Foster Update 8.30.11: This is my first week with Jester and he's doing great.  He has great energy and is fun to be around, and he's handsome! He always gets compliments. He knows how to sit and fetch, and is learning to sit at the door to signal that he wants to go outside.  He is fully crate trained and I would say mostly house trained (he had an accident the first day, but he didn't have a schedule yet). He loves chewing things, so he needs to have a chew toy with him.  He is beginning to understand that his teeth hurt, so is not using them when he wrestles anymore.  He pounces a bit when he is excited, but calms down when you calm him down by sitting quietly with him (he gets more excited if you raise your voice at him.)

He is a great running partner, and doesn't cross over or trip you when running.  He definitely looks part spaniel, and the hound part might make sense... he is always sniffing when walking, so it's almost more distracting for him to walk.

He's been to all new places with me this week and has done great.  He travels well in the car.  He meets other dogs well, and is great with women.  He is slightly cautious with men, but warms up pretty fast. He has medium fur which does shed, but that might be just a summer coat.

Jester is very very loyal.  After the second day, he began following me immediately through my house. He does have a hard time when I crate him and leave for work, and he cries and barks in his crate for a while--but that doesn't stop him from going into the crate the next day. He is currently eating 1 cup of dry food twice a day. He also really likes crunching on ice cubes.

I think an ideal home for him would be with someone who enjoys exercising, especially running, and cuddling! He has a very sweet nature, and just wants to spend time with you.

Jester came to us from a local "pound" in need of rescue. Poor fellow is so sweet and loving! His paperwork says he is a spaniel mix but looks like he has some hound in him too! He is energenic and excited about everything!

According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, this is the founder of all the English hunting spaniels. During the Renaissance, it was considered the ideal companion for the European hunter. Its popularity in America began in 1700. The Springer Spaniel gets its name from his method of flushing game: he springs forward to drive birds out of hiding. This breed hunts well both on land and water and is good at work in brush. He also is a fine retriever. The English Springer Spaniel's merry, gentle personality makes him an ideal family dog. His talents are hunting, tracking, retrieving, watchdogging, agility, competitive obedience, and performing tricks. Most English Springers are even-tempered, gentle, friendly, and sociable dogs that are great for kids. Intelligent, skillful, willing and obedient. Playful, energetic and a quick leaner. Merry, brave and sweet tail-waggers. Cheerful and courageous. It is affectionate, good natured and sincere, this dog loves everyone. Springers do best when they are with people as much as possible. They can get into trouble if left alone too long. They love water and may constantly get themselves wet and muddy. Usually they are good with other pets with the possible exception of birds. Sometimes argumentative with same sex dogs. This breed can be destructive and bark a lot if left alone. Springers need wise guidance through what is called their "teenage" time. Some are high-energy and they are all intelligent. They need a soft, but firm hand so they always know who is in control. There are two types of Springers - field and bench. The field type are bred for hunting and field trial work. They tend to have more white coat than the bench type, much less hair, and are more high energy. The bench type are bred for conformation shows and have more liver or black than white, they have much more coat, but are usually calmer. They have a life expectancy of 12-14 years.