We've had our English Springer Spaniel, Joyce, for eight years, and it's been a real adventure.
Joyce at six monthsOur English Springer Spaniel isn't just our first and beloved dog, but also our oldest child. She's taught us where the local parks are and introduced us to all the dog owners in the area. We've learned to be handy and fix things, like torn wallpaper and gnawed-on walls. We've even learned to defend her against other dogs, protecting this 30-pound bundle of joy.
Toys are a mustAbout the Breed
English Springer Spaniels are hunting dogs bred in England. In the 20th century, they were also great service dogs. Now, they're more of a companion dog, a family member, a furry and hyperactive kid.
Our little one at three monthsEnglish Springer Spaniels are a British breed of hunting dog with a chestnut coat, bred to hunt water rats and otters. They're known for their high emotional intelligence and elegant appearance: a neatly messy beard and a stiff coat all over their body.
How We Got Our English Springer Spaniel - A Hypothyroidic Dog
We've always wanted a dog, but my husband's allergies made it a no-go. That was until we discovered hypoallergenic breeds. These dogs don't shed much, so there's less allergen floating around the house. Unfortunately, if you're allergic to dogs specifically, this won't make a difference.
Dog-smileSo, if you're an allergic person:
Hypoallergenic dogs are breeds that don't shed much naturally. There's less allergen floating around the house.Get a test to see if you're allergic to dogs specifically.If you are, getting a low-shedding breed won't make a difference.If not, weigh the pros and cons. Think about what might happen if your allergy develops to your pet.And remember: you might not be allergic to a specific dog. Allergies are unpredictable, and we still don't know much about them.External Appearance | Exterior
The Erdel Terrier has a classic head shape, similar to other terriers, with no visible difference between the skull and facial length. Their ears are V-shaped and folded forward, and their back is straight with a high, docked tail. They have a pretty square, sturdy build.
Their body, tail, and upper neck are black or fawn-colored, with a classic terrier coat that's dense and wiry, with a softer undercoat. Their long coat looks almost curly.
Our Joyce is a large representative of the breed, right at the top of the standard size range. He weighs around 28-29 kg, but isn't exactly overweight.
Personality
Let me tell you, Erdels are like all terriers - they're energetic and always on the go. They're pretty friendly and super social.
As a typical representative of the breed, Joyce loves playing fetch, chasing laser pointers, and hanging out with other dogs.
Erdels need plenty of exerciseThey can get easily overexcited, so you need to be able to keep them in check.
These traits make Erdels perfect for active people who can keep up with them - they need regular walks, training, playtime, and attention.
We take Joyce on 2-3 hour walks every day. We also engage him in obedience training, socialization, and playtime with other dogs.
And they need long walks tooOne last thing: Erdels can be stubborn. It's a fact. Sometimes, you just can't break them of their stubbornness. Our Joyce used to refuse to walk on wooden bridges or balance beams as a puppy. We had to literally drag him along to overcome his fear.
Erdels will follow their owners anywhereSo, what do we have?
Active, energetic, friendly, social, mischievous, requires a lot of attention, and stubborn.
Health and Mentality
Erdels are generally healthy dogs. This breed isn't as popular as some others, so you can find reputable breeders who sell healthy puppies with good physical and mental health.
We've only had to visit the vet a handful of times in the past eight years - there were some issues with his paws, and now he has prostate hyperplasia and some minor stuff.
Our Joyce's mentality is top-notch. We can easily take him back home from our parents' place on New Year's Eve, even with all the fireworks going off - he just walks calmly on his leash.
Erdels typically live for 11-14 years.
Coat
I've found that Erdel is a low-shedding breed, which is a blessing for me as a homeowner. The shedding is minimal, but it does start to get noticeable when the fur grows out and 'matures', as the breeders call it.
However, this means that Erdel's coat needs regular grooming, ideally once a week. You'll need to either trim or clip their fur to keep it looking neat and tidy. Ideally, you should do this 3-4 times a year, or you might end up with a matted mess. That being said, many people actually prefer their Erdels to look a bit shaggy, so it's up to you to decide how much maintenance you're willing to do.
One thing I've noticed is that there's a difference between trimming and clipping. Clipped fur tends to look more vibrant, retains its natural texture, and has a beautiful wave to it. Trimming, on the other hand, can make the fur look dull and soft, almost like it's been fluffed up. That's why I always opt for clipping over trimming.
Clipping can be a bit of a processGrooming an Erdel can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you're not experienced. We've invested in a bunch of grooming tools, including a dog clipper and a variety of brushes.
Low-shedding, requires regular grooming.
Trainability and Dressing
Erdels are intelligent and trainable dogs. We've even completed a basic obedience course with our Erdel, although we still haven't mastered any advanced training. However, we have taught him a ton of fun tricks that you can check out on our YouTube channel, Erdel Joy.
One thing to keep in mind is that Erdels can be a bit stubborn at times, so you'll need to find a way to make training engaging and fun for them. Our Erdel is a foodie, so he's always eager to learn for a treat. Some dogs are more motivated by praise or playtime, so it's all about finding what works best for your furry friend.
Erdels are happy and social dogsSo, in terms of trainability:
Intelligent and trainable, needs a positive approach to training.
Relationship with Kids
I'll admit, I'm skeptical of claims like 'this breed loves kids,' but it's true for the Erdel. He's super gentle and careful around them (tested on two nieces).
Relationship with Other Pets
As mentioned earlier, the Erdel was bred as a hunting dog, and like all terriers, he's got a strong prey drive. That means he'll chase anything from cats and hedgehogs to small dogs. Be prepared to intervene early. We had a tough time with cats, but it's definitely trainable.
Our Erdel gets along with a stray catHe gets along with other dogs, loves playing with them, and even used to be friendly with male dogs. After a few scrapes, he learned to leave them alone. Socialized from an early age, he's got more friends than we do.
Verdict: the Erdel makes an excellent family dog for people who can devote time to him. He's perfect for families with kids. Get one, you won't regret it!