10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Springador
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Also known as Labradingers and Labradinger Retrievers, the Springador is a designer dog breed that has become increasingly popular in recent years. The benefit of choosing a designer dog breed is that it potentially has the positive physical characteristics and personality traits of both parent breeds. If a Springador is a designer breed you are considering, then you should find out as much about it as possible to make an informed decision. Here are 10 things you didn’t know about the Springador.
1. One Parent of the Springador is a Springer Spaniel
One of the parent breeds of a Springador is a Springer Spaniel. The Springer Spaniel is an old breed that was introduced to various areas of Europe by the Romans. Although they do not originate from England, they are now commonly known as the English Springer Spaniel (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Springer_Spaniel) due to their popularity and breeding in this country. In most cases, Springer Spaniels were bred as sporting dogs to flush out game. They were introduced to the United States in the 19th century but were originally only differentiated from Cocker Spaniels by size. The American Kennel Club did not recognize the Springer Spaniel as a separate breed until 1910.
2. The Other Parent is a Labrador Retriever
The other parent breed of a Springador is a Labrador Retriever. It is a breed that originated from Newfoundland. In the 19th-century, they were imported into the UK, where they are one of the most popular breeds. Originally, they were used as working dogs, and they were most commonly used as retrievers for shooting.
3. They Are an Intelligent Dog Breed
Both the Labrador Retriever and the Springer Spaniel are intelligent dog breeds, and this is a trait that a Springador inherits. It means that most Springadors are easy to train and will pick up commands and actions quickly, says Pets 4 Homes. Like all breeds, it is best to begin training early and to include socialization as part of the training process.
4. They Are Ideal for a Variety of Working Roles
Due to their intelligence, Springadors are also ideal for a variety of working roles. They can work on farms or other outdoor settings, just like their parent. However, they also make excellent assistance and therapy dogs due to their loyal and loving nature. Although they are a great option for various roles, most people who choose to have a Springador do so to have them as a companion dog.
5. Springadors Are Available in Various Colors
Springadors are available in a variety of colors. Usually, they inherit the colors typically associated with the Labrador Retriever, including black, golden, and chocolate. Some have the russet colors associated with some Springer Spaniels and having the white markings of their Springer Spaniel parent. While most Springadors have a straight coat, some inherit the wavy coat of a Springer Spaniel.
6. They Are a Medium-Sized Dog Breed
The Springador is a medium-sized dog breed. Both its parents are medium-sized breeds, although the Labrador Retriever is larger than the Springer Spaniel. Springadors can vary in size, as some take more after their Springer Spaniel parent, while others inherit their size from their Labrador Retriever parent. However, most are closer to the Springer Spaniel size. Usually, a fully-grown Springador measures between 22-inches and 25-inches. Their weight can also vary, and usually varies between 40 and 50 pounds. Although the height of the dog is one factor that impacts their weight, diet and exercise are other factors that determine the weight of your dog. To make sure your dog maintains a healthy weight, make sure they get enough exercise and that they eat a nutritionally balanced and healthy diet.
7. Springadors Are a Good Option for Families
If you have children, choosing an appropriate dog breed is essential. The Springador is a good option because they are a friendly, loyal, and playful dog that is not known to have an aggressive streak. They are also sturdy enough to withstand playing with younger children who are not always gentle when playing with dogs. If you choose a Springador, they will enjoy spending time with the family and interacting in activities.
8. They Benefit from Lots of Exercise
Each breed has differing physical needs, and it is vital that you give a dog the right amount of exercise. A Springador needs lots of exercise, and you will need to take them for a long walk each day. So, it is crucial that you can commit the time and energy to fulfill their physical needs. Due to their need for a lot of activity, a Springador is not necessarily the best option for those who live in an apartment. Ideally, they are best suited to living in a house with a large garden. The best owners of Springadors are those who enjoy an active lifestyle and who spend a lot of time outdoors.
9. Springadors Are Prone to Obesity in Hip Dysplasia
Like all dog breeds, Springadors are prone to some health problems. Obesity is a potential issue due to their greed, just like their Labrador Retriever parent. It is a problem that you can prevent by making sure your Springador eats a healthy and balanced diet and that they get plenty of exercise. A common condition from which Springer Spaniels suffer is hip dysplasia, which is a painful condition where the ball of the hip slides in and out of the socket. Springadors also have an increased risk of developing this condition.
10. They Have Life Expectancy of Up to 15 Years
The life expectancy of any dog depends on various factors, including breed, genetics, size, diet, exercise, and general health. While the life expectancy of a Labrador Retriever is usually up to 12 years, Springer Spaniels can live for up to 14 years. Although it is impossible to predict the lifespan of your Springador, most live for between eight and 15 years, says The Labrador Site.
