English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is a loyal and affectionate breed that excels in hunting and retrieving. They are also great family dogs.


English Springer Spaniel Breed overview
English Springer Spaniels are a medium-sized breed known for their affectionate, friendly, and energetic nature. They are great with children, get along well with other dogs, and can adapt to various living environments. They are intelligent and easy to train, but need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom or destructive behavior. They make excellent working dogs and are suited for hunting and therapy jobs. However, they require regular grooming, can be prone to certain health issues, and are not suited for owners who are not active or home often.
What To Expect When Caring For a English Springer Spaniel
Training
English Springer Spaniels are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Positive reinforcement methods such as treats and praise are highly effective, but they do require consistency and patience.
Early training and socialization is important to prevent any potential behavior problems such as aggression or separation anxiety.
Grooming
English Springer Spaniels require regular grooming to prevent their coat from matting and to maintain its glossy appearance. Brushing at least once a week and regular bathing is recommended.
Their long ears require special attention to prevent infections and should be checked and cleaned regularly to maintain their health.
Exercise
English Springer Spaniels are energetic dogs that require plenty of exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Daily walks and playtime are a must, and they also enjoy activities such as swimming, hiking, and retrieving games.
Engaging them in mentally stimulating activities such as obedience training and trick training can also help to fulfill their need for mental stimulation.
Health
English Springer Spaniels are generally healthy dogs, but regular check-ups with a veterinarian are important for maintaining their overall health and detecting any potential health issues early.
Proper nutrition, exercise, and grooming can also contribute to their health and well-being.
Nutrition
English Springer Spaniels require a balanced diet that provides essential nutrients for their active lifestyle. High-quality kibble or homemade meals that are rich in protein and healthy fats are recommended.
Feeding them multiple small meals throughout the day rather than one large meal can help prevent bloat and other digestive issues.
Open your heart and home to a furry friend eagerly waiting to become your loyal life companion. By choosing to adopt, you are giving a deserving dog a second chance at happiness and supporting the fight against pet overpopulation.
English Springer Spaniel Traits & Characteristics
English Springer Spaniels are typically between 19-20 inches tall and weigh between 40-50 pounds.
Their coat is medium length with featherings on their legs, chest, and ears. Regular grooming is required to keep their coat healthy and glossy.
They are known for their distinctive 'springer' gait and have a natural instinct for hunting and retrieving. Good physical condition is important for keeping up with their active lifestyle.
English Springer Spaniels are versatile and excel in many areas including conformation, obedience, tracking, and agility competitions.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
English Springer Spaniels are known for their affectionate nature. They love to be close to their owners and are very loyal. They have a special bond with their family and are affectionate with strangers too.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
English Springer Spaniels are great with children, they are playful and energetic but at the same time gentle and patient. They have a good temper and love to be part of the family activities. However, as with all dog breeds, early socialization and training are key to ensure they behave well around kids.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
English Springer Spaniels are friendly and get along well with other dogs. They are social animals and enjoy the company of other dogs. They have a playful and happy-go-lucky nature that helps them get along with almost any other dog breed.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
English Springer Spaniels are friendly with strangers, but they need to be socialized early on to prevent fear-based overreacting. They are not as reserved as some other breeds, and will likely greet guests with enthusiasm.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
English Springer Spaniels have a playful and cheerful nature. They love to play and explore, and enjoy any activity that involves interacting with their owners. They are an ideal breed for people who love to get out and be active.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
English Springer Spaniels are naturally alert and aware of their surroundings. They are great watchdogs and will alert their owners when something is not right. Their alertness makes them great for hunting as well.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
English Springer Spaniels are adaptable to a range of environments, from small apartments to large suburban homes. They are adaptable to different temperatures as well. However, they need plenty of exercise and socialization to be happy and healthy in any environment.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
English Springer Spaniels have a moderately dense double coat. They shed seasonally and require regular grooming to remove the excess hair. If you're someone who's sensitive to dog hair, then this breed might not be the best option for you.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
English Springer Spaniels have a moderately high maintenance coat. They need regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and free of mats and tangles. They shed seasonally and will require more grooming during that time. Brushing, trimming, and bathing are all part of the grooming routine for this breed.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
English Springer Spaniels are not heavy droolers and have a dry mouth most of the time. However, they tend to slobber and drool when they are excited or after eating. Keeping a towel handy is a good idea for those occasions.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
English Springer Spaniels are medium-sized dogs that typically weigh between 40-55 pounds and stand at 18-21 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a muscular and athletic appearance, with long ears and a wavy coat.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
English Springer Spaniels are energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise and playtime to maintain a healthy and happy lifestyle. They are bred for endurance and have a lot of energy to burn. They are not suited for sedentary owners or apartment living without enough outdoor activities.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
