Category Archives: Polish Hunting Spaniels

The role of conformation in spaniel health and strength

Many assume that if a dog can perform its job well, it must be fit and healthy but working ability alone is not enough. The key to a long, injury-free life lies in a dog’s structural conformation. Proper structure supports the body, prevents injury, and ensures that the dog can perform at its best overContinueContinue reading “The role of conformation in spaniel health and strength”

Form follows function: the importance of structure in dog health and performance

The job of the Polish Hunting Spaniel (PSM) is to excel as a versatile hunting companion – a task where its physical structure also plays a crucial role. In this article, we’ll explore why structure matters for a PSM’s health and performance and how breed standards serve as a blueprint for ensuring that our dogs are well-suited for their intended purposes.

The anatomy of a breed standard

The key reason why breed standards matter even when you are focused on the potential performance of a dog is that not all dogs are physically suited to the activities we want to do with them. I’ve previously written about why structure matters even for working spaniels – it’s not just about performance, unless youContinueContinue reading “The anatomy of a breed standard”

Why structure matters for working spaniels

A lot of people, especially in the working spaniel world, look down on dog shows – they’re seen as being about appearance and, as such, an unnecessary vanity. It’s all about PERFORMANCE for working cockers, so appearance doesn’t matter! The implicit subtext is that this focus on performance is somehow morally and ethically superior – and in all honesty, once upon a time, I embraced this attitude as well.

Video post: “Walkies with a Polish Hunting Spaniel”

I’ve been recording some of our walks recently, since the beginning of the semi-lockdown in the Netherlands and I realises today I should post them here too! Here’s the first one… People often ask what Polish Hunting Spaniels are like on walks – well, you can see for yourself now! https://youtu.be/bZnKL_CUe4w

Reflections on the microcosm of Polish Hunting Spaniels

Last weekend we attended our first ever dog show with Grace – and not just any dog show but a national exhibition of Polish Hunting Spaniels… in Poland. Before Grace we never considered showing a dog, and to be honest, it still isn’t something I’m particularly keen on but we had promised her breeder thatContinueContinue reading “Reflections on the microcosm of Polish Hunting Spaniels”