English Springer Spaniel

Breed Type: Sporting
Common nicknames: Springer Spaniel, Springer
Coat: Double
Hypoallergenic: No, they will likely trigger allergies.
Temperament: Energetic, playful, friendly, intelligent
Life expectancy: 12-14 years
Color & patterns:
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English Springer Spaniel - black and white
English Springer Spaniel - liver and white
English Springer Spaniel - liver and white
English Springer Spaniels radiate joy and intelligence and are big-hearted pups. They are known for their friendly natures, making them excellent companions for families and individuals alike. English Springer Spaniels thrive on human interaction and are eager to please, making them highly trainable and adaptable. These clever canines are known for their problem-solving abilities and natural hunting talent. They also excel in various activities such as obedience, agility, and flyball. With their medium-sized builds — they typically stand at around 19 to 20 inches tall — and soft, feathered coats that can be a variety of colors and patterns, English Springer Spaniels gorgeous pups.

English Springer Spaniel characteristics

Learn about about English Springer Spaniel basics like their fur colors, shedding levels, how much grooming they need, and other English Springer Spaniel facts.

Average height

19-21 inches (48.3-53.3cm)

Average weight

32-68 pounds (14.5-30.8 kg)

Average lifespan

12-14 years

Exercise needs
Low-key activityHigh-energy workouts
Grooming needs
OccasionallyFrequently
Full-grown size
Teeny tinySuper size
Good with cats
Likely to chaseHey, new pal!
Good with kids
Needs lots of supervisionEager to play
Training aptitude
HeadstrongEager to please
How much do English Springer Spaniels shed?

English Springer Spaniels shed moderately. Their coat sheds throughout the year, with potentially heavier shedding periods in the spring and fall when they change their coats. Grooming an English Springer Spaniel is pretty straightforward: Brush weekly and have the coat trimmed by a professional groomer every few months.

Do English Springer Spaniels have a double coat?

Yes, English Springer Spaniels have a double coat: a dense, water-repellent undercoat and a longer, coarser outer coat. This coat helps protect them from the elements while working in the field.

What colors do English Springer Spaniels come in?

English Springer Spaniels can be liver and white (a rich brown color with white markings), black and white, tricolor (liver, white, and tan, or black, white, and tan), blue roan (a mix of black and white hairs that gives a blue-gray appearance), or liver roan (a mix of liver and white hairs that gives a reddish-brown appearance).

How big do English Springer Spaniels get?

English Springer Spaniels are medium-sized dogs, most of whom weigh 40 to 50 pounds and stand around 19 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder. These sizes can vary somewhat depending on whether the dog is field-bred or show-bred, with field-bred Springers often slightly lighter and more athletic.

How long do English Springer Spaniels live?

English Springer Spaniels live about 12 to 14 years on average. This can vary depending on the individual dog’s genetics, overall health, diet, exercise, and veterinary care.

Where did English Springer Spaniel dogs originate?

English Springer Spaniels originated in England. The breed’s ancestry can be traced back to the land spaniels of the 16th and 17th centuries, which were used for flushing game. Over time, these spaniels were selectively bred to enhance their hunting abilities.

What age does an English Springer Spaniel stop growing?

English Springer Spaniels typically stop growing in height between 12 and 18 months of age. However, they might continue to fill out and gain muscle mass until they are about 18 to 24 months old. By years of age, most English Springer Spaniels have reached their full adult size and weight.

English Springer Spaniel history

Learn about where this English Springer Spaniel came from!

Where are English Shepherds from?

English Shepherds are from the United States, despite their name suggesting English origins. The breed was developed from dogs brought to America by British and Scottish settlers in the 18th and 19th centuries. These settlers needed versatile working dogs for their farms, capable of herding livestock, guarding property, and even hunting. Over time, the English Shepherd became well known for their intelligence, work ethic, and adaptability, making the breed a staple on American farms.

How many types of English Springer Spaniels are there?

The English Springer Spaniel is one breed, but there are two types that are bred for different purposes. Field-bred English Springer Spaniels are primarily used for hunting and working in the field. They are usually leaner and more athletic, with a shorter coat that is easier to maintain while working in rugged environments. 

Show-bred English Springer Spaniels participate in conformation shows and find homes as family pets. They are usually more robust in body type and have a thicker, more luxurious coat. Show-bred English Springer Spaniels are generally more laid-back than their field-bred counterparts but are still active and need regular exercise.

What were English Springer Spaniels bred for?

English Springer Spaniels were bred for hunting purposes, specifically for flushing or “springing” game birds into the air so that hunters could shoot them.

English Springer Spaniel health

Learn about about the English Springer Spaniel health outlook and what diseases they may be prone to at various stages of their life.

Are English Springer Spaniels’ tails docked?

Historically, some English Springer Spaniels have had their tails docked, an unnecessary practice in which the tail is surgically shortened or removed just after birth. In many countries, tail-docking is now prohibited or restricted, and the practice is medically unnecessary and outdated.

Are English Springer Spaniels healthy?

Yes, English Springer Spaniels are healthy in general and have a long lifespan for their size. However, like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions, including:

  • Hip dysplasia: A common orthopedic condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to discomfort and lameness.

  • Elbow dysplasia: A similar condition to hip dysplasia, affecting the elbow joint and causing pain and lameness.

