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Dalmatian Springer |
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He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
Croatia <> Great Britain -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen |
A brief presentation of the Dalmatian Springer |
| The Dalmatian Springer is a mix of Dalmatian and English Springer Spaniel. It's a very active dog, and can be very easy to train. He's playful, energetic and very affectionate. He's also good with children. He needs a minimum of grooming, but can lose a lot if he inherits the gene from his Dalmatian parent. He may also inherit his English Springer Spaniel parent's desire to hunt and fetch. He can live in an apartment, but would probably do best in a house with a fenced-in yard. He may also have a tendency to hunt smaller animals. Overall, this will be a very happy, family-oriented dog. |
History of the Dalmatian Springer |
| Although there isn't much information on the Dalmatian Springer breed itself, we can study the parent breeds to determine what the Dalmatian Springer will look like. |
A little of the Dalmatian |
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| The Dalmatian may originally have been called the Talbot Hound. History shows that a dog resembling the Dalmatian was used as a carriage protector, guarding the coach and its cargo. This work was carried out in the 18th century. Looking even further back, documentation noted that the Dalmatian was a very versatile dog, its job description being as a vermin hunter, game retriever on the hunt and circus performer. Of course, one of their best-known jobs was as a fire station dog, and today they are still the mascots of many modern stations. | ||
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| Standard of the Dalmatian | ||
A little of the English Springer Spaniel |
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| Dogs similar to the English Springer Spaniel were depicted in works of art as early as the 16th and 17th centuries. They were used to hunt game birds and other small animals in the open air before hunters had guns. Their name "Springer" refers to the fact that they "jumped" on bushes or other places where small game could hide. Even after firearms became commonplace, the English Springer Spaniel remained a beloved hunting partner. The first English Springer Spaniel was brought to America by a Canadian breeder. Today, the English Springer Spaniel often participates in field trials. | ||
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| Standard of the English Springer Spaniel |
Appearance of the Dalmatian Springer |
| The Dalmatian Springer will most often be seen with a black and white coat, but it can also be blue or liver-colored. With dark eyes and a dark nose, this hybrid usually has a soft coat that is flat or wavy. The coat, if similar to the Spaniel parent, will be dense and of double thickness. There may be feathering on the ears, chest, legs and belly. Ears may be small and erect or long and floppy. The tail usually has a curve, but may straighten when your Dalmatian Springer is excited or in pursuit. Most often, the long ear prevails. A medium to large dog, weight can reach over 23 kilos. |
Temperament of the Dalmatian Springer |
| The Dalmatian Springer is friendly and eager to please its owner. They are highly intelligent, quick learners and very happy to obey. There are reports of separation anxiety in the English Springer Spaniel, so it's important not to leave your dog unattended for long hours at a time. The influence of Dalmatian parents doubles the need to be at home with your pet, it can be hypersensitive and may resort to chewing and destroying possessions such as shoes and pillows if left alone. This breed is best with a family whose members come and go often, because it needs action and should also be included in yours. |
Needs and activities of the Dalmatian Springer |
| The Dalmatian Springer is a rather active dog. It's recommended that they get plenty of exercise. If you have an enclosed space, he'll appreciate spending time outdoors with you. A walk of at least one or two kilometers or more is really great for keeping him in top form. He may also enjoy swimming as exercise. We don't recommend letting him loose at the dog park. Although he's a friendly dog, he can still have a hunting instinct and may try to flush out small animals. |
Maintenance of the Dalmatian Springer |
| The Dalmatian Springer can have a weather-resistant, waterproof double coat that can be straight and flat or wavy with feathers on the ears and feet. Even if this thick coat is the case, it won't require an immense amount of grooming. Brush him at least three times a week to avoid mats and tangles in his fur. He'll shed all year round. Some owners trim the feathery areas on the ears and legs to minimize grooming. If your hybrid has inherited long ears, keep them clean. At least once a week, clean his ears to minimize the risk of infection. To prevent tears in your active Dalmatian Springer's nails, trim them twice a month. Brush his teeth a few times a week and visit the dog dentist every year to check the condition of his gums. |
English (United Kingdom) 
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