English Springer Spaniels are a high-energy breed that require plenty of exercise and playtime to maintain their health and happiness. They need a minimum of one hour of exercise per day, which can include walks, runs, and playtime in a secure outdoor environment.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
English Springer Spaniels have a rich history as working dogs, particularly in hunting. They have excellent stamina and a great sense of smell, traits that make them well-suited to tracking and retrieving game. They are also great therapy and assistance dogs due to their friendly and intelligent temperament.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
English Springer Spaniels are bred to be hunting dogs. They have a natural prey drive and love to be outdoors exploring. They excel at scenting, tracking, and retrieving game, making them popular amongst hunters.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
English Springer Spaniels are a breed with high vigor. They have a lot of energy and stamina and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to maintain their health and happiness. They are well-suited to active families and have a great attitude towards training and playtime.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
English Springer Spaniels are prone to certain genetic health conditions such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and ear infections due to their drooping ears. Regular vet check-ups and responsible breeding practices can help reduce the chance of these illnesses.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
English Springer Spaniels are at risk of becoming overweight if their diet and exercise is not managed properly. They have a healthy appetite and a tendency to beg for food. A healthy diet and enough exercise are key to keeping them in shape.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
English Springer Spaniels have a double coat that allows them to tolerate cooler temperatures. However, they are not suited for extremely cold weather conditions. It's important to keep them warm and dry during the colder months.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
English Springer Spaniels can tolerate moderate heat, but are not suited for extreme heat. It's important to keep them well hydrated, and avoid exercising them during the hottest parts of the day. They should have access to shade and plenty of clean water when outdoors.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
English Springer Spaniels can do well in apartment living but they need plenty of exercise and outdoor time. They're not well-suited to small apartments with no outdoor space, as they tend to be fairly active even when indoors.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
English Springer Spaniels have a high prey drive and can follow their noses on the trail of a scent which makes them prone to wandering. They need to be trained and supervised when out in new environments as well. They are not considered as hard to contain dogs, but they could be escape artists.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
English Springer Spaniels tend to be sensitive dogs and may get anxious during stressful situations. They do not respond well to negative reinforcement or harsh training methods. Positive reinforcement and reward-based training are recommended.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
English Springer Spaniels don't do well when left alone for long periods of time. They are social animals and enjoy being around their owners. They may develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. Good training, early socialization and interactive toys can help keep them busy while you're away.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
English Springer Spaniels tend to bark more than some other breeds. This doesn't mean that they're excessive barkers, but they do have a good watchdog bark. Early training and socialization can help control their barking tendencies.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
English Springer Spaniels are intelligent dogs that require mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They like to play and need plenty of interactive toys, games, and puzzles to keep their minds engaged. Interactive training like obedience and agility training are great mental workouts for them.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
English Springer Spaniels are generally easy to train, friendly and affectionate, making them great for new or inexperienced dog owners. They can be a good option for families with children too, however, they need socializing and training from an early age.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
English Springer Spaniels are intelligent, willing to learn, and eager to please. They are easy to train and respond well to positive reinforcement. They make great candidates for obedience, agility, and even therapy training.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
English Springer Spaniels are known for their affectionate nature. They love to be close to their owners and are very loyal. They have a special bond with their family and are affectionate with strangers too.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
English Springer Spaniels are great with children, they are playful and energetic but at the same time gentle and patient. They have a good temper and love to be part of the family activities. However, as with all dog breeds, early socialization and training are key to ensure they behave well around kids.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
English Springer Spaniels are friendly and get along well with other dogs. They are social animals and enjoy the company of other dogs. They have a playful and happy-go-lucky nature that helps them get along with almost any other dog breed.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
English Springer Spaniels are friendly with strangers, but they need to be socialized early on to prevent fear-based overreacting. They are not as reserved as some other breeds, and will likely greet guests with enthusiasm.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
English Springer Spaniels have a playful and cheerful nature. They love to play and explore, and enjoy any activity that involves interacting with their owners. They are an ideal breed for people who love to get out and be active.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
English Springer Spaniels are naturally alert and aware of their surroundings. They are great watchdogs and will alert their owners when something is not right. Their alertness makes them great for hunting as well.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
English Springer Spaniels are adaptable to a range of environments, from small apartments to large suburban homes. They are adaptable to different temperatures as well. However, they need plenty of exercise and socialization to be happy and healthy in any environment.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
English Springer Spaniels have a moderately dense double coat. They shed seasonally and require regular grooming to remove the excess hair. If you're someone who's sensitive to dog hair, then this breed might not be the best option for you.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
