The good-natured and playful spaniel is one of the most favorite breeds of dogs all over the world. Despite his hunting roots, he feels great in a city apartment. You just need to study some of the features of this lovely dog, so that his stay in the house does not create discomfort to others, but brings only joy.

History of the breed

When the spaniel first appeared as an independent breed, it is not exactly known. According to historians, the ancestors of modern dogs could become long-haired lop-eared dogs, which the ancient Greeks used for hunting. Later, the animals were taken to Spain and already received their modern name "espanol".

Dogs of the Spaniel breed are described in the documents of the 16th century. The chronicles of that time speak of beautiful hunting dogs, popular in England in the 14th century. Around the same years, the spaniel puppies were also brought to France, as a gift from the Spanish king to the noble duke. Due to its cheerful disposition and excellent hunting qualities, the breed quickly spread around the world, and today there are several main varieties.

Types of spaniels

Depending on the type of dog the description, characterization and dimensions of the dog will differ.

Species of spaniels:

1. Irish water spaniel - one of the largest representatives of the breed. The weight of an adult male can reach 20 kg. A variety was obtained in the 19th century and until now all individuals of this type are not divided into exhibition and work. All dogs are evaluated according to a single standard. Presumably, the selection of works involved "Afghans", whose features are guessed in the appearance of the Irish water spaniel.
2. English Cocker Spaniel. A medium-sized dog, the weight of an adult should not exceed 14.5 kg. The dog is very active, friendly, has a long silky coat. The standard allows for any color, but the solid color should not have white impregnations, except for spots on the chest.
3. English Springer Spaniel. Hunting dog, whose pedigree is rooted in the Middle Ages. It's a fearless escort who can raise a game without even having a good nose. English individuals are pure white or black and white. Shining spots are allowed.
4. American Cocker Spaniel. A small dog with a thick long hair. The dogs of this subspecies are unusually beautiful, so they are rarely used for hunting. Education spaniel usually comes down to a fun conversation with family members, walks in the nearby park.
5. Welsh Springer Spaniel. These dogs are depicted on the canvases of artists of the 17th century. Even then welsh springer was popular because of its excellent working qualities. These are smart and strong hunters who do not feel well in city apartments. Such a dog must be trained so that irrepressible excitement does not grow into aggression. The individuals are rather tall, have a white color with bright red spots.
6. King Charles Spaniel. These are small dogs with a long hard coat and a charming, slightly flattened face. Large round eyes create the impression of fragility and defenselessness of animals, but this is a false idea. King Charles has a very powerful jaw and can very painfully bite the abuser. The subspecies can have ruby, black and tan color, tricolor color (black and white with tan markings) or blenheim (white background with bright chestnut spots).
7. Clumber Spaniel. This species of breed spaniels externally is very different from their counterparts and is the largest. Dogs are used for hunting, but they have a friendly character. They are not recommended at home. Animals strongly molt, snore in sleep, need regular physical exertion and are marked by abundant salivation. The weight of an adult male is 39 kg, the color is predominantly white, but the presence of orange or lemon grass is allowed.
8. Vakhtelhund. German subspecies of the breed, used to hunt for quails and picking up the pork. Among the cynologists is considered a universal hunting dog. These are tall, lean dogs with long wavy hair. A monochrome brown color with white marks is allowed. Rarely are white specimens with brown tan.
9. Russian hunting spaniel. The breed is recognized by the Russian cynological community, but not recognized by the FCI. This is a strong, active hunting dog, which requires good training. Suitable for home maintenance, but provided daily long walks.

As a pet, Cocker Spaniels and King Charles Spaniels are usually introduced as more compact and complaisant dogs.

Nature of the breed

Acquiring a cute curly puppy, say goodbye to the silence and tranquility that reigned in the house. This dog is a clot of vitality and energy. His irrepressible joy, cheerfulness, vivacity, are transmitted to the owner. Owners spaniels less than others suffer from depression, they just can not afford a pet.

Despite all the emotionality, the breed has a balanced character and a stable psyche. The animal is very intelligent, perspicacious, able to guess the mood of its owner. Spaniels are great companions for games and like to fiddle with young children. For cats that live in an apartment, the dog will also not have any danger.

Loneliness is not tolerated by animals. They suffer from lack of communication and even can get sick. If you do not have the opportunity to give your pet enough time, it is better to choose a more calm and melancholic breed.

