English Springer Spaniels are medium-sized dogs, most of whom weigh 32 to 68 pounds and stand around 19 to 21 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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.