Breed information Guide

English Springer Spaniel is one of the most popular dogs in the UK (after the Cocker Spaniel) with an
international following as an incredible gun dog. According to Kennel Club 9,000 English springer spaniels were registered in the UK in 2022 making it only second to the Labrador. According to the American Kennel Club it is ranked 26^th (of 287 breeds) in 2022.

This article is perfect for anyone looking to understand more about this special dog breed. If you are
looking for a dog this article will provide the general information required to understand if an English Springer Spaniel is the right fit for you.

Quick Facts:

• Size: medium
• Weight: 18-25kg
• Height: up to 56cm
• Lifespan: 10-14 years
• Types: working and show varieties
• Families: Good for families but needs some care and supervision with smaller children due to how bouncy these dogs are. Would suit an active family happy to go on regular walks and get muddy!
• Allergies: English Springer Spaniels are not hypoallergenic and shed moderately compared to other breeds.
• Appearance: distinctive long ears and one of the most muscular and largest spaniel breeds with multiple colours (black, white, tan or liver and white combinations).
• Temperament: energetic , friendly and attentive dogs that are good with children as with other spaniels they do get lonely and suffer from separation anxiety.
• Other pets: Like most spaniels Ideal mate to cats or other dogs but caution with small birds and animals due to instincts to hunt small prey.
• Barking: springer spaniels can be vocal especially when left alone or triggered by door knocks etc so training is required.
• Training: responds well to training with food and due to their intelligence plenty of mental stimulation including use of toys with treats inside for them to extract.
• Exercise required: minimum of 2+ hours a day with plenty of opportunity to run around. This breed loves to swim and is good way to keep them fit (may require car protection!). They have a keen sense of smell so any scents will attract them and also wear them out quicker!
• Owner requirement: fit and active enough to provide the daily walks and 2 hours walks a day (cannot be left at home for more than 4 hours).
• Grooming: English springer spaniels shed moderately so weekly brushing is required (including checking ears) and given their active lifestyle (including swimming) be prepared for bathing (a good dog shampoo is important) occasionally and quarterly professional grooming visits. Using grooming time to check for any lumps and bumps and ears.
• Health: typical problems include ear problems, eye issues, joint conditions like hip dysplasia and this breed can also suffer from urinary incontinence (most common in female dogs after spaying).
• Nutrition: fresh water and mix of wet and dry food twice a day. Good quality high protein food helps given how active these dogs are.
• Accommodation: these spaniel dogs suit a larger garden with good fencing so they can run around and burn off some energy. They suit a countryside location.
• Cost: as with other spaniel dogs £1,000 – £1,500 from a reputable breeder and circa £80 per month (largely food and insurance as key ongoing costs). According to the PDSA, this type of dog can cost £13,000 over its lifetime.
• Kennel Club Group: Gundog

Breed History:

English springer spaniels has a rich history dating back several hundred years from the 16^th century, as a near-perfect gun dog who get their name from ‘springing’ as a way of flushing game from it’s cover for hunters. Their distinctive appearance includes long ears and attractive colouring with a feathered coat.

These dogs are known for their muscular physiques and endurance being able to maintain high tempo for sustained periods of time but also be highly trainable in obedience, agility and tracking.

English Springer Spaniels are still working dogs but also commonly found as household pets.

 

Temperament and Personality:

English Springer Spaniels are a highly sought-after breed well-known for their friendly disposition and energetic personalities. These beautiful canines thrive on regular walks and running, quickly becoming a beloved companion for any active owner.

While springers are generally easy to train, they can be sensitive dogs who need patience and understanding during their formative years. Without proper socialization and attention, English Springer Spaniels can become lonely and prone to barking. However, when given the care and training they require, they make excellent additions to any household, bringing warmth and joy to every day.

 

Appearance and Colours

The English Springer Spaniel is a beloved breed that catches everyone’s attention with their charming appearance. They have a signature look that includes black, white, and tan mixed colours on their coat. These colours are beautifully blended, giving them a unique and striking look.

However, their appearance doesn’t just end with their coat. They also have a defining feature – docked tails. Although this practice is becoming less common, many English Springer Spaniels still have their tails docked, giving them a polished yet friendly look. Their lively and alert nature is perfectly reflected in their appearance, making them an excellent companion for any energetic family.

 

Training:

English Springer Spaniels are a truly intelligent and trainable breed! To keep your Springer Spaniel’s mind engaged, consider incorporating scent work into their training routine. This breed loves nothing more than following their nose, so providing them with opportunities to search for hidden scents is a perfect way to keep them mentally stimulated.

Another important aspect is recall training, teaching your dog how to come back to you on command. This skill is vital for the safety of your dog and other living beings. Socialisation is also essential, especially if you have children or other pets at home. Make sure to expose your Springer Spaniel to different people, animals, and environments to avoid fear and hesitation. Lastly, food is the ultimate reward for an English Springer Spaniel, so use tasty treats to reinforce good behaviour and new tricks. With these tips, you’ll have a happy, well-trained Springer Spaniel in no time!

 

Exercise:

Springer spaniel dogs have a unique set of exercise needs. They require a daily dose of physical activity that lasts for about two hours. Since springer spaniels are a regular and energetic breed, their owners must provide them with enough space to explore and roam.

Living in a countryside setting can be ideal for these pups as it allows them to enjoy their exercise routine. One downside is that they may come back home muddy, but that’s a small price to pay for their health and well-being. Swimming is also an excellent form of exercise for springer spaniels, as they tend to love water. They also have a sense of smell that is refined, and so exploring new scents and smelling new things while running can be tremendously satisfying for them.

