Russian Spaniel: characteristics of the breed, reviews, description and features of care

Russian Spaniel - a great hunting dog, derived after crossing different breeds of spaniels and pointer.

History of the breed

Hunting dogs from England began to be imported to our country at the end of the XIX century, but it turned out that they were not suitable for hunting birds in Russian conditions. But the need for a compact and unpretentious girlfriend dog by that time was ripe.

Therefore, enthusiasts began to select for breeding the most high-ranking and temperamental dogs, to import Springer from abroad. Thanks to their efforts, a Russian spaniel appeared in the middle of the 20th century. Characteristics of the breed, reviews of hunters confirmed that the selection work was carried out successfully. The withdrawn spaniel had an excellent instinct, endurance, perseverance, propensity to serve.

Today, this wonderful dog is used during hunting in the territory of Russia for marsh, field, hog and waterfowl. The task before him is to find a bird and put it on the wing. After a shot of the owner on command the four-footed helper must file a game. The animal does an excellent job, according to the owners. This is confirmed by the description and reviews. The breed of dogs spaniel - an indispensable helper. And other owners are sure that this is the best companion. Let's get acquainted with this handsome man more.

External Features

Today in all the cynological guides you can find a description of the breed spaniel. Russian spaniel is a small dog, rather strong and a little squat. The growth of males at the withers is up to 44 cm, the bitches do not exceed 42 cm.

The dog has a strong backbone with well-developed musculature. Dogs are distinguished by a higher withers. The tail is straight and thick at the base. It is cut by half the length. The animal holds it directly, almost on the line of the back.

Limbs

The paws are parallel to each other, they are dry and bony. Hind legs are set wider than the forelegs. The fingers and the back, and the front paws are compressed very tightly. Between them, thick wool grows.

Ears

Do you know what externally differs from other dogs Russian spaniel? Of course, these ears are long, wide and hanging. They are close to the cheekbones rather tightly. The tip of the ear should reach the lobe of the nose.

Coat

An unusual hunting fur is possessed by a Russian hunting spaniel. Breeds of dogs that are used in hunting often have short and stiff wool, which protects the skin of animals from damage. The spaniel is moderately long, straight or slightly wavy, shiny, closely fitting. On the front side of the limbs and on the head, the hair is straight and short. On the back, upper side of the neck, croup and sides - moderately thick and long. The lower side of the chest, neck, abdomen, the inside of the hind and forelegs, the lower part of the tail is covered with lavatory hair. It is softer, longer, slightly wavy, creates stripes and a suspension.

Coloring

The three groups are divided by the colors that a Russian spaniel can have (according to the standard):

• Solid: brown, black, red. Solid color allows small white marks on the chest or on the throat and paws. These colors are allowed to burn.
• Two-color: red-white, black-and-white, brown-white. They can have clear boundaries between the pigmented areas, the scar (or lack thereof). A speckled or shallow color with a pigment is allowed.
• Three-color: white-black with a tan, white-brown with a tan.

Character

Russian spaniel (reviews of owners-hunters allow this to be asserted) - an indispensable helper on the hunt, light in a natask and intelligent in the field. Dog hobby-lovers believe that this is a clever, easy-to-communicate companion who is devoted to his master with all his heart. What is he, this cute guy?

This dog is really very smart and affectionate to his master. At the same time he knows how to be invisible and unobtrusive. She likes to go out and play in the fresh air. He becomes a loyal and faithful friend for both an adult and a child. But the owners should know and never forget that the sharp mind and high intelligence of their pet are often combined with the unmatched talent of the manipulator. When this dog with a clear and open eye begging for a tasty morsel, only the rock can resist it.

Russian spaniel (characteristics of the breed, testimonials attest to this) is an animal that needs to communicate with a person. These dogs are very fond of children, but adults should explain to babies that they are playing with a living being, which can be painful and unpleasant in some situations. For example, a child should know that you can not touch a dog when she eats.

Spaniels never manifest unjustified aggression, they will not conflict with their congeners. However, hunting instincts can not be hidden - every home spaniel secretly dreams of driving cats, birds and other small animals.

Feeding

To your pet was healthy and active, you need to think about its high-quality and high-grade diet. Many owners, who are limited in time, prefer prefabricated dry food. This option is allowed by veterinarians. But first consult a specialist who will tell you good quality food, since a cheap surrogate from an unknown producer can cause irreparable harm to your pet's health.

If you choose natural foods, then you need to know what should be included in your pet's diet. You should prefer:

• Low-fat meat and by-products;
• Fish (preferably sea);
• Vegetables;
• Fruit;
• Groats (buckwheat, rice, pearl barley).

Perhaps someone will be surprised by the fact that Russian spaniel needs unloading days. Characteristics of the breed, the reviews say that these dogs are prone to the appearance of excess weight. Such days should be arranged for an adult dog once every two weeks. The dog only drinks water.

Health

Nature has awarded the spaniels strong enough health. With proper feeding and care, the dog rarely gets sick. Sometimes long hanging ears can provoke otitis, so they need to be checked and cleaned regularly. Because of improper or poor-quality nutrition, your pet can develop obesity or food allergies. Therefore, special attention should be given to the ration of the animal.

Russian Spaniel: proper care for the breed of dogs

This clever dog feels equally comfortable both in a city apartment and in a country house. But it should be remembered that this dog needs long walks with physical exertion. These are excellent swimmers, so in summer give them this opportunity.

Without loads, your pet will quickly begin to lose shape and grow fat. While walking, keep the dog on a leash and let go only in the deserted places.

The Russian spaniel wool has no specific smell, which is typical for many other breeds. But it should be regularly cleaned and combed, especially after hunting.

Bathe this dog several times a year, using special shampoos for this. In addition, you need to cut your nails.

Russian spaniel, as, indeed, all other breeds of dogs, needs a regular veterinary examination. Particular care is needed to monitor the vaccination schedule. Do not neglect the advice of a veterinarian, give your pet prescribed vitamins.

Training

We have already said that these dogs are very intelligent, they easily learn all the hunting wisdom and traditional training courses. Many of them master various types of search: from drugs and explosives to humans. In adolescence, some animals may show signs of self-will and stubbornness during the training.

To begin to train a Russian spaniel is necessary from an early age. First, the child is explained what he can do, and what is absolutely impermissible. The effect of training depends largely on your patience. Puppy takes time to comprehend and remember the information received.

Illiteracy or untimely upbringing of a spaniel in the future can lead to undesirable problems. And do not entertain yourself with the thought that you will not be touched.

Russian Spaniel: customer reviews

The owners of these animals are very happy with their purchase. This is especially true of hunters. They believe that the Russian Spaniel has also become an indispensable assistant. Characteristics of the breed (reviews convince in this) fully meet the requirements of behavior on the hunt.

Those who bought a spaniel as a pet are happy that the dog is very beautiful and does not require too much care. Many people note the poise of their pet. Owners believe that the Russian spaniel is quite suitable for the role of the first dog, if a person has at least theoretical training.

Some owners complain that their pet at the first opportunity chases cats, which sometimes makes it difficult to walk. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to cultivate a dog from puppyhood.