Features of care

Preventive vaccinations and clipping of claws are standard procedures that are mandatory for execution. Special care requires wool. To a pet was like a spaniel, and not a barking hair, a visit to the hairdresser is necessary, at least once every three months. Cutting the hair between the fingers and inside the ears can be done by oneself, and a professional can properly create a haircut. Some breeders since childhood have taught the puppy to tie their ears before starting the feeding. This allows you to keep the wool on the auricles clean and shiny.

It is necessary to accustom the dog and to daily combing. Dogs live about 15 years, and for all this time the owner should become a personal hairdresser for the pet. Bathe the spaniel quite often, every 10-14 days, using special shampoos. Regardless of the place of detention (flat or private house), the breed requires regular physical exercises and walks in order to maintain a good shape.

Diseases of the breed:

• conjunctivitis. Eyes often water, periodically recommended that they be wiped with a cotton swab dipped in chamomile broth or any other remedy;
• otitis. In long dangling ears, an infection likes to settle. Regularly check and clean the ears of such dogs to prevent the development of the disease;
• food allergy. Spaniels are omnivorous, they eat everything they are given, but not all food is useful. If you notice that the dog itches, worries, maybe it's the result of an allergic reaction. Eliminate from his diet a dangerous product and consult with a veterinarian about drug treatment of a dog;
• obesity. Another unpleasant consequence of omnivorousness. The breed is not in control of its appetite, so the owner will have to do it. When overeating and lack of physical activity, the dog very quickly gaining excess weight.

How to choose a puppy

If you need a friend and companion, choose the one that you like the most, no matter how much it costs. To participate in exhibitions to the selection of dogs are treated more carefully. It is better to involve an expert in this work.

The puppy should look fat enough, be playful, cheerful, cheerful. Too calm baby can later be sick. The dog should have a beautiful even head, proportional to the trunk and limbs with well-defined angles. Health indicators: clean eyes, shiny wet nose, painless soft abdomen, regular stool, beautiful hair.

Be sure to ask the breeder whether the dog has been vaccinated by age and whether treatment has been performed from helminths. These simple rules will help you choose a healthy dog ​​that will become a faithful companion and friend for the whole family for many years.

In urban conditions, most hunters the dog of the Russian spaniel   lives in an apartment. However, it is not recommended to keep it in the kitchen, in bedrooms and in public places. The dog is given a permanent place. Getting used to it, she feels calmer. The place is arranged in a dry, quiet and not very shady part of the living room or hallway, but not near the heating units, refrigerators, ventilation pans and entrance doors. In place, a mattress, a rug or a wooden frame, covered with tarpaulin, is placed. The mattress is put on a removable cover, a pillowcase. You should not stuff a mattress with hay, which gives a lot of dust that gets into the eyes and ears of a dog. The place is cleaned daily.

Do not hide the sleeping dog Russian spaniel blanket or any blanket, as this can develop a tendency to colds. Remember - the dog is not afraid of cold, but dampness and drafts.

Growing at home pampered the dog, disrupts the metabolic processes in her body - makes him less resistant to various diseases and environmental influences. Therefore, the health of the dog, and therefore its performance in the field, depends on the conditions in the apartment, the length of walks in the open air, the systematic nature of physical training and the usefulness of the diet. A puppy or a young dog is often spoiled by members of the hunter's family, trying each in their own way to teach the dog and feeding it from the table while eating. As a result, the animal becomes an incorrigible darling and extortioner.

To care for the spaniel, the following equipment is required: a collar for attaching a leash and chain to it; leash for driving a dog; chain to bind it; muzzle for protection from biting; brush for cleaning the dog; comb for combing wool; a wool cleaning cloth and a bowl for feeding and watering the dog.

In the first days after weaning from his mother, a puppy of a Russian spaniel whines. We must quickly disaccustom it from it, distracting with games or toys. That the puppy grew mobile and cheerful, he should have his own toys. The most suitable for children are monolithic rubber toys with pischalkami and tennis or rubber balls. Skills acquired by the puppy in games help him to find agility and coordination of movements faster, it is better to learn many methods of training. The game can be based on learning. Puppy, with whom do not play, grows slower, differs lethargy. Frequent games for the puppy and daily physical exercises (jogging, jumping, overcoming of obstacles, a shoe) for a growing young dog are mandatory, as they allow you to grow a pet with strong, mobile backbone, muscles, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Excessive rest during the formation of a young organism is unacceptable - a physically weak, underdeveloped and inactive dog grows up.

