English Springer Spaniel History

The name "springing spaniel" included in one classification the ancestral stock from which many of our present-day land spaniels emanated. In the 1880’s, Springers and Cockers were often born in the same litters, size alone being the distinguishing factor. In 1880, the American Spaniel Club was founded, and anything over 28 pounds was classified as a Springer. In 1902, the Kennel Club (England) finally granted Springers and Cocker separate breed status. Though several individuals in America pursued hunting with Springers, it was not until 1924 that the English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association was formed, eventually becoming the parent club of the breed.

The breed’s AKC standard, formed in 1927 and revised in 1932, was made as nearly as possible to foster the natural ability of the Springer as a hunting dog. Unquestionably, the present standard has helped to make the Springer much more uniform as a breed, and as a result the dogs as individuals have become much more uniform at bench shows and field trials. They are admittedly great sporting dogs whose one purpose is to hunt and find game, but the inherent elegance and economy of movement is unmistakable.