English Springer Spaniel Dog BreedingFind the Perfect Match

Female English Springer Spaniels should not be bred before 2 years of age and after completing all health testing including hip/elbow evaluations, eye clearance (CERF), PFK deficiency test, and Cord1-PRA genetic testing. Optimal breeding age is 2-5 years when females are physically mature with good fertility. Males can breed from 18 months but better to wait until 2 years for complete health testing. After age 6, pregnancy risks increase. Most responsible breeders retire females by age 7. The breed's high energy requires careful exercise management during pregnancy - normal activity first 4 weeks, then gradual reduction. Field-bred lines may mature slightly earlier than show lines but should still wait for full testing.

Phosphofructokinase (PFK) deficiency is a genetic disorder affecting muscle metabolism in English Springer Spaniels, causing exercise intolerance, muscle cramping, and dark urine after exertion. It's inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. Genetic testing costs $45-65 and identifies Clear (N/N), Carrier (N/PFK), or Affected (PFK/PFK) dogs. Affected dogs show symptoms during intense exercise including muscle pain, weakness, and hemolytic anemia. Carriers show no symptoms but can produce affected puppies if bred to another carrier (25% chance). Clear to Clear breedings produce 100% clear puppies. Clear to Carrier produces 50% clear, 50% carriers. Never breed two carriers together. All breeding stock must be tested before mating decisions.

English Springer Spaniels typically have litters of 5-7 puppies, with average being 6 puppies. Smaller litters (3-4) are common in first-time mothers. Larger litters of 8-10 occasionally occur but require careful monitoring. Field-bred lines tend to have slightly smaller litters (4-6) than show lines (5-8). C-section rate is relatively low at 5-10%, usually only needed for oversized puppies or prolonged labor. Puppies weigh 10-14 ounces at birth. Early neurological stimulation from days 3-16 benefits sporting dog development. Dewclaws traditionally removed at 3-5 days for field dogs. Puppies' eyes open at 10-14 days, ears at 2 weeks. Natural retrieving instincts appear by 6-7 weeks.

Essential genetic testing includes: PFK deficiency ($45-65) to prevent exercise intolerance, Cord1-PRA ($65-85) for progressive retinal atrophy causing blindness, Familial Nephropathy ($65-85) for kidney disease, and PDP1 deficiency ($45-65) affecting exercise tolerance. Hip dysplasia evaluation through OFA (after 24 months) or PennHIP (after 16 weeks) costs $300-500. Elbow evaluation ($150-200) important for breeding stock. Annual CERF eye exams ($50-75) check for cataracts, retinal dysplasia, and other issues. Thyroid panel ($150-200) screens for hypothyroidism. Some breeders add EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse) testing. Complete testing panel costs $800-1200 per dog. DNA tests are one-time, but eye exams need annual updates.

Field and show English Springer Spaniels have diverged significantly over 70+ years. Field lines: smaller (35-45 lbs), shorter coat, higher energy, intense hunting drive, more white with ticking, faster maturation, bred for working ability. Show lines: larger (45-55 lbs), longer feathered coat, calmer temperament, less hunting instinct, more liver/black coloring, slower maturation, bred for conformation. Field lines need 3+ hours exercise daily versus 1.5-2 hours for show lines. Crossing types is controversial - produces unpredictable temperaments and structures. Field puppies typically $800-1500, show puppies $1500-2500. Choose breeding stock matching your goals - field for hunting homes, show for companion/conformation homes.

Major health concerns include: Hip dysplasia (11% affected) requiring OFA/PennHIP screening, Elbow dysplasia (15% affected) needing evaluation, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (Cord1-PRA) causing blindness by age 5 if affected, PFK deficiency causing exercise intolerance, Familial nephropathy leading to kidney failure by age 2, Epilepsy (3-4% affected) with polygenic inheritance, Autoimmune disorders including IMHA and thyroiditis, Ear infections due to pendulous ears requiring prevention education, Rage syndrome (rare but serious) more common in show lines with solid colors. Cancer incidence increases after age 10, particularly mammary tumors in intact females. Careful genetic testing and selection can eliminate or reduce most conditions.

Initial breeding costs: Health testing $800-1200 per dog, quality breeding stock $1500-3500 for show lines or $800-2000 for field lines. Per litter costs: Stud fee $800-2000 (or pick puppy), progesterone testing $200-400, breeding management $300-500, prenatal care $200-300, whelping supplies $300-500, emergency C-section fund $2000-4000. Puppy costs (6 puppies): Dewclaw removal $150-300, first shots $300-450, deworming $100-150, microchipping $180-300, registration $150-200, food for 8 weeks $200-300. Marketing costs: Website/advertising $200-500, health certificates $300-450. Total per litter: $5000-8000. With 6 puppies at $1200-2000 each, profit margins are modest after time investment.

English Springer Spaniels are generally good whelpers with 90-95% natural births. Average labor 6-12 hours for 5-7 puppies. Common challenges: Primary uterine inertia in older or overweight dams requiring oxytocin or C-section, large puppies (over 1 pound) may need assistance, maiden bitches may need coaching for mothering instincts. Green discharge before first puppy indicates placental separation - immediate veterinary care needed. Temperature drop to 98°F indicates labor within 24 hours. Puppies should arrive every 30-60 minutes, concern if over 2 hours between puppies. Field lines typically easier whelpers than show lines. Have emergency vet on standby. Fading puppy syndrome affects 5-10% - requires tube feeding and intensive care.

Managing high exercise needs during breeding requires careful planning. Pre-breeding: Maintain peak fitness with 2-3 hours daily exercise including swimming, retrieving, and running. Breeding period: Continue normal exercise during estrus and breeding. Pregnancy weeks 1-4: Maintain regular 2-hour exercise routine. Weeks 5-6: Reduce to 1.5 hours moderate exercise, avoid jumping. Weeks 7-8: Gentle 30-45 minute walks twice daily. Week 9: Short 15-minute walks for comfort. Post-whelping: No exercise first 2 weeks except potty breaks. Weeks 3-4: Begin 15-minute walks. Weeks 5-8: Gradually increase to 45 minutes. After weaning (8 weeks): Return to full exercise over 2-3 weeks. Mental stimulation crucial when physical exercise restricted.

Rage Syndrome (Sudden Onset Aggression) is a serious but rare neurological condition affecting some English Springer Spaniel lines, particularly show lines with solid liver or black coloring. Episodes involve sudden, unprovoked, extreme aggression lasting 1-3 minutes with the dog appearing confused afterward. Genetic component suspected but not identified - appears more in certain bloodlines. Red/golden colored dogs show higher incidence. Once diagnosed, affected dogs should never be bred. Signs typically appear between 6 months to 3 years. No reliable genetic test exists, making pedigree research crucial. Check 5+ generations for any aggression history. Temperament testing at 7-8 weeks helps identify potential issues. Affects less than 1% of breed but devastating when occurs. Choose breeding stock from lines with documented stable temperaments over multiple generations.