Sporting Dogs

The Springer Spaniel. The English Springer Spaniel is one of the oldest branches of the Spaniel family tree. Originally spaniels were expected to spring game for the nets or for falcons. The English Springer has recently come into well-deserved prominence. Today they find, flush and retrieve for the gun. Their admirers speak of them as being a combination of beauty and utility, which is not too high praise. Although many are kept as companions it is when trained to their natural work that they are seen at their best.

They are the highest on the leg and raciest in build of all the spaniels. Height about 20 inches. The head, which denotes character, shows intelligence. The skull is well developed, with a clearly defined stop and the muzzle, lean, long, and square, with a powerful jaw. Eyes, dark hazel, dark brown, or nearly black. He is a compact and symmetrical dog. Coat flat or slightly waved, but never curly. Colour generally liver and white or black and white, but any Spaniel colouring is acceptable. Coat close and weather resisting.

The Golden Retriever. The history of the Golden Retriever is one of those little romances that are known in the kennel world. In the late 50-s of the last century an Englishman, Tweedmouth by name, happened to attend a circus in Brighton, where he was so impressed by the cleverness of a troupe of performing dogs that he bought them. It was not possible to learn much about them, beyond the fact that they came from Russia, but subsequent researches have identified them with a race of sheepdogs from the Caucasus. The retrievers we see today no doubt differ to some extent from their progenitors. From the warm golden colour of his coat to his broad sensitive face, every aspect of this dog reflects his gentle and friendly disposition. He is very popular in England and America. The body is well balanced, fairly short. Front legs absolutely straight, strong. Feet round, never open. The skull is broad, muzzle powerful and wide. The eyes, which should be placed wide apart, are dark golden or brown. Coat is flat or wavy with moderate featherings on the fore-legs and tail. Height about 22 inches.