From the age of 3-4 months after the first anti-plague vaccination, the puppy is introduced to the outside world - taken to the yard, to the street, to the park. Games with peers make the puppy sociable, cheerful, bold, and excessive isolation develops cowardice, sometimes evil.

Puppies Russian spaniel 4-8-month-old age is taken out for a walk 3-4 times a day; dogs over 1 year - 2 times. Duration of walks in good weather should be at least 30 minutes, on weekends (one of walks) - at least 2-3 hours. It is necessary to take out a puppy or a young dog more often in meadows, field, forest - in advance to acquaint it with the environment in which she will have to work. Useful from 6-8 months of age, running after a bicycle, jumping over the barrier, and for the leg and search - a poke.

While walking the spaniel, exclude the possibility of eating food waste and impurities. It is also inadmissible that a puppy or an adult dog should take food or sweets from strangers.

After walking, the dog is cleaned with a brush and wiped with a cloth in the courtyard or square to remove dirt, dust, dead hair, dandruff from the wool cover, wash it in the apartment or wipe it off with a damp rag. For long-haired and coarse-wool dogs, wool is combed with a comb, in short-haired dogs - with a stiff brush. Especially careful care for the coat of a dog is necessary during periods of seasonal moults. Walking should be preceded by feeding the dog.
   Hunters living in rural areas or suburbs often build an extension for the dog to the dwelling house in the form of a small room, warm and light, with an area of ​​6-8 m2 with access to an enclosure or enclosed courtyard. In southern regions of the country, where the air temperature seldom falls below 8 ° C in winter, even for dogs, with the exception of pointers, it is advisable to keep it outdoors throughout the year in a specially constructed enclosure with a booth. They have an aviary on a dry, sunny spot near the deaf walls of a residential building, courtyard buildings or a solid board fence.

The enclosure for one or two hunting dogs of the Russian spaniel has a walking area of ​​at least 10-15 m2, two or three blinds and one or two metal walls or fenced walls with a height of 1.6-2 m. The solid walls protect against cold winds, in a given locality, and a grid or fencing fence is placed on a bright sunny side.

The aviary is adjoined by a room of 4-b m2, in which for each dog, wooden booths of 0.9X0.9 m are installed, tightly closed with lids (for easy cleaning). Light and air enter the room through the glazed transom, under which the electric oil cooler is strengthened. The temperature in the room should not be lower - 4 ° C. In the lower part of the entrance door a laz that closes with canvas curtains (double in the winter) is made. Outside, a plank deck with a light awning is attached to the room. On the perimeter of the enclosure on the inside, a 350-400 mm wide cannula is made to prevent the dog from making a digging.

The paddock area should have a slope and drainage to drain the rainwater. Its surface is covered with gravel, which is rammed and covered with clean sand. Monthly aviary is disinfected with a solution of quicklime or creolin (5%). At a temperature below -6 ° C and without heating the dogs are taken to a dwelling.

The disadvantages of aviary hunting spaniel dogs include the loss of their cleanliness, the manifestation of increased interest in pets, excessive malice, the habit of eating impurities and food debris, and hence the increased danger of infection with helminths. Therefore, despite some inconveniences, a dog grown in an apartment is always obedient, clean and polite, tolerant of children, it usually does not have malice towards strangers, it is more devoted to the master and works better in the field.

Every 2-3 months of domestic maintenance, the dog is washed with warm water (25-30 ° C) with bath or baby soap, and with frequent scratching - with a special soap or zooshampoo, which are thoroughly washed off with water. Then the animal is wiped dry. For a walk out only after full drying of the coat. Dry long hair comb comb, short - with a stiff brush. Often, dogs should not be washed - this leads to skin degreasing, beriberi, breaks the structure of the coat. In winter it is useful to "swim" with clean snow. Copiously sprinkling the dog with snow, quickly clean it with a stiff brush. The reception is repeated 5-6 times, then the wool is quickly wiped off. Contained in aviary dogs in the winter time can not be washed, their coat is cleaned with snow.

A puppy of a Russian spaniel is not washed until 5 months of age to avoid possible irritation of the skin. In extreme cases - wash at night.

In summer, washing dogs replaces frequent bathing in open water at a water temperature of at least 18-20 ° C. They let the leash into the pond without a leash and the collar behind the tossed to the water. Wool dries up in the air when the dog is moving. Frequent bathing, swimming temper the dog's body, promote the strengthening of the nervous system, the development of respiratory organs and movement.

