How to get 2 English Springer Spaniels to get along?

[sourland]

Anyone have any information on 'Springer Rage Syndrome"? Apparently this is a factor to be considered when breeding these dogs. I believe in letting those familiar with a breed be the ones to carry out the RESPONSIBILITY Of selecting brood stock and making matings. Breeding dogs is far more than putting a dog and b*tch together and getting a litter of pups.

 

[Fly 2006]

I believe this is more common in Cockers than springers especially the solid colours and especially golden, it is a very rare thing and quite honestly I would always rather get a pup from someone who has bred 2 nice family dogs than from a breeder if I was to buy a pup that way ( I never would, I prefer to rescue ) I really would say "Rage syndrome is so rare and unproven as to what causes it that it is not something you would worry about, there are much more common concerns that you would consider more relevent

 

[dainerra]

Fly, you seem to be confusing a Commercial breeder with the type we are suggesting. A good responsible breeder loves their dogs and wants what is best for them. They work to make every generation stronger, healthier, and better than the one before.
When people involved in dogs hear about breeding two pets together, they picture someone who doesn't check for health problems and probably doesn't even know what problems are common in the breed.

 

[Fly 2006]

Fly, you seem to be confusing a Commercial breeder with the type we are suggesting. A good responsible breeder loves their dogs and wants what is best for them. They work to make every generation stronger, healthier, and better than the one before.
When people involved in dogs hear about breeding two pets together, they picture someone who doesn't check for health problems and probably doesn't even know what problems are common in the breed.

Now I am confused

I was just making a comment on the " Rage syndrome " I just added that my preference is for a rescue dog and that IMO some of the nicest natured and healthiest dogs are bred by having a litter out of the much loved family pet ( responsibly put to a male of equal character) I know of several people who have sought out a so called responsible breeder and payed a lot of money as they think temperment and health will be assured, how wrong they were on both counts! I also believe that some of the best dogs around are mixed breed ! As I said, just my opinion!

 

[sourland]

Fly, you seem to be confusing a Commercial breeder with the type we are suggesting. A good responsible breeder loves their dogs and wants what is best for them. They work to make every generation stronger, healthier, and better than the one before.
When people involved in dogs hear about breeding two pets together, they picture someone who doesn't check for health problems and probably doesn't even know what problems are common in the breed.

As someone who has worked with one breed for over 55 years, I completely agree with you.

 

[Fly 2006]

As someone who has worked with one breed for over 55 years, I completely agree with you.

I just can't see in my post about "spaniel Rage" anything to imply that I have confused commercial breeders with so called responsible breeders? But if anyone else can see it too then feel free to join in having a go. I have gone on in my next post to mention my honest experience with people calling themselves responsible breeders and these have been found by the potential owners of these dogs on the kennel club website,so who could blame them in thinking they were insuring their money was buying them a healthy dog!!

 

[dainerra]

there is more than being in the right clubs, saying the right things, and charging a lot of money to be a responsible breeder. Even known puppy millers can be members of the kennel club. You have to know what questions to ask and how to spot the signs of a truly responsible breeder. In America, buying a dog is completely a "buyer beware" enterprise.
In other countries, the kennel club (or breed club especially) has the power to enforce responsible breeding practices. For instance, in some countries you can't even register a dog unless the parents passed all of the health tests for the breed. In America, all you need is to send in $30 and you could register your toaster as a spaniel with some of the scam agencies.
I've met people who put more thought into buying a toaster than they do in picking out a dog. They simply don't realize the amount of thought that needs to go into it. So, while they will research brands and consumer reviews and recall history for a $20 appliance but couldn't tell you what health problems are most common in the breed they want or even if the breed is even a good fit for their family.

ETA: it was your statement about people breeding "family pets" that caught my attention. There is a huge gap between someone who is merely breeding the family pet and likely doesn't actually know enough about the breed to CHOOSE a male of "equal character" and a responsible breeder. And another huge gap between the responsible breeder and someone who might be a big name in the kennel club but who still isn't responsible.

http://www.dogplay.com/GettingDog/checklist.html

 

[sourland]

Quote: Know your breed, possible health and temperment issues - visit the breeder and check out the type and temperment 'health soundness- certifications' of brood stock.

 

[dainerra]

sourland, I interviewed breeders for 2 years before I was ready to get another dog. Then I ended up rescuing instead. So, I ended up being friends with Singe's breeder for 3 years before I got a puppy from him. It's been 5 years since we met and I talk to him several times a week.
That is the true mark of a responsible breeder - being there for the life of your dog. A breeder is an invaluable resource when you get a new puppy.

I have a friend who is a breeder of English Springers. She is heavily into field trials as well as conformation. Her breeding stock has multiple hunting titles.

 

[sourland]

When we bought our present golden we knew possible health issues (she's our third golden), went to our prospective breeder, went to shows that her dogs were attending and evaluated her dogs at their home and in public. She asked what we were looking for and selected a pup that she thought would suit our needs - pet/obedience. We paid more money for this dog than I deem rational.

She is a great dog and has created her own spot in our hearts. We had her spayed at 2.5 years old because we did not have the knowledge or interest to breed, and chose to not enter the 'pet breeder' classification. We remain in contact with her breeder.

I raise field trial beagles and have sold exactly one litter of pups in 55 + years of involvement with the breed. (I still regret the fact that I was forced to do so.) I breed a particular b*tch to a particular dog to raise pups BETTER than their parents. No, I am not always successful, but my dogs have done well. I lost my initial family - something that can happen if you raise limited litters and keep a limited number of dogs. At the present time I am working on the seventh generation of one family and the third generation of another. Pups that do not suit my needs find pet or hunting homes for free after interviewing the owners. This is an indulgence that I allow myself. By breeding for myself rather than the almighty dollar, I have never had to compromise myself in my breedings.