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The 7th ESS International Symposium of the IESSC held in Stockholm, Sweden, coincided with an important weekend in the world of dogs. It all started on the morning of July, 4 when a huge collection of Springers was found at the Swedish Springerklubben championship show held at Almare Stäket. After spending the first day in a sunny Sweden, many beautiful and well known Springers were appreciated in the flesh, many internet friends were seen for the first time and numerous new friends were made. Although a bit overwhelmed by the occasion, Harald Ulltveit-Moe, manning the IESSC stand, was quick to make a few introductions and make any visitor feel at home. The day was concluded with a Swedish summer party where hundreds of dog lovers enjoyed a lovely salmon dinner whilst watching traditional dancing.
Saturday was once again a warm day at Almare Stäket and the beautiful Springers were once again the centre of attention. After the SSRK championship show it was a rush to get back and prepare for the symposium at the Scandic Upplands Väsby Hotel. Fortunately the early dinner at the Scandic allowed enough time for everyone to clean and dress in time for the start of the symposium.
After Harald eventually managed to get everyone inside, David Swank welcomed us and made the necessary introductions and announcements. The meeting was handed over to Paula Heikkinen-Lehkonen who did a splendid job to ensure that we stayed within the allowed timeframe. The first presentation was by Wenche Farstad from Norway and the topic was The Dual Purpose ESS. Wenche’s presentation was most interesting and well presented. She surely made us think about certain trends in some breeding programs causing Springers to loose their versatility. It was so good to have someone of her stature standing up and make us consider what we as breeders are busy with. The next presentation was about the ESS Breed Profile by Brenda Bonnett of Canada who revealed very interesting facts about our beloved breed. Next in line was a very technical, yet educational discussion of Eye Diseases by Björn Ekesten, Sweden. Surely he contributed a lot to our understanding of some of the health problems the breed experiences. I recall that Paula then allowed for an overdue break as our heads were full of new facts and our bodies ached for a cup of coffee.
The English Springer Spaniel represents perhaps the greatest divergence between working and show lines of any breed of dog. This, and also the differences in the show lines as found across the world, made the next topic of discussion a logical choice for any symposium. With a good presentation of the Breed Standard, Paula managed to get a fruitful discussion going. This, and also the interaction between the panelists (Nicola Calvert and Gareth Lawler of the UK and Marjorie Martorella, USA) and the participants was extremely healthy and sometimes quite entertaining. For many, this topic was perceived to be the most educational part of the entire symposium. The written breed standards are usually vague and the only way to really understand it, is by listening to respected breeders and judges. We found it extremely interesting to hear how they interpret the standard and how they feel about some of the deviations and variations! Unfortunately the US-typed Springers were heavily critized during the debate but that gave a lot of food for thought about our own breeding programs. Fortunately participants from that part of the world experienced it in the good spirit intended by everyone.
The symposium was history within the wink of the eye and the debate went to the rooms, the lobby and the bar. Some had to retire quite soon as a very important day was only a few hours away. We missed them but when they exhibited their beautiful Springers at the World Dog Show on Sunday morning, they were forgiven for disappearing so soon after the symposium.
To fit an important symposium into a short time slot is not always easy. Travelling from the corners of the world creates a certain expectation and surely many of us had the need and desire to spend much more time interacting. However, the IESSC committee chose a very suitable, but busy weekend and a balance had to be struck. Bearing all in mind, we cannot help to think that they were spot on. The experience was overwhelming, the hospitality incomparable and the dogs unforgettable!
A heartfelt appreciation to David, Harald and everyone else who once again succeeded to promote the understanding and appreciation of the centre of it all - the English Springer Spaniel!
Best regards
A. C. Burger TRP(SA)
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