Periodically, at least 2 times a month, check the cleanliness of the canal canals of the dog and eliminate the accumulated dirt and sulfur there with a cotton swab dipped in warm water, vaseline oil or a weak solution of hydrogen peroxide. You can drip 5-8 drops of a 2% solution of boric alcohol or vaseline oil into each ear, then treat the inner surface of the ear with a cotton swab.

If small purulent discharge appears on the mucous membrane of the spaniel eye, the eyes are washed with cotton wool soaked in a solution of strong tea.

The rules of hygiene at home maintenance of the dog of the Russian spaniel should be observed especially strictly in families with young children, who are easily infected with certain types of helminths.
   The elastic, shiny coat, cool nose of the wakeful dog and the presence of appetite unmistakably testifies to its good health. In a calm state, the body temperature of the dog (measured rectally) is 38-39 ° C; heart rate 90-100 beats per minute (in puppies 110-120, in old dogs 70-80 beats per minute); the respiration rate is 16-18 cycles per minute (in puppies 18-20, in old dogs 14-16).

If the behavior of the Russian hunting spaniel changes dramatically - the nose of the nose hot and dry, the body temperature increased, the pulse and breathing became more frequent, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, purulent discharge from the eyes and nasal cavity, touches in some places cause pain - you can unerringly conclude that she is sick. In this case, you need to immediately seek veterinary care, and not try to treat the dog with your own funds, since you can not correctly diagnose the dog yourself.

Origin:	Russia
Dimensions:	Height: female and male 38-41 cm, weight: female and male 9-16 kg.
Character:	Reliable, friendly, easy to learn
Where to use:	Hunter, security guard, companion
Lives:	14 years
Color:	White, red, black, gray, piebald.

Russian spaniels are carefree and devoted to their person dogs. This is an intelligent and loving friend who has no conflicts with children and domestic animals. If the breed is not trained to go hunting, then this nice Russian dog turns into a good family companion. In this article you will learn the history of this breed, its character, the standard and how to take care of it.

History of origin

Russian spaniel is the youngest breed among Russian. He is part of a large group of breeds of spaniels and originated mainly from springer spaniels.

The history of these animals in Russia begins with the end of the XIX century, when a black English cocker spaniel was donated to the Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolayevich. It was first shown at the exhibition in St. Petersburg in 1885. Later they were imported not only to St. Petersburg, but also to Moscow. But even if some of these dogs were used for hunting, they were not very useful in Russian conditions.

Already at the beginning of the 20th century, lovers of spaniels began to choose stronger, larger by weight and hardy dogs for breeding and breeding and crossed them with springer spaniels to get dogs more adapted to the conditions of life in Russia.

In 1951, became significant for this breed, because it was then developed its first standard, meeting the needs of hunters of the Soviet Union. The unchanged standard was put into operation in 1966, and since 1972 Russian spaniels no longer crossed with other breeds of spaniels.

Characteristics of the breed

Russian, is a small dog, its height at the withers is 35-48 cm, and the weight is about 16 kg. Nevertheless, the small size, weight and good-natured nature does not affect its ability to work in harsh conditions. An average of 14 years.

Appearance and standard

The pet is well built, has slightly elongated groats, light weight, strong bones and long muscular legs. The dog's tail straight at the base, according to the description of the breed standard, is cut to half. A distinctive feature of this breed are her ears, wide and dangling down they are covered with curly hair. The end of the ear should reach the tip of the dog's nose.

The dog's fur is long, soft to the touch. It twists on the ears and back of the animal's legs.

According to the standard of the breed there are two-color, three-color dogs and animals painted in one tone:

1. Dogs of monochrome colors are: red, black or brown.
2. Two-colored colors: red-piebald, brown-piebald or black-piebald.
3. Three-color colors according to the breed standard: white with dark spots and crab, brown or black with a tan.

Character

For its owner, the Russian spaniel has no equal in loyalty and ability to educate and train. This is a kind dog according to the owners description, which is related to other animals, regardless of the breed. A dog can be an excellent hunter.

Playful, loyal and friendly in nature, Russian spaniel will be a good companion for both adults and children. Being brought up for use in hunting, he possesses all the qualities necessary for a hunting dog: endurance, a sharp nose, perseverance, energy and a great desire to possess prey.

Intellectual by nature, Russian hunting spaniel responds well to training and education, is always ready to please its owner. The breed is able to work from an early age, and its characteristics allow it to hunt in arid lands, swamps, fields and woodlands. The dog, as described by the owners and reviews, will be an excellent companion on long daily walks and jogs.

