​Any quick google search on the English Springer Spaniel may leave one a little confused, with results sometimes being inconsistent or even conflicting. That is because the English Springer Spaniel can look very different in different countries,

and even within the same country. Here's why...​

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​In North America (and in England) the ESS has been bred to serve 2 functions: showing and hunting.

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The bench-bred dogs are those that are used in the show ring. These dogs have been bred to have longer and fuller coats with more feathering. They are larger boned and are have calmer dispositions.

The field-bred dogs are those that are used for hunting. These dogs have been bred to have shorter, lighter coats. They are stocky, muscular and have more drive and longer stamina. 

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While researching the origins of the English Springer Spaniel, I learned about the evolution of the breed in North America. Since its introduction here in 1913, our selective breeding practices have resulted in some significant alterations to the breeds appearance and functionality. We've essentially divided the breed into 2 distinct types: the bench-bred and field-bred.  And after more than a century of selective breeding, the english springer spaniel here doesn't resemble the old photos of the breed that go as far back as the 16th century. Many of what I consider to be the most appealing traits, have been bred out of the North American english springer spaniels. The bench-bred now have very little markings on their white fur and have uncharacteristically thick coats, while the field-bred now have a very different appearance all together. Neither are dual function dogs. Although there are some breeders who have worked diligently to preserve the hunting instinct in their bench bred North American ESS, this is a rarity. You would be hard pressed to find a field-bred who got anywhere in the show ring or a bench-bred that was capable of hunting.