I really want an english springer, but every time i talk about it with my friends they call me mental, just like springers are!

am i barking up the wrong tree, looking to get a springer for my home?
Whats the minimum time a day a springer could have, at least an hour??
It would be purely a pet, so would i be best getting a show type one?

any help would be so great
Mary-Jane

You don't have to be mad but it helps.
As with any dog the more time you give them, the better, I think its better to ask your self, "How much time can I give the dog" rather then, "whats the minimum time I need to spend with it" As with any thing, the more you put in the more you get out.
In my opinion, Springers make wonderful pets, but they do need an awful lot of stimulation and exercise, I can't speak for show type springers, but I know my working type can go on all day long, with only the shortist of rests, before she gets up and goes again.
If you register, you can ask as many questions as you like, and theres a lot of people with more knowledge then me who can answer them.

Robert

Being owned by a working springer, I can say for certain that a show springer might make a better pet dog than a working one. Any type of gundog which has working lines is going to demand a lot of time devoted to training and keeping the dog from getting bored. All dogs which are well trained and kept amused are good companions, a delight to own. Perhaps before you get a puppy you could go and meet some springer spaniel owners and breeders, talk to them and get plenty of advice.

One with show lines is likly to be calmer then one with working lines.  Saying this you don't have to get a show quality one, not all show bred litters have everydog perfect for the ring, there are some that will have faults in the ring, but will make the most wonderful pet

Rox

P.S If your not mad, don't get a dog!!!! :D

Hi

I have a working english springer and she is an angel, and not at all "springy".  I walk her a good 1 hour walk a day, and then we  have several 10 -15 min plays in the garden (training and the like), but when she's not out she just sleeps and is really content and calm.

However I KNOW that many springers are not like this - so I would say the most important thing is to try to get a puppy/dog that suits you.  I know that this is easier said than done, especially if you're after a pup as you'll just fall in love with one and to hell with the consequences (like so many things in life!), but I would try to think what sort of character would suit you - a bold dog, a soft dog, etc.  Mine's definitely on the soft side of average.

Also you say it is for a pet -which mine is too - but I would thoroughly recommend looking at the gundog aspects of training.  As much as anything to keep her/him stimulated, they are very brainy dogs (with a very warped sense of humour!), and I think it helps keep them calm, if when they're out walking they are constantly "worked".

Hope that helps a bit, Claire