In the sporting group, it seems as though there are 3 main groups. First, there are the spaniels. Secondly, the retrievers. And finally, the pointers and setters. Each group has more specific characteristics than the broader sporting group.
Spaniels include the American Water Spaniel, the Boykin Spaniel, the Clumber Spaniel, the Cocker Spaniel, the English Cocker Spaniel, the English Springer Spaniel, the Field Spaniel, the Irish Water Spaniel, and the Sussex Spaniel. As a group, the spaniels seem to love to hunt and do things. In addition, they usually seem to be friendly, willing to learn, and gentle. Many people fall in love with their silky coat and large eyes.
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| American Water Spaniel |
The American Water Spaniel is reputed to be an active, loving dog, good for the field or for the home. If you are looking to adopt one of these dogs, you must be ready to train him or her, teaching the pecking order of the home. This dog will require daily exercise, so a person who is looking for a fellow couch potato might want to look elsewhere. In addition, these dogs require regular brushing, meaning that they might become matted or that they shed a lot. This dog is not for a person unused to dog fur. The American Water Spaniel does not have a single disease that they are known for, but diseases such as cancer, hip displasia, allergies, hypothyroidism, follicular dystrophy, epilepsy, and cataracts have occured in the breed. So, if you are buying a puppy from a breeder, make sure the breeder has had both the mother and the father checked and cleared for hips, eyes, and heart.
American Water Spaniel General Information: Wikipedia
American Water Spaniel General Information: AKC
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| Boykin Spaniel |
This dog is described as having enough energy to remain by his master's side throughout an entire day of hunting. This means for the potential owner that they will need to live in an active home, or one where someone will be able to provide regular, moderate to intense exercise or the Boykin will become bored. A bored dog is one that destroys furniture, one that digs holes, and one that does not listen to commands. The Boykin also lives for human companionship, so leaving him at home for extended periods of time will not result in a happy, healthy dog. Weekly brushing is needed for the Boykin, which is minimal compared to the maintenance needed for other breeds. Healthwise, Boykins are prone to hip dysplasia and eye problems, so any breeder should have the necessary clearences for the mother and father of the puppy.
Boykin Spaniel General Information: AKC
Boykin Spaniel General Informaiton: Wikipedia
Sporting Group Breed Standards: Canadian Kennel Club
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| Clumber Spaniel |
By far my favorite spaniel, the Clumber spaniel is described as a gentle dog. He stands only about 20 inches high and shed moderately year round. The Clumber should be playful and loving, a perfect fit for a family with children and other animals. This dog is not your high energy workout partner, but will enjoy a laid back walk. The Clumber is intelligent and will behave best if trained in a positive manner. The Clumber is not a dog for you if dog drool is equivalent to acidic slime. There are three common health disorders that severely affect Clumbers. First, entropion/ectropion eye conditions (the inward/outward rolling of the eyelid) are common in dogs whose families have not been cleared for eyes. Second, spinal disk herniation is the bulging of one of the disks in the dog's spine, causing paralysis or pain. Third, hip dysplasia causes immense pain and trouble walking. If you want to add a Clumber to your family, make sure you go to a reputable breeder who has all the clearances in order.
Clumber Spaniel General Information: Wikipedia
Clumber Spaniel General Information: AKC
Sporting Group General Information:Canadian Kennel Club
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| Cocker Spaniel (American) |
The Cocker Spaniel is the smallest and one of the more well-known of the spaniel group. They usually average about 14 inches tall at their shoulders and are the perfect size for someone looking for a smaller dog. Don't let their size fool you though. These spaniels can have a mind of thier own and dominate a house if given the chance. In addition, Cockers have a lot of energy and need a lot of exercise. Cockers are intelligent and would benefit from a class that engages their mind and body. Owners of cocker spaniels need to brush them regularly and make sure they keep their coats free from mats, which will cause skin irritation if allowed to develop. No diseases are exceedingly common for cocker spaniels, but any puppy that does not have parents with clearances runs the risk of diseases, even fatal ones, later on in life.
Cocker Spaniel General Information: Wikipedia
Cocker Spaniel General Information: AKC
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| English Cocker Spaniel |
The English Cocker Spaniel is related to, and is even the ancestor of, the American Cocker Spaniel, but their are some differences in the way the dogs are built. For example, the English Cocker Spaniel has a longer head than the American. English Cocker Spaniels should go to homes where daily exercise is normal and homes with yards with things to sniff and engage their attention. Described as merry, English cockers are friendly, happy dogs, but will dominate your household if you let them. The most common health problem with English Cocker Spaniels is cancer, but if you get a puppy from a reputable breeder and make sure their bloodlines are clear, you will reduce your chance of cancer. These dogs also have longer coats, so grooming will be important to keep mats at bay.
English Cocker Spaniel General Information: Wikipedia
English Cocker Spaniel General Information: AKC
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| English Springer Spaniel |
The English Springer Spaniel is one of the most accomplished hunting/flushing dogs and therefore will need a lot of exercise in his new family. These dogs are friendly and loving, perfect for a family home, but will become attatched to their owners. Even though they are only considered medium sized, the English Springer Spaniel will need daily exercise and regular grooming to keep their coat under control. Badly bred Springer spaniels have a chance of hip dysplasia, which can be avoided by clearances and buyer knowledge.
English springer spaniel general information: Wikipedia
English Springer Spaniel General Information: AKC
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| Field Spaniels |
These dogs are one of the most docile spaniel breeds. They can come across as reserved when they meet new people, but never should they be shy or fearful. These dogs function well in a family setting and love human companionship. They enjoy walks, but will not resort to hyperactiveness if not taken on a 5 mile jog every day. Also, field spaniels have a shorter coat than many other spaniels and therefore need less grooming. Health problems common to field spaniels are usually associated with the eyes. If you would like to avoid paying thousands in vet bills, buying a puppy from a reputable breeder would be advisable.
Field Spaniel General Information: Wikipedia
Field Spaniel General Information: AKC
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| Irish Water Spaniel |
This might be considered the spaniel version of a poodle with its curly coat! These dogs are hypoallergenic, so people with allergies can have a sizable dog. Irish Water spaniels are supposed to be inquisitive and humorous as well as easy to train. Regular exercise is a must with these dogs, and they love water, but they are a wonderful family dog, although reserved with strangers.
Irish Water Spaniel General Information: AKC
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| Sussex Spaniel |
Sussex spaniels are calm and sweet, perfect for families with children. However, these dogs can become somewhat protective of their families. They somewhat resemble a Clumber spaniel, and have about the same energy level, but are much smaller. Daily walks are something a Sussex looks forward to everyday, but intense exercise is not needed. Instead of shedding to an excessive degree, Sussex spaniels are more apt to drool. Hip dysplasia is possible in Sussex spaniels but can be prevented by good breeding. Recurrent ear infections caused by their long floppy ears can be avoided by thorough, regular cleaning.
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