We're always getting queries about spaniels in our postbag. Here our gundog experts give answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this popular gundog.
- How can I improve my spaniel’s picking up skills? The gundogs in question are 10-month-old litter brothers – one is a good hunter, the other bad at retrieving. What can be done about it?
Brittany spaniel
- Shouldn’t working spaniels have docked tails? A reader is worried about two young spaniels with tails that are getting damaged …
- Which breed of spaniel should I buy? Springer, cocker, Clumber or Brittany … what’s best?
Cocker spaniel
- Will deafness end my gundog’s working life? After an infection, an eight-year-old spaniel is now totally deaf. What’s to be done about it?
- Is it irresponsible of me to work a springer without a docked tail? Once again, the question of tail docking arises …
- Can you solve bad breath in spaniels? Might be time for your dog to visit a canine dental hygienist ?..
English springer
- What are the differences between cockers and springers? A reader is torn between getting a cocker and a springer and asks for some advice …
- How can I stop my springer spaniel from whining? Did you know that whining can be catching?
Springers off to work
- Which is the best of the working spaniel breeds? Is there one that particularly stands out?
- Will my young spaniel learn from my old gundog? Can an old dog teach a youngster some new tricks?
- Is it time for a super spaniel breed? A new strain that includes all the strengths of the different spaniel types?
- Why are spaniels taught drop to shot? And why aren’t Labradors?