Did you ever go hunting with a dog?

Advantages and disadvantages

This breed has excellent characteristics and here are its advantages:

1. Does not require complex care, education and training;
2. Russian Cocker Spaniel gets along well with animals of other breeds and children;
3. Excellent for trips and hunting;
4. With pleasure will make the company on a bike tour;
5. A happy, kind, intelligent and faithful dog;
6. Has a small height and weight, because it is well suited for a small apartment;
7. You can develop in the dog watchdog.

It is difficult to find out the disadvantages of this breed, it is only necessary to say that such an active dog requires walks and from sitting at home can become destructive.

Conditions for keeping at home

Russian hunting spaniel, according to the owners, is getting along well in the apartment if it spills its energy on the street. These dogs are quite active indoors, they will have enough of a small courtyard to play. The popularity of this breed in Russia is mainly due to the fact that this breed needs a simple care, and their size and weight allows you to keep and without problems to transport it to the hunting place.

Care

Unlike dogs with tough hair, caring for a Russian spaniel is quite simple. Their hair repels moisture well, so they can not often be bathed. But this is not required, since the animal already keeps itself clean. Even if the wool gets caught in dirt, just let it dry and remove it with a brush. Care includes combing and during the moult, but it does not shed a little: enough once a week to comb out the dead hair.

Particular attention should be paid to the care of the dog's ears. Since they are very long and cover the ear canal, they are prone to diseases. The dog's ears should be examined once a week for odor and dirt. To look after the ears is simple: they are gently cleaned with a cotton swab.

The rest of the care for the spaniel is the same as for the other dog: you need to cut her nails in time, at least once a week to remove the teeth from the teeth with a brush and perform a general examination of the animal. Accustom the dog to care from an early age and positively reinforce her obedience.

We offer to see how these dogs are trained.

Optimum diet

Care for the dog includes choosing the right diet for her, because it depends on her health and how much she lives. The animal is considered an allergic and is ideal for a dry special with this problem. It is better to feed an adult dog twice with the portion indicated on the package, the weight of the pet should be monitored, since the breed is prone to obesity.

If you are natural products and completely deny dog ​​food, then carefully consider the ration of the animal. Feed your pet with scraps from the table, peppers and flavored foods can not.

The basis of the diet:

1. From raw meat raw beef, cut into pieces, but not stuffing. It is useful to add boiled by-products to the diet. You can feed the dog with chicken, but very carefully, it is better to take it from trusted local sellers, since it can be allergic. This breed can not be given lamb and pork.
2. A fish for feeding is suitable only for sea, pre-boiled. You can not feed a fish with a fish. As an alternative source of calcium, you can give milk products.
3. Recommended for the dog are cereals: oat-flakes or rice. Millet, wheat and pearl barrel are not suitable.
4. You can feed the dog with stewed or raw vegetables. In a vegetable mixture add a spoon of vegetable oil, so that the vitamins are better absorbed. To do this, any cabbage, carrot, zucchini, sweet pepper, pumpkin, beet, as well as herbs: dill and parsley will do.

Possible diseases

Russian hunting spaniel is a healthy dog, with due care, but like any breed with long ears it is prone to ear disease, for example to otitis, so it is so important to care for this part of the pet's body.

Animals of this breed, according to reviews, tend to be obese, so food should not be freely available, and the weight of the pet should be controlled. The dog typing excess weight should be limited in nutrition, cutting caloric intake.

Russian Spaniels love not only to run, play in every possible way, but also to swim. On the hunt, they without any doubts will get the fallen bird from the pond. Because of their dense hair, the pet will not freeze even in cold water.

Photo Gallery

Photo 1. Puppies of Russian spaniel Photo 2. Black Russian Spaniel Photo 3. Russian hunting spaniel

Video "About the breed"

In this video you will learn the dog's history, its standard, description and how it is used in hunting (video author: ZooMisto).

Dogs of the Russian spaniel breed are distinguished by their friendliness.   They were taken out for hunting birds, but recently they were often started as pets.

The character of the spaniel is calm. He is very mobile on the street, loves long walks, especially in the woods. Most of the dogs are good swimmers and will not miss the opportunity to climb into the water. For all their activity, they adapt well to living in apartments. If the Russian spaniel is good for walking, then at home he will not demand active games and spoil the interior.

