Springer Spaniel Sheepdog

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50-90 lbs
19-24"
United States
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English Springer Spaniel
Old English Sheepdog
The Springer Spaniel Sheepdog, a hybrid mix of the English Springer Spaniel and the Old English Sheepdog,  might be considered a fluffy, furry mix of old English history,  combining the known hunting, retrieval and tracking talents of the English Springer Spaniel with the herding, hunting and good-natured disposition of the Old English Sheepdog to create a versatile and loving watchdog and family companion.  With talents and skills including hunting, flushing and retrieval of game, herding, droving and amazing agility, one skill which may not necessarily be appreciated is that of "lap-sitting", but on a serious note, she'll happily share the sofa, the easy chair,  the driver's seat of the car or your bed at any opportunity.
Purpose
Companion
Date of Origin
2000's
Ancestry
English Springer Spaniel, Old English Sheepdog

Springer Spaniel Sheepdog Health

Average Size
Male Springer Spaniel Sheepdog size stats
Height: 19-24 inches Weight: 50-90 lbs
Female Springer Spaniel Sheepdog size stats
Height: 19-24 inches Weight: 50-90 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Retinal Dysplasia
  • Seborrhea
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Phosphofructokinase (PFK) Deficiency
Minor Concerns
  • Entropion
  • Ectropion
  • Deafness
  • Cataracts
  • Diabetes
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
  • Immune Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia (IMHA)
  • Cerebellar Abiotrophy (Ataxia)
  • CVI (Wobbler’s Syndrome)
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Fold Dermatitis
  • Epilepsy
  • Hemophilia
  • Heart Murmurs
  • Sebaceous Adenitis (SA)
  • Congenital Heart Defect
Occasional Tests
  • Brain Auditory Evoked Response (BAER)
  • Internal Imaging (x-ray, CT scan, MRI, etc.)
  • Blood And Urine Analysis
  • Ear Tests and Myringotomy Tests
  • Yearly Physical Examination
  • Full Chemistry Panel Tests and Blood Count
  • Eye Examinations (both internal as well as external)
  • X-rays of various parts of the skeletal system
  • Dental and Oral Examinations
  • Echocardiography (ultrasound)

Springer Spaniel Sheepdog Breed History

The Springer Spaniel Sheepdog is a hybrid mix of the English Springer Spaniel and the Old English Sheepdog.  There is no information found for the hybrid itself, so we can most likely assume that the hybrid originated in the United States, sometime in the late 1900's or early 2000's when interest in combining pure breeds for a variety of reasons became more popular.  So, for some background on our hybrid, let's look briefly at the parent breeds.  The English Springer Spaniel is believed to have originated in Spain, with the dogs being transported to the United Kingdom and around the world via trading ships and with the Romans, actually being mentioned in Welsh law in 300 A.D.  Before guns were invented, this very old breed was bred to hunt, flush and spring game from their dens and then retrieve the game for their masters. They still today are utilized for their versatility in hunting and retrieving tasks as well as are extremely popular in the conformation ring.  Today's English Springer Spaniel can be found in two varieties: one who performs in the conformation ring and one who performs in the field...with very few Springers being found in both areas.  The English Springer Spaniel was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1910 and is the 26th most popular breed in their registry.  The Old English Sheepdog also originates in the United Kingdom in the western counties where it was developed as a cattle driver and sheep herder.  The approximate date of origin is unknown but what is known is that a painting was discovered in 1771 which depicted a canine resembling an earlier version of the Old English Sheepdog.  The popularity of the breed increased among agricultural cultures where they became a working breed, even to the point of owners being exempt from taxes when they docked the tails of their dogs to identify them as "working dogs" apart from companion dogs.  In the springtime, when the sheep were sheared, so was the Old English, its fur being used for clothing and blankets. The Old English came to the United States in the 1880's and became very popular there as well, being owned by 5 of the most wealthy of families by the 1900's.  They were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 and is currently the 75th most popular breed in their registry, with the high degree of maintenance for the breed being responsible for a drop in their popularity today.  There are currently no organizations recognizing the Springer Spaniel Sheepdog hybrid.

