​A breed standard may include the history of the breed, a narrative description of their externally observable characteristics, and their original use or purpose.  The description is a distinct picture in words, outlining the ideal size, weight, colour, length of coat, tail, structure, temperament and movement. It may also describe faults or deficiencies that would disqualify an animal from registration or indicate that the dog should not be used for breeding purposes. Breed standards help

define the ideal specimen of that breed and should serve as a guide for breeders to base their breeding goals on.

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All recognized dog breeds are ordered into distinct groups which serve to identify the function that they were bred to perform. In essence a breed standard is a blueprint for a specimen fit for the function it was bred. The English Springer Spaniel (ESS) is part of the Sporting Dog Group (in Canada and the US), as it was originally bred to work

with hunters to flush or "spring" birds from their cover.

 

Breed standards vary from association to association, and from country to country, even for the same breed. There is no one format for breed standards, and they are periodically changed or updated over time. Different countries

have variations on their breed standards, even for the same breed.

 

The American Kennel Club (AKC), the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), and the Federation  Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

breed standards for the English Springer Spaniel can be found below.