They have excellent intuition.   So come out to meet any guest and be friendly with good people. If necessary, they will become excellent watchmen. The smiling dog in a moment will turn into a dangerous predator and will protect the owners even at the cost of life. Good get along with spaniels with children, do not hurt and do not bite, will patiently endure all the games and harassment. You can start a spaniel and in the presence of other animals. Despite hunting qualities, chickens will not be chased.

This breed is easy to train. She quickly becomes a member of the family and chooses her master. Behind him, the spaniel is ready to go anywhere. They are attentive and athletic dogs, energetic and friendly.
  As for hunting qualities, spaniels are excellent dogfriends. They are hardy, energetic. The breed is distinguished by an innate desire to bring prey, perseverance in the search for a trace, game and an excellent scent. They do not need to prepare for hunting for a long time, and they are ready to help the owner from an early age. On the hunt, the dog must raise the bird and then bring her body.

Spaniels are very fond of hunting in places rich in prey. Then they are ready to run for several hours and search for game. If there is not enough booty, the dog is quickly exhausted. They are suitable for hunting rabbits, quails, waders, ducks and wild goats. Even on hunting, the Russian spaniel will not let go of its owner. He is obedient and understands teams by gestures.

Having bought a puppy, you should not hurry to take it home. It is best to do this early in the morning. In this case, the animal will easily transfer transportation and separation from the other puppies from the litter and mother.

It is recommended to transport the puppy in a large basket or an open bag. Those who want to caress the dog should politely, but firmly stop, because a sharp change in the situation in conjunction with the intrusive attention of strangers can greatly scare the puppy.

If the purchased dog is to be transported in the car, care should be taken to ensure that the animal is not fed the day before: almost 50% of dogs do not tolerate the ride in the car. Densely eaten puppy will necessarily be nauseated.

Traveling in an airplane or a train the dog does not bear well either. Bringing the pet home, first of all you need to release it from the bag, give him the opportunity to meet his natural needs and settle in a new home.

Once in an unfamiliar place, a frightened puppy will most likely try to get into some dark place and sit out there. It is not necessary to him in this to interfere. Offering a dog food and drinking water, it would be wiser to leave the room chosen by her to give the animal the opportunity to sleep after a tiring journey.

Getting used to a new home

If an adult dog is purchased, the former owner is better able to bring her personally to the new house, because she herself will never go with a stranger.

If you bought a puppy, then upon arrival home, after the animal has rested, you need to take it in your arms and walk with it around the apartment. You should always call the puppy the nickname given to him, avoiding calls "baby", "baby", "kutya", etc.

On the litter for a new pet, you must always put some familiar to him on the former habitat: a toy or a flap of blankets. A familiar smell will help the puppy to quickly settle in a new place.

As soon as the new pet settles in the house, you should start learning the rules of behavior in the apartment. The dog must understand what its actions will be approved, and which will cause the owner's reproof. First of all, this concerns the dispatch of natural needs in the apartment. Then you need to let her know that it's not good to take food out of a bowl and eat it on the carpet in the room, gnawing shoes, dirty furniture, etc. It should be noted that if the owner still decides to punish the puppy for certain misdemeanors, then this should be done do it right after the puppy is guilty, otherwise the animal will simply not understand what he is being punished for, will grow up embittered, disobedient. Under no circumstances should the puppy be punished with a leash or collar - he will begin to fear the owner and these items.

Dog Care Accessories

Before you bring a pet into the house, you need to acquire the equipment necessary for its maintenance.

First of all you will need a collar, a leash, a muzzle, a capacity for feeding and a whistle.

It is on the collar is usually attached a special tablet with the address of the owner and the name of the animal. The dog must wear the collar constantly. As a rule, he must firmly cling to the neck of the animal, without squeezing it. The collar also allows the owner to grab and hold the spaniel if necessary.

Leash is made of durable leather. Its length can be different (from 1 to 2 m), and the width is usually 0.6-2.5 cm. At one end of it there is a loop into which you can put your hand for convenience, on the other - a carbine fastened to the collar. Going out for a walk with a pet, you always need to take a leash with you. At any time, it may be necessary to take the animal on a leash to avoid an unpleasant incident. This applies even to those cases when the dog is well brought up and accustomed to returning to the owner at the first call.

Muzzle usually does not cause positive emotions in a dog, nevertheless it is absolutely necessary for keeping a Russian hunting spaniel. In most cases, the muzzle is made of carefully crafted soft leather and is adjusted so that leather strips and metal fastenings do not rub the muzzle of the animal and at the same time do not allow it to bite.

