The English Springer Spaniel originated during the 1700's in England. During this time, springer-type spaniels were used to hunt upland game birds. The dogs would spring at the birds to scare them out of the brush and then point and retrieve them once their human companions had made their shot. Before guns, hunters would have to use nets, falcons, or bows. Until 1902, English and Welsh Springer Spaniels were considered to be the same breed. Today, show English Springer Spaniels are very different from those used in the field. Show dogs tend to have longer coats, squarer heads, longer ears, and a bit less energy.