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If you have been shopping around for your newest partner in crime, you might have settled on the English Springer Spaniel. We don’t blame you! These dogs are incredibly beautiful, athletic, and loyal companion animals who can make charming additions to the right lifestyle.
Once you’ve settled on the breed, the next big question is—should you bring home a boy or girl? And is there any real difference between the two? We have all of the answers for you. Let’s take a look at both genders to get the bigger picture.
Visual Differences
At a Glance
- Average height (adult): 19-22 inches
- Average weight (adult): 45-55 pounds
- Average height (adult): 18-20 inches
- Average weight (adult): 40-50 pounds
English Springer Spaniels 101
English Springer Spaniels are originally from Spain, with a British influence later in the development of the breed. These bird dogs are said to be the foundational block for all English-style Spaniels, having roots in every one of the subsequent breeds.
The tasks for this breed early on included retrieving and flushing for hunters. However, over time, this ancient breed became a trusted companion, making its way into owners’ homes all over. Their docile, laidback nature and incredible work ethic make them highly sought after.
English Springer Spaniels have a very athletic, low-sitting frame with drooping ears and a pointed stub-tail. They are typically liver and white with a long scruff down the front of the chest and underbelly. However, they can also come in lemon and white, tri-color, black and white, red and white, and orange and white.
Male English Springer Spaniel Overview
Personality
Male English Springer Spaniels are calm and relaxed outside of work—but focused and determined when given a task. However, they are slow to mature, which means they stay in a puppy state for up to two years before calming down.
With personality at home, they tend to be loving and devoted toward all members of the household, giving equal love to all. They don’t necessarily pick favorites but choose to get affection wherever it is granted.
Even though these dogs usually get along very well with other canines, they can sometimes be a little territorial, especially if they are unaltered. Neutered males tend to even out very well, and can even become lazy with age.
Training
All English Springer Spaniels are easy to train because they have such high intelligence, drive, and willingness to please. Even though both genders do amazingly well with training, males tend to be a little more difficult in their younger days.
Since they are slow to mature, they stay a little more hyper than their female counterparts. This can cause distraction and difficulty staying on task during adolescence. However, they still exhibit incredible sharpness, both physically and mentally.
Simple tasks, like house training and basic commands should come as no problem to them. However, they can be stubborn and have a mind of their own.
Health & Care
Both male and female English Springer Spaniels are susceptible to the same health issues, despite minute differences. Some key ways to ensure the health of your Spaniel is to make sure that they have had all applicable health checks before coming home with you.
However, you can’t anticipate everything—even with routine vet care. Some issues that might crop up in this breed’s lifetime include:
- Hip & elbow dysplasia
- Otitis externa
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Phosphofructokinase deficiency
- Retinal dysplasia
Breeding
Unlike females, males can start breeding practically as soon as they hit sexual maturity around 6 months of age. They have the capability of reproducing their entire life.
- Easy-going
- Healthy
- Might be territorial with other dogs
- Slow to mature
Female English Springer Spaniel Overview
Personality
Female English Springer Spaniels are very mild and motherly. They have a naturally sweet disposition and generally love everyone. They mentally mature quicker than their male counterparts.
Aside from those minor differences, female English Springer Spaniels still carry all of the terrific traits of the breed. They have a willingness to work fiercely but won’t deny an evening cuddle on their favorite human’s lap.
Females might be more inclined to pick a favorite household member, even though they love everyone in the home. Females are also seemingly more receptive to picking up emotions around them, noticing changes in their energy.
Training
Because females are quick to mature, you can teach them with more efficiency and earlier than males. Females tend to be very focused and extremely eager to please. However, we want to note that males are no less capable with age, even though they can adapt quicker.
Females are very proficient in tasks, exhibiting quickness and agility. They have a very strong desire to learn new things and will take their roles very seriously.
Females are very bonded to their trainer if the trainer is also the owner. Because of the direct emotional bond, they might favor this person over anyone in the family.
When it comes to simple concepts like house training, it should be no problem for your spaniel.
Health & Care
Females can develop all the same issues as their male counterparts except for unique reproductive problems. Females can experience issues with whelping, pregnancy, or birthing in some cases. But this is an uncommon occurrence.
Breeding
Even though females reach sexual maturity at 6 months, like their male counterparts, they shouldn’t breed until they’re fully grown. Most breeders wait until their dames are 2 years of age before carrying for the first time.
In any case, it’s best to wait until after their first heat cycle—preferably until at least 12 months old.
- Motherly and gentle
- Terrific learners
- Can experience reproductive problems sometimes
- Might take more to one person
How to Know What Gender Is Right for You
It can be really hard to decide what breed is right for you. A few things to consider:
- What gender would work best with existing pets? Sometimes, your existing pets might fare best with one gender or another. Even though this breed is very docile, it won’t matter if your dog has same-sex aggression. It’s a dominance issue. So, even though they might end up getting along, it could be best just to pick the opposite gender as a consequence.
- What purpose does the dog serve in your life? People buy dogs for different reasons. Sometimes, they want them for companionship, show, or work. If you have a specific plan in mind, you might want to pick the gender that you feel works best for that particular purpose.For instance, if you want a working dog, you might want a female since they take to training sooner. Or if you want a motherly companion for children, you might want a female. But if you wanted a lover of all who is docile and a friend to all, you might want a male.
It’s best to weigh your pros and cons to see which gender matches best with you—and you might find, it doesn’t matter!
Once you can answer these few questions, it might help you pick which will work best in your home. Trust your gut! Just remember that the best way to choose the right match is to make a connection.
Which Gender Is Right For You?
As you can see, there aren’t a lot of important factors involved in finding the perfect English Springer Spaniel for you. The differences between the genders are mild at best. But if you have a particular reason for wanting a specific gender, just make sure to buy from a reputable breeder.
If you’re looking for a house pet, you can always see if there is an English Springer Spaniel up for adoption at a local shelter.
Featured Image Credit: Up – onthegoTam, Pixabay; Down – Pixabay
