What Is englishspringerspaniels.org? The ESSFTA Explained

englishspringerspaniels.org is the official website of the English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association (ESSFTA), the American Kennel Club (AKC) parent club for the English Springer Spaniel. It is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1926 that serves as a central resource for breed information, reputable breeder referrals, club events, and educational materials. If you are researching the breed, looking for a breeder, or considering club membership, this site is the recognized national authority to start with.

What the ESSFTA Is

The site describes ESSFTA as "the official American Kennel Club (AKC) parent club for the English Springer Spaniel." That designation matters: a parent club is the breed's national governing body within the AKC structure, which makes it the standard-setting organization for the breed in the United States rather than a general pet-interest site.

Key facts from the site:

• Founded: 1926
• Status: Not-for-profit organization
• Role: AKC parent club for the English Springer Spaniel
• Stated mission: Upholding the integrity of the Parent Club by promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function

The organization says it advocates for the purebred dog as a field, show, working dog, and family companion, and works on quality breeding, canine health and well-being, dog owner rights, and responsible ownership including good sportsmanship.

What You Can Find on the Site

The homepage organizes its content around a few clear purposes:

The site states you can find reputable English Springer breeders there, learn about upcoming events and club activities, and access educational materials "suitable for all levels of interest."

How the Site Describes the Breed

The ESSFTA characterizes the English Springer Spaniel as "a sweet-faced, lovable bird dog of great energy, stamina, and brains," adding that Springers were "bred to work" and are "highly trainable people-pleasers." It also calls the breed "very social, easily trainable, highly adaptable and extremely eager to please."

The site publishes a traits-and-characteristics breakdown. On a 0–100 scale as shown:

• 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

These figures are the club's own ratings, useful as a rough profile rather than a guarantee about any individual dog.

Upcoming Events Listed

The site lists these National Specialty dates:

• Oct 9, 2026: 2026 ESSFTA National Specialty
• Sep 4, 2027: 2027 ESSFTA National Specialty
• Aug 31, 2028: 2028 ESSFTA National Specialty
• Nov 5, 2029: 2029 ESSFTA National Specialty
• Nov 4, 2030: 2030 ESSFTA National Specialty

Who This Site Is For

• Prospective owners deciding whether a Springer fits their household
• Buyers seeking a reputable breeder rather than an unknown source
• Owners wanting breed education and event information
• Breeders interested in type, health, and temperament standards
• Club members or prospective members exploring benefits and activities

Practical Takeaways

If your goal is to verify the breed's national authority, find a breeder, or understand what the Springer is like to live with, this site is the appropriate starting point. If you need specific health-testing protocols, breeder contracts, or membership costs, check the linked pages directly, since the homepage only summarizes these areas. The site does not display pricing or membership fees on the page reviewed here, so treat cost and access details as things to confirm on the relevant subpages.