 

Ideal Home & Owner:

Two hours of walks a day is a significant time commitment so these dogs suit families and households that can commit to this or who are active anyway. In order to keep them healthy and happy, potential owners should ideally have a large garden where the dog can get ample exercise (with secure fencing!).

English Springer Spaniels are known for their lively, energetic personalities, which make them perfect for active owners who enjoy the great outdoors. These dogs thrive in a country setting, where they can run and play to their heart’s content.

It’s important for the owner to be fit as well, as these dogs will need plenty of exercise, including walks and runs. With plenty of outdoor adventures and lots of love from their owner, an English Springer Spaniel can become the perfect companion for any active family.

 

Other Animals

If you are considering adding an English Springer Spaniel to your family, you may be wondering if they get along well with other pets. The good news is, they typically do!

With proper socialization and training, English Springer Spaniels can coexist peacefully with cats and dogs but due to their high prey drive would make small animals and birds less suitable.

They are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them great companions for all members of the family, furry or not. As with any dog breed, it’s important to introduce them slowly to other pets and always monitor their interactions to ensure everyone stays safe and happy.

 

Size & Weight

They typically have a medium-sized build, reaching up to 56cm in height and weighing up to 25kg at full adulthood. While their height and weight may vary slightly depending on age and gender, this breed is generally known for its athletic and agile form. Despite their size, English Springer Spaniel dogs are considered great family pets due to their loyal and friendly nature. It’s important to keep in mind that regular exercise is necessary to keep these dogs healthy and happy, as they have lots of energy to burn. If you’re considering adding an English Springer Spaniel to your home, be prepared for a loving and active companion.

 

Grooming & Care

Caring for an English Springer Spaniel’s coat is essential for its overall health and appearance. They have a double coat including a shorter undercoat and wavy top coat. This breed requires weekly brushing to prevent matting and tangling, along with regular ear cleaning to avoid infections.

Their thick, medium-length coat needs professional grooming every six to eight weeks, including clipping to maintain its length and prevent excessive shedding. While owners can handle some of the maintenance, it’s recommended to visit professional groomers to ensure a thorough and safe grooming experience for these beloved furry friends. Speak to your professional groomer about length as dog’s fur protects them in the summer from sun burn and some owners make the mistake of cutting it too short.

By establishing a consistent grooming routine, English Springer Spaniels can maintain their coat’s luster for years to come.

 

Nutrition & Food:

As with all dogs English Springer Spaniels require constant access to fresh water and a combination of wet and dry food twice a day (usually morning and evening). Dry food also helps to keen their teeth clean.

Springer Spaniels are very food focused so treats are okay to reward for good behaviour in moderation but too much may cause them to become overweight.

 

Health:

Below are some of the common health problems English springer spaniels can face. Per below in considering this type of dog it is recommended that adequate health insurance is funded to keep your dog in the best condition.

• Ear Disorders– English springer spaniels are prone to these (otitis) which can impact the external, middle or inner ear often caused by objects getting lodged in the ear (e.g. grass seeds). This may lead your dog to try and scratch it’s head. Per above in grooming check your dog’s ear weekly.
• Hip or Elbow dysplasia – Larger spaniel breeds like the English Springer Spaniel are more prone to joint conditions such as hip or elbow dysplasia. This is where the ball and socket of the hip don’t fit together perfectly and can lead to arthritis, dogs can be screened by breeders for this.
• Urinary Incontinence – loss of control of when your dog urinates. This often impacts female dogs after being spayed. There is various medications that be used to help.

 

Insurance:

In our experience of owning our spaniel comprehensive pet insurance has been incredibly valuable (costing up to £50 per month) to cover all the health requirements. Without insurance the bills from vets can be significant. In our experience day visits to the veterinary hospital for scans run into thousands of pounds and even vet tests are hundreds of pounds.

Check out our detailed guide on spaniel health insurance (will be link to new page)

 

Buying & Breeders:

When looking for English Springer Spaniel puppies for sale it is recommended that potential owners look for reputable breeders. As a premium breed expect to pay circa £1k to £1.5k for a puppy. Anything much lower in price could indicate the seller is not reputable and caution is advised, puppies should be a minimum of 8 weeks old and can be seen with mother and rest of the litter. Reputable breeders (Kennel Club Assured) screen the breeding parents for genetic conditions (heart conditions for example or hip dysplasia per above) to ensure the puppies are in the best health. In addition ensure any puppies have relevant vaccinations and are socialised properly to avoid issues with children and family settings.

 

Rescue & Re-homing:

There are some fantastic charities including Spaniel Aid who are dedicated to re-homing spaniels alongside the other well know dog charities such as Battersea dog home.

For the reasons outline above it is important to have an open conversation with the charity about the animal to ensure it works for your family circumstance and home set-up. Please see ideal owner section above.

 

Mixed Breeds:

They are available as pure breed but also popular as mixed breeds. Popular mixed spaniel breeds that include springer spaniel include sprockers (cocker spaniel mix). Cross breeds include Cockapoo (cocker spaniel and poodle mix), Golden springer (Sptinger and Golden retriever mix), Chi-spaniel (chihuaha mix), Bocker (beagle mix), docker (dachshund mix), Spanador (spaniel and labrador mix) and Sprollie (border collie mix).