Description: In between Cocker and Springer
spaniels in size, the bitches are about 17" and the
dogs are approximately 18". Colour commonly liver or black with a little white allowable. I
understand roans are now accepted as well. Very fine head but very long ears (does this
help whilst jumping?) Large feet and fairly heavy boned with a deep chest. Tails are docked
however it would be nice to see them 'au natural.' It is not a common breed and can be
difficult to find.
Temperament: Dogs are apparently quiet and loving while bitches are far more independent
and lively but still very loving. They like to have a joke pretending they don't understand
what you want even though they have been doing something for months! They are sensitive so
you have to be firm without going over the top; otherwise they will go right off! Although
a gun dog, it has been known to hate the water (rain or puddles) unless in full flight hunting!
Advantages for
Agility:
- Bitches are ideal for midi classes - surprisingly
agile and actually very capable of dealing with standard size jumps.
Disadvantages for
Agility:
- Dogs are more than likely to have
to be in standard classes and being that much heavier may have problems
- Stubborn
- Can take a joke a bit too far!
Rate out of 10: Bitches 7/10 and dogs 5/10. Mine has won a couple of midi classes and I was
so proud of her I told her that I didn't care if she never did so again (I think she has
taken me literally on this!).
Examples of dogs that have
done well in agility: I have to admit that I do not know of any
others competing in agility.
What's it like to live with as a pet?: They are wonderful little dogs provided they get plenty of free exercise.
They are not suitable for town living - they do need countryside. During the foot and mouth
scare I could only exercise mine either on the roads or our local playing fields. These were
not large enough as she was for ever escaping through the fencing to get to woods and
fields and had to stay on a flexi-lead. Needless to say she was a very unhappy dog. They
don't stray far from you but given boundaries so close and being of an independent nature,
they will investigate!
Would you buy another one for agility?
I am not sure whether I would get another one as I do not like the way they
seem to be bred now. As with a lot of Spaniels, they seem to be getting droopy lower eye
lids which a) I think is totally unattractive and b) far more importantly how can they work
properly - surely they would be prone to a lot of eye injuries!
Source: Wendy Gray
