Dogma the English Springer Spaniel

I did all the right things when I was shopping for a new member of the family including breed research. BUT I found information not only scarce but very general! See Breed Information for more information.

Here is some things that weren't clear and hopefully will help you out!

Contents

What does "lots" of exercise really mean?
How much do you feed him?
"Your dog's too fat!"
How often do you bath your dog? What about grooming?
Do you know what your dog really looks like?

What does "lots" of exercise really mean?

The more exercise Dogma gets the better his attitude. I give him a walk before work - that's 30 minutes about 8 city blocks including a 5 minute stick or ball chase at the "park" (open area). And another 30 minutes after work - that's 1 hour a day exercise minimum. If really inclement weather persists in the evening I will spend at least that playing fetch indoors with him. I also include training exercises an average of 3 times per week. Recently, ball throwing has become a nightly routine. The cooler the weather the more active any dog is.
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How much do you feed him?

I finally heard from a vet on a television show that it's half the recommended amount on your dog food package. Those recommendations are for dogs who "work" or are very active all day long - which is NOT most dogs. At another meeting I attended one dog owner was surprised to find out from a dog food representative that she was over feeding her dog.

A lot depends on how active your dog is. Dogma is standard weight and size for an ESS - 20" and around 50 pounds. Generally, I feed him approx. 1/2 cup for breakfast, another 1/2-3/4 cup at supper plus training treats - maybe another 1/2 cup. I check his ribs on a daily basis and will reduce the amount he gets at breakfast if we're not active. Dogma will often choose to skip meals, usually breakfast so it just goes back in the bag - for supper.

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"Your dog's too fat!"

First off - unless you are a vet or judge don't say this. It's frustrating and often hurtful. There can be many explanations - including he's on a diet he's already lost "x" pounds. Or even there may be a medical issue with a particular dog. I have heard the comment too often. I've repeatedly asked the vet and he would confirm Dogma's weight is fine. ESS's, as with most spaniels and many other breeds have a "flat" back and lots of hair. A quick pat on the back will usually solicit this line. Well, you as the owner (along with your vet) have to be the judge.

I "check" Dogma on a regular basis. First I see if I can distinguish his shoulder blades. If I run my hand over his withers (upper back) I should be able to feel a dip where his shoulder blades are. Then I run my hand along the spine to see if I can tell where it is. I then run my hand from the spine down the side to feel his ribs. If Dogma is gaining too much weight I can feel a distinct difference along the rib line. He gains weight starting at the shoulder blades then working down along and down the ribs. Another way I can tell when he is gaining too much is he starts to get lazy. He slows down a bit. As soon as I cut back on his food I can really see his energy level pick up. If Dogma has been working out daily (like when we do agility or lots of park visits) he will want to eat more. (Well, he always wants to eat but he will get really insistent.) I will give him a bit more food and watch his weight very closely.

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How often do you bath your dog? What about grooming?

Gosh I never could really get a straight answer on this. I bath Dogma about once per month. If he get's really dirty like in the spring or fall I give him a quick rinse. He should be brushed daily but generally you can get away with 3 times per week. If you're really busy make sure you at least do under the ears and the rear end. I don't know about all springers but I'm sure it's the same - it is very thick there and most likely to get matted. Then it's real tough. The toe nails have to be clipped so when a dog walks at a steady pace they are not clicking on the tile. I clip Dogma's coat in the spring and monthly during the summer then let his hair grow all winter. During winter I trim any hair between the pads of the feet, and between the toes - this keeps snowballs from forming between the pads. "Clipping" means shaving with a proper dog "clipper." It looks like a beard trimmer but is significantly different. Sorry, you can't cheat on that, I tried. Get the genuine articles, it costs alot but it will save you hours and hours and hours! There is a "show" cut and a "springer" cut - if you take them to the groomers. The "springer" cut is more practical - it's basically short (like in some of the photos) Make sure the groomer knows what they are doing otherwise you'll get a spaniel cut which is short on the upper half and long on the bottom half and in my opinion looks ridiculous on a springer - great on a cocker - but ridiculous on a springer.
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Do you know what your dog really looks like!

Before you buy a dog and especially a springer make sure you know what your belief system is. Dogma does have his tail docked. There is tail docking and ear cropping. There are also dogs that drool. There are dogs that look great when there at the dog show but can take weeks of grooming, trimming and styling to get that way! Puppies such as bouviers and german shepherds have their ears taped so they will stand upright. The sharpei may have to have their wrinkles stapled in order to see. Oh, and some of the "non-shedding" breeds . . . well they may need to be trimmed or clipped often and so there may still be hair around the house from the clipping. Check out the Council of Docked Breeds site for a view on this issue.

Back to top For more information see The breed page.