Kuri vs English Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison

English Springer Spaniel is originated from United Kingdom but Kuri is originated from French Polynesia. Both English Springer Spaniel and Kuri are having almost same height. English Springer Spaniel may weigh 10 kg / 23 pounds more than Kuri. Both English Springer Spaniel and Kuri has same life span. Both English Springer Spaniel and Kuri has almost same litter size. Both English Springer Spaniel and Kuri requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Miscellaneous dogs
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United Kingdom
French Polynesia
Height Male:
46 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
25 - 46 cm
9 - 19 inches
Height Female:
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
25 - 46 cm
9 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
23 - 25 kg
50 - 56 pounds
13 - 15 kg
28 - 34 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
13 - 15 kg
28 - 34 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 10
5 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
springer spaniel ESS
Peroor New Zealand Native Dog, Guri
Colors Available:
lack or liver (dark brown) with white markings or predominantly white with black or liver markings Tricolor
White, brown, tan, cream, black - solids and different patterns
Coat:
shorter, coarser
Medium length, rough
Shedding:
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

english springer spanielThe English Springer Spaniel is one of many gun dog breeds that flush and retrieve. They descended from the Shropshire Spaniels and Norfolk Spaniels. The English Springer Spaniel is somewhat similar to the Welsh Springer Spaniel and believe it or not they are also closely related to the English Cocker Spaniel. In the last century the cockers and springers came from the same parents. The larger dogs flushed game and made game “spring” from the brush while the smaller dogs – the “cockers” would hunt woodcock. Eventually through specific breeding, the UKC of England recognized the “springers” as a separate breed.

Sydenham Edwards, in 1801, proposed that the spaniels be divided into the Springing or Hawking Spaniel and the Cocking or Cocker Spaniel. From this point on there was a flourish in the development of spaniel breeds in the 19th century. They were usually named for the county in which they were founded or after the individual who developed them. In 1902, the English Springer Spaniel was officially recognized as its own breed by the UKC. It was not until 1910 that the AKC recognized them as well.

Kurī, also known as Guri or Peroor New Zealand Native Dog, is the Maori name for this dog which was introduced to New Zealand by the Maoris when they migrated from East Polynesia around 1280 AD.

They were in fact Polynesian dogs which died out in New Zealand. The Māoris would use the dog as a food source and the skins would be used to make some form of clothing. The bones were used to make items such as necklaces and fish hooks.

Not surprising then that the dog became extinct in New Zealand, with the last known Kuri specimens being found in the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

Description

english springer spaniel puppy - descriptionAmong spaniels the English Springer is medium size and well compacted. Both the working dog and the show dog sport moderately long coats and a friendly tail. They both wear a gentle expression in their eyes. But there the commonality stops as the difference between the working English Springer Spaniel and the show line is greater in this breed than in any other. The gene pools have become almost separate over the last 70 years. If you put a field dog in the show ring they would not be able to compete. If you put a show line English Springer in the field, they would not have the stamina or speed for field trials.

The field line has a coarser coat and less pendulous ears. They may dock a few inches off the tail, and they are much scruffier than the show dogs. On the other hand, the show dogs have dewlaps, pendant ears and dangling flews. They are heavier and thicker than the field dog. They have long muzzles, not so prominent eyes and docked tails. The English Springer Spaniel stands tall and proud, coming from an ancient line of Spaniels

The Kuri is extinct now but it was a small to medium sized dog with a thick set neck. He stood between 25 and 46cm and weighed about 13 to 15 kilograms.

He had thick medium-length rough textured hair, small head, erect ears, short legs and a bushy tail. The color of their weatherproof coats varied and some were black, some white or cream and some were a mix of colors and patterns.

An interesting feature about them is that they didn’t bark but instead they howled. They were good at hunting birds.

Temperament:

The Kuri wasn’t considered the brightest breed, but he would have benefited from some training and socialization as this just makes a dog a better pet in every sense – more obedient and better behaved in all situations.

Some Kuris were friendly and able to bond with their human owners, while others were independent and somewhat aloof. Their size would have allowed them to be kept in the city or the country as they weren’t particularly energetic dogs, not requiring much ground to run around in.