Springer Spaniel Sheepdog Breed Appearance

The Springer Spaniel Sheepdog is a hybrid mix of the English Springer Spaniel and the Old English Sheepdog and can inherit the appearance traits of either or both parent breeds.  The Springer Spaniel Sheepdog hybrid can stand 19 to 24 inches tall and weigh 50 to 90 pounds.  She can have a coat which can be double, long, shaggy and thick or be dense and of medium length and perhaps water repellent, the most common colors being merle, blue, gray, white, black, brown and red.  Her body can be square, compact and strong or medium in size and compact with a deep chest and a head that is either large or in proportion with her body size, a tail of varying length.  Her eyes can be either blue or brown (or one of each) or they can be dark hazel or brown, depending on the coat color, her nose can be black or liver and the teeth will likely meet in a scissors bite.  Her ears can be medium or long in length and fold over toward the nose, being held close to the head.
Eye Color Possibilities
blue Springer Spaniel Sheepdog eyes
Blue
hazel Springer Spaniel Sheepdog eyes
Hazel
brown Springer Spaniel Sheepdog eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Springer Spaniel Sheepdog nose
Black
brown Springer Spaniel Sheepdog nose
Brown
Coat Color Possibilities
white Springer Spaniel Sheepdog coat
White
blue Springer Spaniel Sheepdog coat
Blue
red Springer Spaniel Sheepdog coat
Red
brown Springer Spaniel Sheepdog coat
Brown
gray Springer Spaniel Sheepdog coat
Gray
black Springer Spaniel Sheepdog coat
Black
Coat Length
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
Springer Spaniel Sheepdog straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Springer Spaniel Sheepdog Breed Maintenance

The Springer Spaniel Sheepdog falls into the high maintenance and shedding category, getting a constant shedding trait from the Old English parent.  This will likely require that she be brushed two or three times a week, if not daily, to remove loose hair, debris, mats and tangles and to distribute the vital oils throughout her coat.  She will not likely need to be bathed except when she's dirty or has a doggy smell to avoid loss of those vital oils.  She is in the high category for drooling, a contribution from the Old English parent and low category for doggy smell.  She will need to have her ears checked on a weekly basis, cleaning them as needed with a cotton ball and an approved canine ear wash solution.  Check her toenails often, trimming them at least monthly or as needed unless she is able to keep them worn down with her normal exercise activities.  She should have her teeth brushed at home two or three times a week to avoid the development of periodontal disease and the tooth loss which follows.
Brushes for Springer Spaniel Sheepdog
Pin Brush
Dematter
Deshedder
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
Springer Spaniel Sheepdog requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Springer Spaniel Sheepdog Temperament

Your Springer Spaniel Sheepdog hybrid is a mix of the English Springer Spaniel and the Old English Sheepdog and can get the temperament and personality traits of either or both parent breeds.  The traits she can inherit include:  friendliness, affection, alertness, gentleness, cheerfulness, energy, intelligence, lovingness, loyalty, playfulness, protectiveness and sociability.  She will bark an alert for the approach of a stranger and will be wary of that stranger until she senses there is no danger to her human family.  She will need to be socialized as early in her life as possible so that she will get along well with kids, the family cat, other dogs and those aforementioned strangers.  She can be a frequent barker, so keep that in mind if you live in noise restricted areas.  She can be quite independent, which when coupled with the high levels of intelligence she possesses, and can make her moderately difficult to train.  It is very important to firmly and lovingly establish who's in charge as early as possible in life as she can decide that she knows more than you, another trait which can complicate the training process.  Her energy levels are high and she will need at least 2 hours of exercise daily to keep her healthy, fit and happy

Springer Spaniel Sheepdog Activity Requirements

Your Springer Spaniel Sheepdog is an active canine who will need at least 2 hours daily of exercise.  This exercise can be in the form of long daily walks, playtime in the dog park, fenced yard or other safe enclosure, interactive games of fetch, Frisbee, flyball, earth dog activities, agility training, obedience training and seek and find activities.  She can adapt to apartment or condo living, provided her exercise needs are met and any noise restrictions are considered.  She can also adapt quite well to a family home with or without a fenced yard, in an urban or rural setting in a temperate climate which provides additional protection against temperature extremes, whether hot or cold.
Activity Level
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
11 miles
Minutes of Activity Per Day
120 minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Springer Spaniel Sheepdog

Similarly Sized Breeds to Springer Spaniel Sheepdog

Springer Spaniel Sheepdog Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
2.5 cups
Daily Cost
$1.50 - $1.90
Monthly Cost
$39.00 - $52.00

Springer Spaniel Sheepdog Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Springer Spaniel Sheepdog size stats at six months
Height: 16.0 inches Weight: 53.0 lbs
Female Springer Spaniel Sheepdog size stats at six months
Height: 16.0 inches Weight: 53.0 lbs
12 Months
Male Springer Spaniel Sheepdog size stats at 12 months
Height: 21.5 inches Weight: 70.0 lbs
Female Springer Spaniel Sheepdog size stats at 12 months
Height: 21.5 inches Weight: 70.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Springer Spaniel Sheepdog size stats at 18 months
Height: 21.5 inches Weight: 70.0 lbs
Female Springer Spaniel Sheepdog size stats at 18 months
Height: 21.5 inches Weight: 70.0 lbs

Springer Spaniel Sheepdog Owner Experiences

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