Collar with special tag and muzzle for dog

Even if the dog is extremely rare and peaceful, there is no guarantee that in a stressful situation she will not get angry and bite someone.

The dog should always wear a muzzle during a trip in public transport, while walking in places with a large crowd of people, when visiting a veterinarian.

A dog's bite is classified as a dangerous bodily injury and will certainly provoke discontent not only of the surrounding people, but also of the law and order. A pet must wear a muzzle.

During feeding, the spaniel can stain the floor. You can avoid this by putting a wooden plate with a drilled hole for the bottom under the bowl with food

A bowl for drinking water must necessarily be firm and heavy. It should stand next to the bowl for feeding, always kept clean and regularly filled with boiled water.

The bowl for feeding the dog must be stable and massive, so that the pet can not carry it in the teeth or turn over. Do not use cracked plates or bowls with jags and irregularities on the bottom to feed the dog, since the dog can injure the tongue.

As toys, dogs like to use bones and balls, which are made of plastic or strong rubber. So that the dog can not swallow toys, they should not be too small. It is inadmissible to use as toys rubber balls, wooden and soft objects. They can be easily cracked, and pieces of rubber, foam rubber and wood trapped in the intestines of the animal can harm the health of the dog.

Owners of dogs in winter often walk their pets, pre-dressing them in specially tailored clothes. This in any case should not be done. All dogs, with the exception of the hairless coat, tolerate the cold rather calmly. To put on them various blouses and overalls is not necessary, despite the recommendations of a number of dog handlers and manufacturers of canine accessories. The fact is that clothing interferes with the thermoregulation of the body and badly affects the coat.

If it's very cold in the street so that the dog does not catch a cold, you can put on it a warm cloak that does not fetter the movements and at the same time protects you from the wind.

You can wear shoes only when absolutely necessary. Boots, boots and booties are used mainly in the winter, when city roads are sprinkled with a large amount of special salt that corrodes the skin of the pads on the paws of the spaniel.

Before you go with a Russian spaniel to hunt, you should get a special whistle, which will at any time to call your pet. The most popular is the usual inaudible whistle, which produces high noises perceived by man, but well distinguished by a dog.

Rules of walking

While the puppy is not made the first inoculation, he should not be allowed to run on the ground during a walk.

Until the puppy is 6 months old, he is not allowed to move independently on the stairs

The animal can either manage the natural need on the balcony or in the cat's toilet.

A small puppy is quickly tired. If during a walk you noticed that the dog is tired, you need to take it in your arms. No matter how small the puppy is, you should never drive it on a harness. Russian hunting spaniel must immediately be accustomed to the collar.

Walking spaniels need 2-3 times a day. The duration of each walk can be different - from 1 to 3 hours. In order to develop a proper hunting posture for a Russian hunting spaniel, whenever possible, it is recommended to take him on a leash and force him to walk nearby so that the animal pulls forward. If necessary, you can give the command "Pull!". Russian hunting spaniel likes to move. During the walk, you should let him run on level ground or hills and jump over the barriers, but if it's cold and damp in the street, it's best to limit the dog's walk 10-15 minutes.

In no event should you lower the animal from a leash in the vicinity of the roadway.

You can not let a dog bark passers-by, and you should also exclude a paddock in the vicinity of playgrounds. There is a high probability that the parents of children playing there will not be pleased with such a neighborhood. During the walk, the dog can be lowered from the leash only after she has firmly grasped and quickly executes the host's commands.

Place of the dog

In the city, Russian hunting spaniels are kept mostly in apartments, although the best option for a dog of this breed is a private house with an enclosure in the yard.

The place of the dog is the territory reserved for its rest. The place plays a very important role in the process of bringing up the puppy. Do not change the place without extreme necessity, this will complicate the learning process.

If the puppy is tired, but for some reason does not want to use his stove, you need to gently, but persistently force him to lie down.

As soon as the dog appeared in the house, immediately begin to work out the command "Place!". In the learning process, you need to bring the animal to his stove and, after patting it, several times say the word "Place!".

Do not let the dog choose his own place to rest. Feeling that they are inferior to her, she will later start to disregard the prohibitions and will at every opportunity to climb onto the sofa chosen by her.

The place of the dog is its territory, on which it feels secure. Russian hunting spaniel, resting on his couch, in no case can not be punished or disturbed, as the dog can react to these actions in an entirely unpredictable manner.

