Sprocker Spaniel - TOP 10 Interesting Facts

1) Crossbreed
The Sprocker Spaniel is not a purebred dog, but a crossbreed, which means it is a mix of two purebred breeds, in this case of a English Springer Spaniel and a Cocker Spaniel. But unlike majority of crossbreeds, the Sprocker Spaniel has more predictable temperament and appearance as they evolved from two quite similar breeds.
2) Origin
Most crossbreeds were developed only recently, but it is believed that there were efforts of creating a new dog from Cockers and Springers for a long time. One theory say, that first crossing of these two different Spaniels with the intention of creating a new dog happened in the first half of the 20th century by Scottish gamekeepers, that wanted a new resistant and hardworking gundog. But the name Sprocker Spaniel started to be used only recently.
3) Appearance
Surprisingly for a crossbreed, the Sprocker Spaniel has quite unified appearance. They typically have well proportioned body, athletic figure, well sprung ribs and pretty muscular legs, relatively long and wide muzzle, strong jaws, long hanging ears, wide set eyes with alert and loving expression.
4) Size
The Sprocker Spaniel is a medium sized, strong and athletic dog, with average height between 40-50 cm, which is 15-20 inch and weight between 14-20 kg, which is 30-44 lbs. Females are naturally slightly smaller than males, but the difference is not extremely huge.
5) Working dog
Another difference from majority of mixed breeds is, that most of them are developed just as companion dogs, but the Sprocker Spaniel can actually make extraordinary working dog and it can be a real valuable asset for any hunter. Often times they were and still are used as gundogs and they have great qualities for this purpose as they are intelligent, but also independent problem solvers, they are pretty energetic dogs with good stamina, excellent sense of smell and hearing, great resistance, eagerness and determination for the work. Overall, they can be just amazing hunters.
6) Companions
But despite their history of hunters, these dogs make perfect family pets. They are absolutely devoted and loyal to its family and they create a very strong bond to it. They are also quite social dogs with outgoing and lively personality. They can be great playful partners for kids, but of course, you should never leave any dog with a very young child unsupervised. Sprockers can also live with other dogs in the family, especially if socialized together from the puppyhood.
7) Exercise
Sprockers have rather higher energy levels, which is why they are definitely much better suited for active people who will take them on daily longer walks, play different games with them and provide them with fun training sessions or just anything that will occupy these dogs physically, but also mentally. Sprockers will be always ready for any kind of outdoor adventure. Without enough exercise, they can develop some unwanted behaviour, such as destruction, which is why daily longer walks are a must with these dogs!
8) Coat
The coat length and structure can wary a bit, but most of the time, the Sprocker Spaniel has a smooth, slightly wavy coat, very often with feathering on the ears and on the back of the legs. These dogs can be found in variety of colors, but the most often are black, chocolate, black and white and liver and white.
9) Maintenance
The beautiful coats of Sprockers do require some maintenance and grooming. It is nothing terrible, but it is recommended to brush their coat regularly, with extra time spent on the area around ears, on the belly and legs. Regular brushing will prevent the coat from matting and tangling. Just like with any other dog, it is also very important to regularly check the dogs ears, eyes, nails and teeth and clean them or clip them if needed.
10) Health
Sprocker Spaniels are typically healthy and hardy dogs with average lifespan around 13 years. Of course, just like any other dog, even the Sprocker Spaniel can suffer from some health issues. The major concerns are hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, some eye problems, allergies and rarely epilepsy or glaucoma.