What's the history on an English Springer Spaniel?

Well they were traditionally used for flushing and retrieveing game. Therefore their purpose was to serve as a hunting dog. Before guns were used to shoot game, the land spaniel would “spring”—or flush—the gamebird into the air where a trained falcon or hawk would bring it to the handler. Although most are hunted on traditional upland game, the springer spaniel is adept at hunting waterfowl and small game, as well. They are excellent rabbit dogs. The spaniel is trained to “hup”—or sit—until the hunter casts the dog off to start hunting. A good spaniel is bold to cover, has an excellent “wet” or “dry” nose, works within gun range in an efficient, merry fashion and has a strong flush. The dog should mark the fall of the bird – or accept minimal handling to the area of the fall, where its nose can locate the downed bird’s scent. After finding dead or wounded game, the spaniel should have a quick pick up, return to the hunter and deliver the prize with a soft mouth.

Information above from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Springer_Spaniel