Springer Spaniel Adoption - Is this a Good or Bad Idea?

[The_Jim]

Hoping some of the bird dog guys on here can give me some advice. Our family dog died a couple years ago and between a newborn and moving around that time we decided it was best to be pet free. We've been tossing around the idea of getting a dog again and buddy's uncle has a 4 year old Springer Spaniel that he would give us. This would be my first hunting dog, but most importantly it has to be a family dog as we have 4 kids ranging from 4-13.

The dog will have to be good with kids, live indoors, and I would love to be able to take him bird hunting.

What do I need to look out for and if this is a terrible idea let me know!

 

[The_Jim]

 

[brancher147]

All I know is that’s a high energy dog. With 4 kids and work and life do you have the energy and time to work the dog or get it plenty of time to run? Or will the kids help? If not the dog may drive you crazy if you plan for it to be an indoor family dog.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

My aunt had a springer for years. If you can get it plenty of exercise, you shouldn’t have any issues. I find that to be true of all the indoor dogs I’ve owned or been around. I wouldn’t own a little “yap dog, lap dog, wishes it was a cat dog.” All my dogs have been “useful” breeds designed for outdoor work. And even if I couldn’t use them for their breed’s intended role, I get them plenty of exercise.

The “idle mind is the devil’s playground” definitely applies to dogs. When my dog and I get at least an hour outdoors every day, we are much happier. Lucy and I try for 5-6 miles walking every day.

 

[TreeDog]

View attachment 985484

Is this the dog in question? Looks an awful lot like an english setter and not a springer to me

 

[KurtR]

Is this the dog in question? Looks an awful lot like an english setter and not a springer to me

I was thinking the same thing

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I owned a male Springer for 13 years. He was a fantastic hunter, but an outside dog. My last 2 dogs were Labs (they both hunted) and were inside dogs.
My Springer was great with kids, plus everyone else. One problem you will have is getting the dog used to your commands while hunting. They probably will be different than the original owner. If you take the dog, work with him prior to taking him hunting so he knows what you will want him to do.

Enjoy him if you take him, they are great dogs.