure breed

Lil' Smiler

homerhop wrote: »

15 weeks is stil very young, and boy are you in for a treat. Ours has more toys, squeekers, teddy's than pet mania. He loves computer chargers and phone chargers, the odd hair dryer and one or two pairs of leather boots, certain hoodies and the odd bit of skirting board. Needles to say my argument is always the same in the house, don't leave your stuff lying around and the dog won't be able to chew it.

Yeah we don't leave anything lying around. At the start she had a go at the wallpaper but we swiftly stopped that. She's extremely intelligent so that's nipped in the bud

ISDW

Deleted User wrote: »

Hip Dyspepsia and eye disorders.

Its hip dysplacia that they can suffer from, although I actually have yet to meet or hear about one that does, but if bought from a reputable, responsible breeder, who has done the genetic testing, and not bred from any dogs with a history of that, then there shouldn't be any issues.

ISDW

mrs.machine wrote: »

No problem: The 13 year study - Scott, J.P. & Fuller, J.L. (1965) Genetics and the social behavior of the dog, University of Chicago Press. Enjoy

If you read my previous post, I never claimed that crossing 2 unhealthy breeds gives you a healthy dog. I said that this would increase the chance of avoiding health problems associated with a pure breed

i will try and find that later and read it.

So you honestly believe that a pure breed dog, from a breeder that has only bred dogs that have had relevant health tests, and been shown to be free from genetic issues that may be apparent in the breed, is going to be more unhealthy than a crossbreed, who's parents, grandparents etc, have never had any testing done at all?

I know another poster answered my question, about siberian huskies, but it was directed at you, so just wondering if you would care to answer it? of course you don't have to, this is a discussion forum, and people can post when they want, but would like your reply