The division between working and show lines is perhaps no wider than in the breed known as the English Springer Spaniel. English Springers from hunting lines have a coat of moderate length and lots of brown ticking worked into their white fur. They are keen, smart, birdy and very, very active. English Springers from show lines have solid patches of color next to solid white fur, long, flowing coats, heavier bodies and more health problems. Middle ground? There isn’t any, and there hasn’t been a dog that has excelled in both the show ring and hunting grounds in more than 50 years. Since dogs from both sides of the great English Springer divide are likely to find their way into homes and families, it's important to evaluate any given dog as an individual rather than as a member of the breed (vetstreet.com).