Sporting group
English Springer Spaniel
An eager, tireless flushing spaniel — friendly, trainable and full of bounce.
English Springer Spaniels are athletic, people-loving gundogs that excel in the field and in family life. They are affectionate and quick to learn but need lots of exercise, and working lines have seemingly endless energy.
- Height
- 19–20 in48–51 cm
- Weight
- 40–50 lb18–23 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–14 years
- Size
- Medium
- Group
- Sporting
- Origin
- England
Coat: Medium-length outer coat with a soft undercoat and feathering. Colours: Black and white, Liver and white, Tricolour, Blue roan, Liver roan.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Springers are cheerful, sociable and eager to please. They tend to love everyone and are usually very good with children and other dogs. Their intelligence makes them favourites for detection and assistance work.
Their energy is high, particularly in field-bred dogs. Under-exercised Springers become bouncy, noisy and destructive. They are sensitive and bond closely, so long days alone are hard for them.
Living with a English Springer Spaniel
Exercise
Needs 90 minutes or more of activity daily, including running, retrieving and scent games.
Grooming
Brush several times a week and trim the ears, feet and feathering regularly. Check ears weekly.
Training
Highly trainable and eager. Channel their energy with retrieving, scent work, agility or gundog training.
Kids & other pets
Excellent with children and other dogs. May chase birds and small animals.
Time alone
Springers dislike being alone for long periods and can develop separation-related behaviours.
Home fit
Best suited to a house with secure outdoor space; apartment living is hard on this breed and its neighbours.
Is a English Springer Spaniel right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a English Springer Spaniel matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a English Springer Spaniel typically lives 12–14 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Screened parents reduce the risk of joint disease.
Progressive retinal atrophy
Inherited vision loss; DNA tests are available for known forms.
Phosphofructokinase (PFK) deficiency
An inherited enzyme disorder causing anaemia and exercise intolerance; a DNA test is available.
Ear infections
Long, feathered ears need regular cleaning and drying.
Ask a breeder for
- Hip and elbow evaluation
- Eye examination
- DNA test for PFK deficiency
Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: English Springer Spaniel; English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,200–$2,500 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
Springers take their name from their job: “springing” game birds into the air for falconers and later for hunters with guns. For centuries, larger and smaller puppies from the same litters were separated into Springers and Cockers.
The English Springer Spaniel was recognised as a breed in the UK in 1902 and by the AKC in 1910. Show and field lines diverged in the 20th century and now look noticeably different.
Did you know?
- Springers are among the most widely used sniffer dogs at airports and borders.
- Show and field Springers look so different that some people mistake them for separate breeds.
- A Springer named Millie lived in the White House with President George H. W. Bush.
Library guides for English Springer Spaniel owners
Training
Come (Recall)
High chase drive makes a reliable recall essential.
Exercise & Play
Fetch
A fast way to meet a high exercise need.
Exercise & Play
Dog Road Work
Structured conditioning for high-stamina dogs.
Exercise & Play
Hide and Seek
Brain work that tires busy minds.
Training
Place / Go to Mat
Teaching a settle helps dogs that struggle to switch off.
Exercise & Play
Tug of War
An energy outlet that also builds impulse control.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Are Springer Spaniels good family dogs?
- Yes — they are friendly and great with children, as long as their exercise needs are met.
- How much exercise does a Springer need?
- At least 90 minutes a day; working lines often need more.
- Do Springer Spaniels shed?
- Moderately, with regular brushing needed to prevent tangles.