The exact country of origin of the breed is not clear, but spaniels were brought to England around the 15^th century, that said it is thought the most likely country that they came from was Spain where all spaniels can trace their origin from.

At the time all spaniels were considered to be from one group, and term ‘springer’ came from the dogs ‘springing’ up game into the air for falcons, running dogs, or net.

By about 1800 shooting had taken over from netting and trained falcons and spaniels really began to come into their own.  Not only a tool to use for the hunter in the field, but also a loyal companion.

Spaniels by this time had begun to be divided into two distinct groups, the larger dogs were used as ‘Springer’s hence the name, and the smaller dogs were called ‘cockers’ because they were used for woodcock.

In 1902 the kennel club recognised the breed as the separate ‘English Springer Spaniel’.

Since this time the breed has developed into almost two distinct breeds within itself, the ‘show’ and the ‘working’ dog.  At Blacheborne we only breed working dogs.

The differences between the two are so distinct in some cases that they look like different breeds. The show Springer being larger, heavier boned with a totally different shaped head, different ear length and muzzle to our working dogs. 

Springer Spaniels today are intelligent, active, and clever dogs, they have been ranked No. 13 of the most intelligent dogs of all time (when you consider there in the region of 900 breeds worldwide). They are cheerful, affectionate and willing to please.  They are highly instinctive, and need to be taught properly from an early age.

Working dogs are trained to follow whistle and hand signals, hunt in controlled patterns, drop to flushed game or gunshot, and to retrieve softly to hand.  It is vitally important for any rough shooter to have a reliable dog to quickly locate and return any injured game so it can be despatched quickly and humanely.  Springer’s do this job superbly.

Video of Zoey retrieving a pheasant in the snow

Video of Jess hunting - Click here