Although some Springer Spaniels have long been used for hunting in the United States, they were not better recognized until 1924, when the British Springer Spaniel Field Hunting Testing Association was formed. Three years after the start of field hunting testing (1927), the British Springer Spaniel Field Hunting Testing Association became the British Springer Spaniel Club.

Appearance characteristics and gait

The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized sporting dog with a compact, strong body and a docked tail. The hair is moderately wavy, with feathers on the limbs, ears, and chest. Drop ears, a relaxed and soft expression, a steady body and a friendly wagging tail indicate that it is indeed a member of the ancient hound family. Its body is very well-proportioned, but not excessive, and every part is well-proportioned. The carriage is elegant and prominent, the body is deep, the legs are strong and muscular, and the legs are long enough to carry it with ease. Overall, the English Springer Spaniel should display strength, endurance and liveliness. It should show a good running and long-lasting conformation, so that it can continue to work under difficult hunting conditions. At his best, he is endowed with style, symmetry, balance and enthusiasm, and he combines beauty and utility, making him a true game-distinguishing hound.

The structure of the English Springer Spaniel enables him to cover rough ground with agility and reasonable speed. His structure allows him to generate great stamina. He should remain of medium size. The ideal height at the withers is 20 inches for males; 19 inches for females. Any deviation of more than 1 inch is a defect. A male 20 inches tall at the withers, when well-proportioned and in good condition, weighs about 50 pounds; a female 19 inches tall at the withers weighs about 40 pounds. The length of the body (from the point where the shoulder blades meet the upper arm to the buttocks) is slightly greater than the height at the withers. A dog that is too long, especially at the waist, tires easily and lacks the compact outline expected of the breed; a dog that is too short for the length of its legs disrupts overall balance and affects gait. state. Both situations are equally undesirable and are defects. The English Springer Spaniel should have the correct constitution, appearing solid and strong, with plenty of bone, but never appearing bulky or clumsy.

English Springer Spaniel balance is a prerequisite for good movement. The front and rear body must be equally angulated and strongly developed in order for the gait to be smooth and effortless. Shoulders that are well angled to allow for long strides are as important as hindquarters that provide powerful drive. Viewed from the side, the dog shows length, a square gait for searching, and a strong back without any tendency to sink, with a topline that slowly rises or rounds from side to side at the loin.

Viewed from the front, the legs move forward easily and freely. The elbows are not restricted by the shoulders and the movement of the legs is not affected. Viewed from the rear, the hind legs support the body well and are in line with the front legs. As speed increases, there will be a natural tendency for the hind legs to focus on the center line of motion. Gait disadvantages include a high, strenuous step; a swaying walk; irritability; and movement that relies primarily on the feet, which can strain the body.Dry roll or shake.

​Overview

For English Springer Spaniels, the first thing to consider is the overall impression. Whether it looks typical mainly includes the overall appearance and outline; there is also stability, including movement and temperament. For, if he has a smooth, easy gait, he must have soundness and symmetry of structure, and deserves great attention; but if he does not look at all like an English Springer Spaniel, that is not to be condoned. A dog whose legs are too long or too short, and whose head or expression is all wrong, may move well, but will in no way be preferred to an otherwise good dog with some minor defects in gait. It must be remembered that the English Springer Spaniel is first and foremost a member of the Spaniel family, a sporting dog, and appearance, behavior and gait must conform to this standard.