I dont really have a clue about these dogs, but my cousin is wanting a show type english springer.
She was saying she could give the dog about 2 hours a day, maybe more.

The dog would have to learn quite quickly and be quite obedient, as she is a first time dog owner!

also good with people and other dogs, of course she would go to classes etc.

Would she be able to handel one!?? whats a general outline of their character??

cheers x

http://www.englishspringer.org/

I don't fully understand your question but if you mean that she can only spend two hours a day with her dog in total then this is not sufficient - for a well trained puppy you really need to spend most of your time with it to take full advantage of its waking periods.

As to whether she would be able to handle one - I don't think any of us except you know her so that is impossible to answer :)

2 hours training - too much, 2 hours in the company of - too little

I'm guessing 2 hours a day exercise?  If so, plenty.

Helen

My sister had an ESS who lived until he was almost 15 years old.   He was sired by a show bred dog but his dam was working type.  His stamina knew no limits as a youngster, he would've worked and run & worked and run all day.   I believe the show bred ones are slightly less hectic but only slightly plus they do tend to have a far heavier coat so that would need to be stripped and trimmed on a regular basis.

Christine

thanks! yes i did mean 2 hours exercise! sorry didnt make myself clear! lol

I wanted to find out from owners what they are REALLY like, as you know what some breed guides are like!
Im guessing shes going to have a hard time finding a litter of undocked springers?? she is anti docking.

dont suppose anyone knows of any reputable breeders in south east?? (dont dock)

chars!x

I've had 2 Springers, both docked. I was looking for an undocked black and white one the second time but after 6 unsuccessful weeks of looking (most were docked liver and whites) decided to settle for a docked one (couldn't wait any longer ;) and got Bess now 6 yrs old. We went to Selby Game Fair yesterday though and most of the Springers I saw were undocked so I guess your cousin wont have much problem finding undocked puppies. :)

I would say 2 hours exercise is OK but besides the walks I find I need to give Bess lots of mental stimulation, training, playing, retrieving, seeking out hidden toys and treats etc. otherwise she'd either be whining to play or getting depressed. They are great dogs though, usually friendly and happy, constantly tailwagging when busy and  they are very eager to please.

Kath.

Hi

I do know of someone who doesn't always dock but can't remember their kennel name - when ma-parkins lets me in to check out the gun dog group I will PM you.

thanks, that would be much appreciated.

I only have working type springers so don't know too much about the show strain.  One of my springers is VERY laid back and hasn't caused me any trouble at all.  She didn't take much training and will take as much or as little exercise as I want to give her.  She can do a days beating one week and then the next, if I only can give her a couple of quick runs, she is happy.  However, my other younger springer is the typical bonkers springer.  She's only 8 months old and I don't remember Holly being like her :-D  She is into everything and is always on the go.  She has been pretty easy to train (touch lots of wood) and will settle in the house but does get restless if she hasn't had enough stimulation.  She's going to be a cracking working dog so can't complain about her being too naught ;-)

Helen

I have 4 labs and an ESS. ESS is working strain, ex field trialer now retired at nine years old. She was so easy to train, she instinctively wanted to please, she was my second ESS and the first was exactly the same.  As for excercise, if you walk 5 miles she will run 15 miles if off lead, they never stop, Megan runs on and comes back always checking to make sure I am still in sight, she is trained on hand signals only, no voice commands. She is excellent with children maybe just a bit exuberant, Although my dogs were working dogs, I also have show dogs and all live in house with me and not kenneled, The are excellent house pets. As a first time owner she would have to realise that Springers do live up to their name, they bounce, jump and get very excitable, she will have to very firm. A springer should not to be left in a garden without high boundaries, my springer can scale a 7 foot wall with only a short run up to it, or at least she could when younger.  As springers are usually worked in pairs and with many other dogs they tend to be sociable with other dogs. As a rule they are very friendly and wish to please. As for affection and cuddles, they cant give enough. Hope your cousin enjoys her new pup when she gets it.

Kay