Choosing a Springer Spaniel Puppy – Basic Decisions by Phil MarksThis article deals with the main initial choices you will need to make, and how you go about finding a breeder should you decide to become an owner of one of these great pets.ColouringYou may have firm opinions on colouring, and with the English springer there are two main colourings – black on white or liver on white (chocolate). Either of these colours may have tan markings in addition. Being set on a particular colour will cut down your range of breeders and may lead to significant travel. You should visit at least two breeders before you decide. Then you will return when the litter and your puppy is ready, to bring your springer puppy back to your home.GenderWhich – dog or bitch? Springers are loyal and affectionate, so the males are not a major diffculty when it comes to going awol. However, where a bitch is concerned, you have to consider the obvious – keeping her away from males when she is in season; there will be hygiene aspects to consider at home. Spaying has side effects, such as a tendency to coat quality and weight issues. If you do want to breed springer pups, then there is only one way to go. Working Dog, Show Dog or Family Pet?Do you want a gundog or a show dog? For an English Springer Spaniel, these are distinctly separate breeding lines and might affect choice of breeder. Both lines are good as family pets provided you are able to exercise them sufficiently. There is no lineage difference for Welsh Springer Spaniels.Where to go for Springer Spaniel PuppiesIf you want a pure springer spaniel puppy with no doubtful genetic background then avoid ‘puppy farms’. This is important because all pure breeds are susceptible to hereditary conditions (though the Springer is relatively ok in this respect). So, you need to find a dog with a fully documented bloodline and pedigree certification which is in order. By choosing a fully certificated pedigree (which can usually be checked online), you would be able to enter the dog in class in a dog show – well, you never know, the kids might like that! How to Find BreedersThe main ways to find breeders are through:- Newspaper advertising- Kennel Clubs- Web search- Yellow Pages- Springer Spaniel Breed clubs- Specialist dog magazines and papers- Going to dog shows and talking to owners and breedersDo be cautious about the small ads in the local newspaper. ‘Springer spaniel puppy for sale’ may be promoting a puppy farm. Make sure you see proper documentation.Most Kennel Clubs usually operate a Breeder Accreditation scheme. Kennel Club websites or Breed Clubs will provide you with the Breed Standard (there are some differences from country to country). Get to know these and prepare a summary, so that when you visit breeders you will be able to have informed discussions about particular pups and bloodlines. Of course, the better breeders (those with the best show records) will have higher prices for their spaniel puppies, but that’s to be expected. You might consider a Rescue Dog. Using a rescue centre requires more care and preparation, but can be a good way to go if you don’t want to go through the ‘house training’ stage.The author has been a long-term springer spaniel owner, both English and Welsh springer spaniels. Find out more about choosing a breeder of springer spaniel puppies and learn about rescue dogs at ==>SpringerSpanielAdvice.comArticle Source: eArticlesOnline.com