Is Your Springer in Good Shape?

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There are many ways in which the characteristics of a springer spaniel can differ from those of the ideal show-dog. These include the overall shape, size, the head, eyes, ears, teeth and bite, the tail, the coat and so on. Stance and gait are important too. We 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 is the term used when the dog's stance shows both its rear legs and paws angled outwards and not in line with its body. The hocks ( I see them as '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 hocking may lead to later discomfort for the springer, as the dog's weight is not carried properly by the joints. Excessive rake in the leg(s) 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 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. Springers often get muck and pebbles between their claws, and it's not clear to me whether splayed claws are necessarily a problem for the dog. A question of degree again, and for the eye of the judges.

Many of these variances from the show-dog standard require a practised eye to judge, and judging is not always consistent. If you are planning to buy a springer spaniel 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; though this is not often possible.

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

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