The dog bed must be in a quiet place, which is not blown by drafts and is located far from the heating devices. Usually such a place is the far corner of the corridor or closet. In the bathroom and in the kitchen you can not place the animal.

Make a bed can be made of a wooden open box, in one of the sides of which you can cut a hole, so that the puppy can climb inside. For the same purpose, you can use a large stable basket with low walls. Best is an oval basket, which, unlike the round, will save space. The bottom of the box, as a rule, is covered with tightly fitted, smoothly planed boards and a multilayered litter. In the absence of a basket or a box, you can put a small mat on the floor, which is easy to clean and protects well from drafts. Sometimes the beds are made of rag or straw mattresses, covered with dense material.

Cupboard basket

Owners of private homes often build in their yards summer cages of wire mesh, stretched to high poles. To the animal could not undermine it and run away, the bottom edge of the net is fixed under the ground at a depth of 30-40 cm. The floor of the enclosure is recommended to be made of sand. In the enclosure it is necessary to put a box to protect the spaniel from rain and wind. The litter in the box is recommended to make a straw and change at least 1 time in 2-3 days.

Care of hair

Caring for the fur coat of the Russian hunting spaniel is recommended by regular combing, haircuts and bathing.

During long walks and hunting, the spaniel's wool is heavily soiled, therefore it is desirable to bathe your pet every 2-3 weeks.

The detergent used to wash the dog should not dry the skin. If there is no special zoo shampoo, you can use a normal, but designed for dry hair and containing a conditioner. You can also use baby shampoo without dyes and harsh odors.

No matter how good the care of the dog, in its wool, from time to time, there will appear coils. Especially often they are formed in the groin, under the arms and in the regions of the hocks. If immediately after bathing, these places are treated with cosmetic oil, the wool becomes more elastic, the skin is soft, and the frequency of appearance of the coils will be significantly reduced.

To care for the hair of the Russian hunting spaniel, shampoos for long-haired dogs with air conditioner and conditioner are most suitable. There are a lot of such shampoos, therefore, before making a final choice, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian or other owners of spaniels.

Combing the hair is a regular procedure. Of course, a small puppy's fur is very short and rare, so many owners prefer not to waste time combing it. This position is largely erroneous and is not approved by experienced dog breeders, who know that the puppy's fur needs daily care.

Scissors and comb-brush for hair care

When caring for small puppies, you should not use the comb, as its stiff, sharp teeth can severely injure the delicate skin of the dog. Therefore, it is recommended to get a set of hard and soft brushes designed specifically for caring for the puppy's fur. Only after the dog reaches 3 months of age, the brushes can be replaced with combs.

The dog must be cut at a frequency determined by the rate of its fouling. The first haircut is done when the puppy reaches 2 months of age.

Haircut is complete and partial (hygienic). Completely Russian spaniel shear 1 time in 2-3 months. To do this, the dog is taken to a special salon designed for cutting dogs, or invited to a specialist's home.

Wool on the back of the Russian hunting spaniel can not be cut. In dogs at the age of 8 months the rejection of puppy down begins, as a result of which the hair on the back usually comes in complete disorder. To correct a situation it is possible by means of a trimming, combing out a short comb which well removes down.

To do a partial haircut, no professional intervention is required. The dog owner can perform it himself once every 2 weeks. Hygienic haircut implies the partial removal of hair on the feet, around the anal and auditory holes.

Once the cut wool on the back of the Russian hunting spaniel will never become smooth and even. It will be unevenly bristling and will permanently deprive the pupil of the opportunity to take the first place at the dog show, since such a haircut is considered an essential drawback.

In the region of the anus, wool is cut exclusively for hygiene purposes. In this case, the tail is given a wedge shape, and the inguinal region is cleared from the collars.

When processing the paws, short hair is cut in the vicinity of the pads, between the fingers and in a circle slightly above the claws, so that during the running and walking the wool cover does not touch the ground. If the wool on the paws has not been sheared for a long time, garbage accumulates on them, which, accumulating between the fingers, can cause lameness. Moreover, a dog with paws, overgrown with long hair, looks extremely untidy and loses the ability to move quickly.

A long coat around the ear canals irritably affects the auricle. As a result, the animal starts to comb its head and ears with its paws. Dirt entering the ear canal is the main cause of ear disease, and scratches caused by claws are almost always inflamed, so the wool in these areas should also be regularly cut.