Is Your Springer in Good Shape?

There are a few ways in which the physical characteristics of a springer spaniel can differ from the ideal show-dog standard. These include the overall shape and size, the head, eyes, ears, teeth and bite, the tail, the coat and so on. Stance and gait are important too, and we will look here at some of the ways in which the stance can vary from the show standard.

Although the English and Welsh Springers differ from each other in several obvious ways, the stance problems described here are common to both. The stance variations may be present in other breeds too. Of course, if your springer exhibits one of these stance characteristics, it is not necessarily a problem for the dog - it may only be a problem for a show judge!

In some cases though, such as a minor hip malformation, this can lead to physical discomfort for the dog, particularly as it ages.

The Hindquarters 

Cow Hocked. This is when the dog's stance shows both its rear legs and paws angled outwards and not in line with its body. The hocks ('elbows') will be pointing inwards.

Side Hocked. This is visible when only one of the rear legs turns outwards (compared with both for cow hocked).

Leg Rake. Too much rake in the leg (that is, the paws are too far behind the rump) is considered a show fault. Too little rake, where the leg is almost vertical (sometimes known as 'straight in the stifle') reduces the power of the spring and is considered undesirable too.

Cow hocked is the one feature that is likely to lead to later discomfort for the springer, as the dog's weight is not carried properly by the joints. Excessive rake could also be a problem, for the same weight-carrying reason.

The Tail. A docked tail should be horizontal. If the tail is undocked, then the weight will mean that the dog will not naturally carry the first 6" horizontally.

The Forequarters 

The legs should be vertically below the shoulders (withers). If they are set too wide then this variation is known (unsurprisingly) as wide-fronted. Conversely, if the paws are too close together, then this is known as narrow fronted. A wide-fronted dog may not be carrying his weight properly through his shoulder joints, but as always, it is a matter of degree.

Front paws which are angled inwards are described as pigeon-toed; if they point outwards they are known as splayed.

Splayed is also a term that applies to the claws, when there is too much separation between them.

Many of these variances from the show standard require a practised eye to judge. If you are buying a pup, then the advice as always is: if you can, then look at the parents first - this will give a good indication of how the pup will probably grow.

It is not always possible to see the parents first, and variations may appear anyway. Of course, if you do not intend to show the springer, then these issues of stance are of much less importance. You can still have fun with your springer!

(c) 2010 Phil Marks