What are the qualities you're looking for in a dog? Do you want a beautiful pet and a good family dog? A hunting companion? A field trial competitor? An obedience, agility, or conformation competitor? The English Springer Spaniel's multi-purpose function and athleticism, beauty, medium build, and active personality may be just what you're looking for.
The English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association is the national "parent" club for Springers in the United States. Its members, who have loved Springers since the years of their early importation from England, are proud and protective of this wonderful, "do-it-all" breed. The ESSFTA has developed this "spaniel manual" to help you decide if you'd like a Springer, and to acquaint you with the breed.
In short, we want to help you make a good decision. After all, it's a decision that will last a lifetime -- ten to fifteen years, to be exact!
Good results require homework. Take the time to learn about the breed. Excellent books and publications are available, and each is listed as Suggested Reading elsewhere in the manual. If obedience or conformation competition intrigues you, contact the American Kennel Club for the dates of obedience trials and shows in your area. Hunting tests and field trials can also be found through the American Kennel Club, if you're interested in acquiring a hunting companion or a field trial competitor and would like to see Springers at work.
