The Springador is also known as the Labradinger, a popular all rounder dog breed used as a hunting or gun dog. A Springador is suitable for people who want a mix of intelligence, gentle temperament, easy trainability and low maintenance. Let us study some facts, characteristics and training tips for raising a Springador.
Facts about Springadors
- The springador is a cross between a Labrador and Springer Spaniel. Years of unplanned breeding between gun dogs of different kinds on hunting estates may have been responsible for the birth of the Springador. Recently, interest is high in hybrid or mixed dogs and designer dogs. People want to buy pets that are easy to maintain and combine the good genetic traits of various breeds. As a result, the interest in the Springador is very high currently. In fact; following the popularity of the Labradoodle (cross between Poodle and Labrador) and the Goldador (cross between Golden retriever and Labrador), the popularity of the Springador is not too far behind.
- In 2018, the Springador came in No. 37 in the list of top 100 favorite dog breeds in the UK and in 2015, this dog was No.3 in the list of 21 Best Crossbreed dogs voted by the Field Gun Dog.
- Treo, a famous Springador became a military hero for his work in Afghanistan. Initially, Treo was given to the military because of his bad temperament. But soon he got trained to sniff out explosives, which he did with great skill. In the process, Treo saved many lives and was even awarded the ‘Animal Victoria Cross Medal of Bravery’ for his service.
Characteristics
- Height range for the Labradinger – 18 to 22 inches. No one can tell exactly how big a Lab Spaniel mix will get. They can get as big as their Lab parent or can take the small size of the Springer Spaniel.
- Weight range for a Labradinger – 55 to 90 lb. As can be seen, the Springador is lighter than a Labrador but slightly larger than the English springer spaniel. Appearances of Springadors can vary greatly depending on the parents.
- Coat colors – Chocolate, yellow, liver and black colors are very popular in Springador puppies. The coat is soft and wavy and there may be white marking on a deep chest.
- These excellent gun dogs can be easily trained to retrieve as well as flush game.
- Country of origin – The Springador was first developed in the United States.
- Life span – These sturdy dogs live up to 10 to 14 years of age.
Where to find a Springador
Ethical breeders have a long wait time so be prepared to wait for at least a year for getting your pet. You can search rescue homes and adoption centers for Springador puppies but that would be a rare occurrence. The American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Breed Registry, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club and Dog Registry of America Inc recognize the Labradinger. You can contact these agencies for more information about top Springador breeders.
Temperament
Springadors combine the gentle, mild temperament of Labradors and playful, alert and affectionate personality of English Springer Spaniels. Both breeds complement each other well so your dog is likely to be a mix of sensitivity, boldness, alertness, quietness and playfulness. This is a breed that is easy to train and wants to please its humans. Owing to their hybrid crossing, Springadors are likely to be healthy and energetic. Your pet will await cues from you before it acts. He will also likely be friendly, alert and active. Your Springador is sure to make a great companion pet for kids and other dogs. Springadors are extremely people oriented, so try not to leave your dog alone for long periods of time. Make sure you spend time grooming and exercising your dog. This will prevent them from getting bored and will help you avoid behavioral issues. Here are some traits your dog might display:
- This intelligent dog could be very territorial. He isn’t afraid to stand up for its place or possessions. Like the Lab, he might bark a lot.
- Springadors are prone to be curious, alert and devoted. Make sure you have a fenced yard to prevent your pet from running away.
Training your Labradinger
It is important to know your dog’s personality before you begin training him. That said; training should still begin the moment your pet enters your home. So make sure you deal with bad behaviors like chewing, barking, door dashing, indoor marking, mealtime mischief, digging and escaping from the yard etc right away. While each dog is different, most dogs respond well to positive, reward based training. You can also enroll your pet in puppy obedience classes but you must make sure to invest time and effort in daily house training. It is important that your pet trusts you. Trust can be developed by spending time with your pet. Set aside at least 15-20 minutes daily for training. Be consistent, and you will be rewarded. Offer healthy training treats to your dog and use a cheerful voice to praise him when he does what you want him to do. End each training session with some moments of cuddling and playtime.
Exercise
Both, the Labrador and the English Springer Spaniel, are active energetic dogs. So it is no wonder that your Springador hunting dog will also need plenty of activity and daily exercise. Take your pet for daily walks at least 2 times a day. You can also indulge in activities like fetching, running, or swimming with him. Daily exercise and playtime are essential to prevent boredom and behavioral issues.
Grooming
Springadors will shed their coat all year round and even more in season, twice annually. Invest in good quality grooming tools like combs and brushes to remove stray hair. This way, you will end up with fewer hairs on your furniture and clothes. Your pet will love these grooming sessions and look forward to them. Clean your pet’s ears out from time to time and also trim his nails. Bathe your Labradinger once or twice a month, depending on how dirty his coat gets.
Health concerns
Over the past few years, Springador breeders have made great strides in identifying genetic components of inherited diseases. So do ensure that you get these health clearance papers from your breeder. This way, your Springador will have fewer chances of developing genetic conditions. Common diseases affecting this dog breed are hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and eye issues. As with most designer dog breeds though, the Springador is quite healthy and has a good longevity of 10-14 years.
Food and nutrition
All dogs have the same basic nutritional needs of protein, fiber, healthy fats, carbohydrates and vitamins and minerals. Any one brand of food will not meet all the nutritional needs of your pet. So always consult a vet or a breeder about feeding the right food and quantity. You must also re-evaluate your food choices as your pet grows older. Learn to read food labels in order to ensure complete nutrition for your Springador.