Characteristics

english springer spaniel dog - characteristicsThe English Springer Spaniel is a friendly dog who loves to please his people. They are great family dogs, easy-going and affectionate. In addition, they are attentive and alert which makes them such great hunting dogs. With exceptional speed and stamina, he needs activity to stimulate his body and brain. He is very intelligent. That intelligence can lead to stubbornness as well. He’d great with kids and good with other pets with perhaps the exception of cats. The breed is in love with water and will get in at any time.

It appears as though some Kuris were kept as pets and that they were able to develop loving relationships with their owners.

We don’t know too much about the extinct Kuri, but scientists are now studying and analyzing the hairs of the dog to find out more about it, and specifically why the Maori dog disappeared some time in the 19th century without a trace.

They will also be analyzing Kuri bones salvaged by archaeologists and which were found on rubbish heaps. These bones can be tested to see whether the diet of the Kuri changed much between the days of Maori settlements and the arrival of the European settlers.

Health Problems

The English Springer Spaniel has a tendency toward issues such as:

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

english springer spaniel puppies - health problemsNot an uncommon issue for most medium to smaller sized dogs. It can lead to lameness or arthritis.

PRA – Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Loss of vision due to a deterioration of the retina.

RD - Retinal Dysplasia

Clubs form in the retinal tissue and can lead to blindness.

Bloat

The twisting or distention of the stomach that effects dogs with deep chests and can lead to death if not treated immediately.

Dental Disease:

Some Kuri dogs scavenged while others were pets and ate well. The lifestyle they led would have determined their health. In those days they would have suffered with dental disease, common in adult dogs. Left untreated, dental disease can lead to dental tartar buildup with gum inflammation and tooth loss.

Dental disease can also lead to other organ diseases. These days brushing your dog’s teeth with canine toothpaste and toothbrush can help to ward off dental disease.

Ear infections:

Those Kuris that weren’t pets, tried to survive scavenging, and their homeless situation could well have led to ear infections – caused from a wax- and dirt buildup within the ear. He would have been frantic trying to scratch his ears. In modern times, if your dog showed signs of an ear infection, you would need to get him to the vet.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

english springer spaniel dogs - caringThe English Springer Spaniel can gain weight easily and obesity is one of the biggest health issues for this breed. Feed them a high quality dry dog food. Working dogs need more energy and more calories than the inactive dog. An active member of the breed should have around 1353 calories every day in at least 2 meals if not 3. Do not feed a large meal before or after strenuous exercise as this can cause bloat.

Health Issues

In addition to the health issues listed above the English Springer Spaniel is also prone to:

PFK: Phosphofructokinase Deficiency

This is a genetic condition where the body cannot use the carbohydrates it takes in and convert it to energy. This is identified as a blood disorder.

Epilepsy

Causes seizures but can be treated with medications.

Ear Infections

With longer , droopy ears, infection is always a possibility. Clean them regularly and keep them dry.

Exercise and games

The working English Springer Spaniel is a very energetic dog requiring daily exercise and loving to play. They love walks and hikes. They can excel in competitions such as rally, agility, tracking, field and obedience.

Grooming:

The Kuri will have required regular grooming which means a brushing down twice a week. Brushing would have been useful to prevent loose hairs from shedding with the dog. He would have had to have his ears and eyes checked too to avoid infections. Brushing him would have given his owner the chance to check him over for fleas and ticks too.

Exercise:

As the Kuri wasn’t an overly energetic dog, a walk a day would have kept him content and fit.

Diet:

The Kuri was a dog that essentially formed part of someone else’s diet. Those that managed to escape being a meal for someone no doubt had to scavenge for food. Because they were used to help people catch birds, they themselves were used to catching birds for themselves.

As a small to medium sized dog, if you were to keep such a dog as a pet you would have given him a cup or two of dried kibble a day and tried to vary his diet by including some home-cooked food and raw meat.

Comparison with other breeds

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  28. English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. English Springer Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. English Springer Spaniel vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. English Springer Spaniel vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. English Springer Spaniel vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. English Springer Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. English Springer Spaniel vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. English Springer Spaniel vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. English Springer Spaniel vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. English Springer Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. English Springer Spaniel vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. English Springer Spaniel vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. English Springer Spaniel vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. English Springer Spaniel vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. English Springer Spaniel vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. English Springer Spaniel vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. English Springer Spaniel vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. English Springer Spaniel vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. English Springer Spaniel vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. English Springer Spaniel vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. English Springer Spaniel vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. English Springer Spaniel vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. English Springer Spaniel vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison