Border Springer Dog Breed

The Border Springer is a dog that comes from two hard-working, field-oriented purebred parents. They are not meant to be lapdogs or mere companion dogs that wait on their masters. They require significant tasks, mental stimulation, and considerable daily activity to keep them in good shape. They are fine for inexperienced dog owners so long as it is a highly active lifestyle. They are good with mature children, and they are usually good with most non-canine pets. Birds and other dogs may present challenges.

Here are some other things that you should know about Border Springers if you want to adopt one:

PROS

1. Beautiful dogs
2. Very hard worker
3. Extremely intelligent
4. Loves to learn lots of tricks
5. Tolerance to hot and cold weather

CONS

• Very few breeders
• Aloof to strangers
• Double coat blows out twice a year
• Might be prone to separation anxiety
• Needs a great amount of daily exercise

These dogs tend to be highly affectionate, extremely loyal and hardy workers who can go all day long. As with any hybrid dog, however, these dogs may be more Collie than Spaniel or vice versa, or they could be a perfect mix of both breeds. A single litter can produce puppies that are all different from each other.

While there may be some surprises in your dog's breed characteristics, they will not be short on smarts. The Border Collie (considered the world's smartest dog breed) is accustomed to managing animals. On the other hand, the English Springer Spaniel (which is also very sharp; two of them helped the UK Border Force apprehend not only counterfeit cash but the crooks who had sent it — by knowing the smell of the banknotes' ink!) is bred to hunt down animals.

These dogs are easily trained, and they will look forward to learning as much as you can teach them. They will be social, friendly and devoted dogs who are extremely alert. They may not get along too well with other dogs, but early socialization can remedy that.

Exercise, activity and a purpose are essential to this dog's well-being. They need a home where they will not be bored or inactive, for this will make them anxious, irritable and poorly behaved. Long walks are just the start of what these dogs require on a daily basis.

Border Collies are one of the healthier breeds out there, but English Springer Spaniels are known for having a host of problems. Between hybrid vigor and chance, however, Border Springer hybrid dogs typically have a good start in life. Taking care to properly feed, groom and exercise your Border Springer will go a long way in keeping them healthy and helping to prevent problems.

As these dogs may be very energetic once they start walking, you must take care to manage their activity until they have fully developed physically. Preventing them from strenuous activity while they are puppies — such a climbing stairs, jumping on and from furniture, and playing roughly is — essential to helping them avoid skeletal and other complications later in life.

Here are some of the health issues that may develop in Border Springers:

• Epilepsy
• Cataracts
• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Retinal dysplasia
• Other eye diseases
• Collie eye anomaly
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

A happy, properly fed and well-exercised Border Springer has an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years, but it is not unusual for them to live to 17.