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EnglishWhat Are the Benefits of Joining the ESSFTA?
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The ESSFTA (English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association) is the official American Kennel Club parent club for the English Springer Spaniel, founded in 1926. Joining gives you access to club events, educational materials, a community of owners and breeders, and the chance to take part in field trials, shows, and other activities. The main benefits are best suited to Springer owners, breeders, and anyone active in field or show events — if you just want general breed information, the website's public pages may be enough without joining.
What the ESSFTA Is
The ESSFTA is a not-for-profit organization that serves as the AKC parent club for the breed. Its stated mission is to promote the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. It advocates for the English Springer Spaniel as a field dog, show dog, working dog, and family companion, and works on quality breeding, canine health and well-being, dog owner rights, and responsible ownership.
Benefits of Joining
Based on the club's own description, membership connects you to:
- A community of owners and breeders — the site notes you'll find reputable English Springer breeders and learn about club activities.
- Educational materials — resources suitable for all levels of interest, covering well-considered breeding for breed type, health, and temperament. The club also publishes The Springer Manual.
- Event access and information — upcoming events and club activities, including National Specialty shows.
- Advocacy and breed stewardship — participation in an organization that works on canine health, breeding quality, and dog owner rights.
Who It's For
Membership tends to make sense for:
- English Springer Spaniel owners and fanciers
- Breeders focused on type, health, and temperament
- People involved in or interested in field trials and conformation shows
- Anyone who wants to support breed advocacy and responsible ownership
If you're still deciding whether the breed fits your household, the site offers a "Is the Springer Right for You?" section and a FAQ — useful before committing to membership.
Breed Traits at a Glance
The club describes the Springer as a sweet-faced, lovable bird dog of great energy, stamina, and brains — bred to work and highly trainable. Its published trait ratings:
| Trait | Rating |
|---|---|
| Affectionate with family | 100 |
| Trainability | 100 |
| Playfulness | 80 |
| Good with other dogs | 80 |
| Energy level | 80 |
| Shedding | 60 |
| Barking (only to alert) | 60 |
| Good with young children | 60 |
High energy and trainability mean this breed needs an active owner — worth weighing before joining a club built around field and show activity.
How to Get Started
- Go to englishspringerspaniels.org.
- Review the "Interested in Joining?" and "Benefits of Joining" sections for current membership details.
- Check the FAQ and "Is the Springer Right for You?" pages if you're new to the breed.
- Look at upcoming events (for example, the 2026 ESSFTA National Specialty) to see what participation looks like.
The site does not publish pricing or membership fees on the pages reviewed here, so confirm current requirements and costs directly through the club's joining section.