Are Springer Spaniels Loyal Dogs?
What does being loyal really mean? According to the Oxford dictionary, being loyal is “giving or showing firm and constant support or allegiance to a person or institution.” Do springer spaniels show constant support to their families? Are springer spaniels loyal dogs? Yes. Springers are very loyal, and you will find out why below.
Springer spaniels are very loyal dogs. They make excellent companions and family dogs, along with being intelligent, obedient, friendly, good-natured, and extremely affectionate. Springers are people pleasers, which makes them eager to learn, but with any dog, training should begin early.
Spaniels love their family so much; they tend to stick to them like glue, following them around. They have earned the name “velcro’ dog by some.
Springers are not by any means guard dogs, but they are springer spaniel loyal. They are medium-sized and would not be disregarded by an intruder. Without being an aggressive dog, but dutiful to their humans, they will warn a suspicious stranger, especially when stepping on their beloved family’s territory.
A spaniel would defend their family or person they love so dearly right to the end if need be. A would-be intruder usually doesn’t bother a home where a dog resides, big or small.
A pup might lead them to the silverware drawer with a wag of the tail, but they won’t know that, and they aren’t going to take the chance!
Why Are Springer Spaniels So Loyal?
Your springer spaniel loves you unconditionally and wants to be with you 24/7, but why are springers so loyal?
History
Dogs have been our oldest comrades for centuries. This bond goes back to around 9000 BC. Over the centuries and hanging out together, spaniels and their owners have created common bonds. Their biological clocks are similar; awake in the day and sleeping at night. Most dogs can also sense when something ails their human, whether mental or physical, and the same is likewise when family members can tell when something is amiss with their spaniel.
Sociability
Spaniels are social and friendly dogs. The more attention and love they receive, the closer they become to the giver of attention. This, in turn, creates loyalty and trust.
Benefits for All
Over the centuries, dogs were domesticated to serve a purpose. This objective was either for work in many different capacities or to provide security. Other animals, such as cows, are not domesticated. They usually don’t receive love and companionship as dogs do. Cows will hang around just for the food!
Humans not only give love and companionship to their spaniels but receive that and much more in return. This bond is wonderful for everyone’s health and well being.
Basic Needs
Before a dog and human relationship were developed today, a human would hunt for food, and what food remained was given to the dog. Later, dogs were sheltered in the home and given a place to sleep, water, and food. This created another loyalty bond.
Love + Time = Bond = Loyalty
You love your springer spaniel, and your springer loves you. This benefits you both in many ways. Studies show that this give and take of love with our dogs makes us feel happier and healthier by boosting each other’s mood every day.
Time spent together makes for loyalty. You probably spend a lot of time with your pup, in and out of the house. Playing or cuddling in the house. Walking, hiking, playing fetch, riding in the car, outside.
The phrase “the gift of time” comes to mind. Like a “gift,” this love is given and time spent equals a bond like no other and equates to your spaniel’s unwavering loyalty.
Communication
Giving your dog attention does wonders for your pup’s personality and temperament. You probably communicate with your spaniel by talking to them, most times as if they are human. Perhaps telling them your problems or what your plans are for the day.
They may not understand but are always attentive. They can tell by your voice’s tone when something bad has happened and love your tone when there is an exciting ring to it that may mean adventure is right around the corner for them. Walk! They will devotedly follow you to the ends of the earth.
A Few Examples of Canine Loyalty
Sadie, an English setter, drug her master home from the woods when he fell from a heart attack. By barking, she alerted his wife, who was able to call for help and save his life.
An employee, who was blind, was working at the World Trade Center in New York City on September 11. 2001. His loyal seeing-eye dog was able to guide him carefully down an emergency staircase to safety. A short time later, the tower collapsed.
In the military, as well as law enforcement, dogs have been used for service in various capacities, sniffing out bombs, narcotics, and the enemy. There are numerous cases where these dogs have saved not only their comrade’s lives but others as well.
Dogs have served in World War One and Two, Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq. Many have received medals for loyalty and valor. The dangerous services they perform are out of love and loyalty to their human counterparts.
Final Thoughts
There is no clear cut scientific explanation behind the relationship between dog and owner. You give your springer spaniel loads of love, play, exercise, protection, food, water, and shelter. In return, your spaniel showers you with unconditional love, as well as their steadfast loyalty.
