English Springer Spaniel - Use As Sniffer Dogs

Use As Sniffer Dogs

For more details on this topic, see Detection dog.

Springer Spaniels are commonly used as sniffer dogs for a variety of tasks. Notable cases of explosive search dogs have included Buster, a Dickin Medal recipient, Royal Army Veterinary Corps arms and explosives search dog serving with the Duke of Wellington's Regiment in Iraq, for finding an extremist group's hidden arsenal of weapons and explosives. Another example is Jake, aka Hubble Keck People's Dispensary for Sick Animals Gold Medal and Blue Cross Animal Hospital Medal recipient, a London Metropolitan Police explosives search dog. He was deployed at Tavistock Square, Russell Square and King's Cross following the 7 July 2005 London Bombings.

However the Springer's use is not limited to detection of explosives, it can extend to other work. Murphy, a male Springer has been trained by HM Prison Service in HMP Norwich to search for mobile phones. He can tell the difference between the guards' phones and illegal phones held by inmates. Other varied uses for the Springer can include sniffing out bumblebee nests, illegal immigrants, and blood.

Springer Spaniels are also used as search and rescue dogs for mountain rescue teams where their willingness to work and cover rough terrain makes them an excellent choice alongside other more traditional search dog breeds.

Springers are used as drug dogs by agencies in various places including Sweden, Finland, Britain, Isle of Man, and Qatar.