springer spaniel rage

Springer Spaniel Rage Syndrome

In the early 1980s the term “rage syndrome” was applied to serious uncharacteristic behavior in certain breeds of dogs including the English Springer Spaniel.

Rage syndrome is when the dog will develop a glazed look and attack people and/or other dogs without provocation. The rage episodes will last just a few seconds - the dog will be unaware of the rage and afterwards may return to a happy state, wagging its tail, etc.

There are no known neurological or behavioral symptoms.

The fact is, this rage syndrome is not just found in English Springer Spaniels, but happens in other breeds. Cocker Spaniels, for example, have been identified as another breed suseptible to this condition. Even then, it is a rare occurrence. Much of the research actually points to bad temperments or other aggressive tendencies to be more common then rage syndrome.

English Springer Spaniel Health
Canine Rage can affect several breeds of dog and is sometimes wrongly called "Springer Rage." This term is attached to almost any aggressive incident involving Springers, often by Veterinarians that should know better! . However, even knowledgeable Vets debate what it really is. It may be more properly called "mental lapse aggression. It may be an extension of epilepsy. There are reports of Springers having a "fit" that involves biting, and recovering as if they had no memory of the attack. It may be an extreme form of dominance aggression.

Springer Rage Syndrome
The form of aggression commonly called “rage syndrome” can be seen in any breed, but has been documented most frequently in English springer spaniels and English cocker spaniels. This term simply describes the presentation of the aggressive behavior and does not tell us anything about the underlying cause. Most of these dogs have been diagnosed with dominance aggression, but that is not always the case.

AnimalForum.com breed profile: English Springer Spaniel
Cheerful, courageous, affectionate, good-natured, and sincere, the Springer should be friendly, eager to please, and quick to learn and willing to obey. The Springer is prone to two specific breed problems: Rage Syndrome, a behavioral problem, and Phosphofructokinase Deficiency, which causes chronic anemia.

Aggression In Springers
Rage syndrome is not clearly understood nor clearly defined at this time. The term rage syndrome was initially applied to a peculiar form of aggression most common in English springer spaniels in which the dog suddenly attacked its owners without apparent provocation and often exhibited signs normally associated with seizure activity such as widely dilated eyes, urination, apparent inattention to anything but the object or person being attacked and sometimes a stiff-legged gait or other motor abnormality.

English Springer Spaniels And Rage Syndrome
English Springer Spaniels are generally characterized as fairly calm and quite loyal dogs. If an English Springer Spaniel behaves aggressively, it may not be just a temperament issue. Many believe that English Springer Spaniels are susceptible to a rare disorder called rage syndrome. Though some contest that the illness exists; it is something to consider.

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