Appearance of the English Spanador
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Because the Spanador is a cross between the English Cocker Spaniel and the Labrador Retriever, its appearance can vary considerably. As a general rule, a Spanador is a medium to large dog with an athletic build and long tail. The Spanador's long to medium coat is available in a wide variety of colors, from the black, yellow and chocolate of the Lab to the multiple color patterns of the English Cocker Spaniel. Whatever the coat color, you can be sure that your Spanador will turn heads. The ears of this breed tend to be slightly longer than those of the average Labrador, yet considerably shorter than those of the English Cocker Spaniel, and frame a strong muzzle. The eyes are either light or dark brown and full of a playful intelligence that's hard not to love. Because of the fineness of the Spanador's coat, despite its length, this breed appreciates warm but not too warm temperatures. |
Temperament of the English Spanador
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If you're looking for a large dog that tends to think of itself as a pocket dog, then the Spanador may be perfect for you. This adorable breed is very energetic and loves to play, but ultimately, crawling into your lap or settling down beside you for a good cuddle is one of its favorite activities. The Spanador is wonderful with children of all ages and other animals, though he'll be wary of strangers from the start. This makes him an excellent watchdog, but socialization will be important at first to ensure that no aggression towards strangers appears. You want him to eventually warm up to people if he gets the chance. Early training is also essential with this breed, as he can be very nervous and destructive if not instructed otherwise. This is typical of a working dog, however, the good news is that the Spanador is there to please. Use consistency and a gentle but firm hand, and he'll do exactly what you want. This makes him an excellent dog for new pet owners, as he learns quickly. Because of this breed's barking tendencies, it may be best to have a Spanador in a more rural area, unless you have understanding neighbors. All in all, the Spanador is a wonderful addition to any home looking for a gentle, affectionate, playful and loyal dog. |
Needs and activities of the English Spanador
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Because the Spanador has two active, working pedigree parents, you can expect it to need plenty of exercise during the day to keep it happy. As a highly intelligent breed, the Spanador will need both mental and physical exercise at least three times a day to stay tired and satisfied. Some activities you and your dog can do together for exercise might be a long walk, jogging, bike riding, hiking, playing fetch in the yard, training, hunting and dog parks. If you take the time to properly train and exercise your dog, he'll be more inclined to listen and behave when needed. Because of the amount of energy available to the Spanador, it is more suited to living in a larger house or in a smaller home with a yard for exercise. |
Maintenance of the English Spanador
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The Spanador is a relatively low-maintenance breed, requiring only occasional brushing to keep its coat healthy and clean. Bear in mind that because both parent breeds tend to shed seasonally, the Spanador will put hair on your furniture and clothes. To keep shedding to a manageable level, brush your dog at least twice a week to remove hair and dirt from the body. Bathing should only take place every few months, or if your dog is particularly dirty. In addition to brushing and bathing, it's extremely important to dry your Spanador's ears thoroughly after bathing or swimming. This is because the breed's folded ears can trap moisture very easily. Residual moisture can cause irritation and infection if left too long in the closed ear canal without being able to dry completely. By cleaning and drying your dog's ears often, you can prevent infection and irritation. Trim the Spanador's nails every few weeks to keep the paws healthy and snag-free. |