English Springer Spaniels have a moderately high maintenance coat. They need regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and free of mats and tangles. They shed seasonally and will require more grooming during that time. Brushing, trimming, and bathing are all part of the grooming routine for this breed.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
English Springer Spaniels are not heavy droolers and have a dry mouth most of the time. However, they tend to slobber and drool when they are excited or after eating. Keeping a towel handy is a good idea for those occasions.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
English Springer Spaniels are medium-sized dogs that typically weigh between 40-55 pounds and stand at 18-21 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a muscular and athletic appearance, with long ears and a wavy coat.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
English Springer Spaniels are energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise and playtime to maintain a healthy and happy lifestyle. They are bred for endurance and have a lot of energy to burn. They are not suited for sedentary owners or apartment living without enough outdoor activities.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
English Springer Spaniels are a high-energy breed that require plenty of exercise and playtime to maintain their health and happiness. They need a minimum of one hour of exercise per day, which can include walks, runs, and playtime in a secure outdoor environment.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
English Springer Spaniels have a rich history as working dogs, particularly in hunting. They have excellent stamina and a great sense of smell, traits that make them well-suited to tracking and retrieving game. They are also great therapy and assistance dogs due to their friendly and intelligent temperament.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
English Springer Spaniels are bred to be hunting dogs. They have a natural prey drive and love to be outdoors exploring. They excel at scenting, tracking, and retrieving game, making them popular amongst hunters.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
English Springer Spaniels are a breed with high vigor. They have a lot of energy and stamina and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to maintain their health and happiness. They are well-suited to active families and have a great attitude towards training and playtime.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
English Springer Spaniels are prone to certain genetic health conditions such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and ear infections due to their drooping ears. Regular vet check-ups and responsible breeding practices can help reduce the chance of these illnesses.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
English Springer Spaniels are at risk of becoming overweight if their diet and exercise is not managed properly. They have a healthy appetite and a tendency to beg for food. A healthy diet and enough exercise are key to keeping them in shape.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
English Springer Spaniels have a double coat that allows them to tolerate cooler temperatures. However, they are not suited for extremely cold weather conditions. It's important to keep them warm and dry during the colder months.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
English Springer Spaniels can tolerate moderate heat, but are not suited for extreme heat. It's important to keep them well hydrated, and avoid exercising them during the hottest parts of the day. They should have access to shade and plenty of clean water when outdoors.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
English Springer Spaniels can do well in apartment living but they need plenty of exercise and outdoor time. They're not well-suited to small apartments with no outdoor space, as they tend to be fairly active even when indoors.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
English Springer Spaniels have a high prey drive and can follow their noses on the trail of a scent which makes them prone to wandering. They need to be trained and supervised when out in new environments as well. They are not considered as hard to contain dogs, but they could be escape artists.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
English Springer Spaniels tend to be sensitive dogs and may get anxious during stressful situations. They do not respond well to negative reinforcement or harsh training methods. Positive reinforcement and reward-based training are recommended.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
English Springer Spaniels don't do well when left alone for long periods of time. They are social animals and enjoy being around their owners. They may develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. Good training, early socialization and interactive toys can help keep them busy while you're away.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
English Springer Spaniels tend to bark more than some other breeds. This doesn't mean that they're excessive barkers, but they do have a good watchdog bark. Early training and socialization can help control their barking tendencies.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
English Springer Spaniels are intelligent dogs that require mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They like to play and need plenty of interactive toys, games, and puzzles to keep their minds engaged. Interactive training like obedience and agility training are great mental workouts for them.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
English Springer Spaniels are generally easy to train, friendly and affectionate, making them great for new or inexperienced dog owners. They can be a good option for families with children too, however, they need socializing and training from an early age.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
English Springer Spaniels are intelligent, willing to learn, and eager to please. They are easy to train and respond well to positive reinforcement. They make great candidates for obedience, agility, and even therapy training.
Similar breeds

History of the English Springer Spaniel
The ancestors of the English Springer Spaniel can be traced back to the 16th century in England. They were originally used for flushing and retrieving game birds, and their ability to 'spring' or flush birds from the ground gave them their name.
Over time, breeders refined their characteristics into two distinct types: the field-bred and show-bred Springer Spaniels. Despite their slightly different physical features, both types retain their original hunting instincts and make excellent working dogs.

English Springer Spaniel Puppies
English Springer Spaniel puppies are lively and playful. Early socialization and training is important for their development and to prevent any potential behavior problems later in life.
They can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and ear infections. Responsible breeders will provide health clearances to ensure their puppies are free from these common genetic conditions.