  • Phosphofructokinase (PFK) deficiency: An enzyme deficiency that makes dogs unable to properly use sugar for exercise. Symptoms vary in severity but can include muscle wasting, fever, depression, general weakness, and exercise intolerance. 

  • Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): A genetic eye condition that leads to progressive vision loss and blindness.

  • Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat): A serious and potentially life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself.

  • Skin disorders: English Springer Spaniels can be prone to various skin disorders, some of which may have a genetic component. Common skin issues seen in English Springer Spaniels include allergies, atopic dermatitis, hot spots, folliculitis, seborrhea, and pyoderma.

  • Ear infections: English Springer Spaniels have floppy ears that can trap moisture, leading to ear infections if not kept clean and dry.

  • Epilepsy: A neurological disorder characterized by seizures.

  • Autoimmune disorders: English Springer Spaniels may be prone to certain autoimmune conditions, such as autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) or hypothyroidism.

Are English Springer Spaniels hypoallergenic?

No, English Springer Spaniels are not hypoallergenic. They have a double coat that sheds moderately throughout the year.

Are English Springer Spaniels high maintenance?

English Springer Spaniels are very energetic and require at least an hour of vigorous exercise every day. The medium-length, double coat should be brushed a few times a week and trimmed by a professional groomer every six to eight weeks.

English Springer Spaniel temperament

Learn about about the English Springer Spaniel temperament and how well they fit into your lifestyle, home environment, and family.

Are English Springer Spaniels good with kids?

Yes, English Springer Spaniels are good with kids. Their energy levels and love for play make them well-suited for active families with children who enjoy outdoor activities. They often form strong bonds with children and can be very patient and tolerant, even with younger children.

As with any breed, always supervise interactions between children and English Springer Spaniels to keep everyone safe. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child, as is teaching dogs how to interact gently with children.

Are English Springer Spaniels easy to train?

Yes, English Springer Spaniels are easy to train thanks to their intelligence and willingness to please their people. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods, such as praise, treats, and play, and enjoy working closely with their pet parents.

Just keep in mind that even if a certain dog breed is known to be easy to train, training a dog requires a long-term commitment.

Do English Springer Spaniels bark a lot?

No, English Springer Spaniels do not bark a lot, especially for no reason. They might bark to alert their family of strangers or unusual activities or when they are excited or bored. Some English Springer Spaniels might bark more than others. Providing them with regular exercise, mental stimulation, and positive reinforcement training can help channel their energy and minimize excessive barking.

Are English Springer Spaniels good family dogs?

Yes, English Springer Spaniels are good family dogs. The breed is friendly, playful, energetic, and incredibly smart. They thrive on human companionship and enjoy being involved in family activities.

Are English Springer Spaniels good with cats?

Yes, most English Springer Spaniels are good with cats. Some English Springer Spaniels might have a high prey drive, which could potentially lead to chasing behavior toward cats. However, with proper training, socialization, and supervision, many English Springer Spaniels can coexist peacefully with cats.

Are English Springer Spaniels good with other dogs?

Yes, English Springer Spaniels are good with other dogs, especially if they have been properly socialized from a young age. They tend to be friendly and sociable, which often translates into positive interactions with other dogs.

That said, individual temperament and personality play a significant role. Some English Springer Spaniels are more outgoing and playful with other dogs, while others might be more reserved or selective about their canine companions.

Are English Springer Spaniels smart?

Yes, English Springer Spaniels are smart dogs. They are known for their keen intelligence, problem-solving abilities, and eagerness to please their people. This intelligence makes them relatively easy to train and allows them to excel in various activities, including obedience, agility, and hunting.

Are English Springer Spaniels friendly?

Yes, English Springer Spaniels are friendly and sociable dogs. Springers are cheerful, outgoing, affectionate, and engaging with people and other animals. They are generally good-natured and welcoming toward strangers.

Can English Springer Spaniels live in apartments?

Yes, English Springer Spaniels can live in apartments with the right care and attention to their needs. These high-energy dogs are best suited to homes where they have access to outdoor space for daily exercise and exploration. In an apartment, pet parents must provide their Springer Spaniel enough physical and mental exercise through daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation.

Are English Springer Spaniels good guard dogs?

No, English Springer Spaniels are not good guard dogs. They are generally friendly and outgoing and tend to be affectionate and welcoming toward people. Although they may alert their people to the presence of strangers by barking, English Springer Spaniels are not known for being overly protective.

Do English Springer Spaniels like to cuddle?

Yes, English Springer Spaniels like to cuddle. They enjoy being close to their humans and many seek out opportunities to cuddle or be otherwise physically affectionate. If they’re seeking comfort and companionship, they might curl up next to you on the couch or snuggle with you in bed.

Popular English Springer Spaniel mixes

English Springer Spaniels have been mixed with various other breeds, either intentionally to create designer dogs or through accidental matings. Some breeds commonly mixed with Springers include:

  • Sprocker (English Springer Spaniel + Cocker Spaniel)

  • Dalmatian Spaniel (English Springer Spaniel + Dalmatian)

  • Spanierd (English Springer Spaniel + German Shepherd)

  • Labradinger (English Springer Spaniel + Labrador Retriever)

  • Springerdoodle (English Springer Spaniel + Poodle)

English Springer Spaniel Mixes picture

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Adopting an English Springer Spaniel

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