English Springer Spaniel

Sporting Group Medium (25-50 lbs)
Height 19-20"
Weight 40-50 lbs
Lifespan 12-14 years
Price $800-$1,800

About the English Springer Spaniel

A Springer is a bundle of enthusiasm with a working engine inside, and the first thing to establish is which type you are considering, because field-bred and show-bred lines differ considerably. Field lines are lighter, faster, and enormously driven, needing hours of activity and a real outlet for hunting behaviour, while show lines carry more coat and are somewhat calmer but still active dogs. Either way this is no low-maintenance pet. Springers are affectionate to the point of adhesion, thrive on human company, and are prone to separation anxiety when left too long. Trainability is one of the breed's great virtues, since they are willing, quick, and highly responsive to reward-based work, which is why they dominate detection and search roles worldwide. Grooming means brushing a few times a week, attention to feathering on ears, legs, and belly, periodic trimming, and cleaning ears that spend a lot of time in mud and water, with moderate constant shedding. They bark when excited, which is often. Prey drive and a habit of self-employment mean fencing and recall training matter. Ideal homes are active families who walk, run, or work their dog daily and enjoy training it. The characteristic behaviour is the springer bounce, a whole-body enthusiasm that begins at the sight of a lead and does not properly subside until the walk is over.

Temperament

Affectionate Great with Kids Dog-Friendly Playful Easy to Train
Affection Level
Good with Children
Good with Other Dogs
Playfulness
Protectiveness
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Intelligence
Adaptability

Physical Characteristics

Size Category Medium (25-50 lbs)
Height 19-20"
Weight 40-50 lbs
Coat Type Double
Coat Length Medium
Colors
Hypoallergenic No

Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

High (60-90 min/day)

60 minutes per day recommended

Grooming

Regular - 2-3x/week

Shedding:

Mental Stimulation

Needs plenty of mental challenges

Drooling

Living Conditions

Apartment Friendly
Good for First-Time Owners
Tolerates Being Alone
Cold Weather Tolerance
Hot Weather Tolerance

Cost of Ownership

Purchase Price $800-$1,800
Annual Cost $1,300/year

Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.

Health Considerations

Like all breeds, English Springer Spaniels may be prone to certain health conditions:

Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.

Best For

  • Families with Children
  • First-Time Owners
  • Active Owners

May Not Be Ideal For

  • Apartment Living
  • Long Work Hours Away
  • Sedentary Lifestyles

Guides for your English Springer Spaniel

The story behind the English Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel comes from the general population of British land spaniels used to spring, or flush, game for nets, falcons, and later guns. Spaniels were long divided by working role rather than pedigree, with larger dogs flushing and smaller ones working woodcock, and both were sometimes born in the same litter. British registry rules split springers from cockers on weight during the late Victorian period, with a club and written standard arriving in the early twentieth century. Field and show strains diverged noticeably as trial dogs were selected for speed and drive while exhibition dogs gained coat and substance. The Springer remains one of the most widely used working gundogs in Britain, is prominent in detection work internationally, and is also a common family dog.

Originally bred for: Flushing gundog, Retrieving spaniel, Detection and search dog. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.

Feeding a English Springer Spaniel

An energetic spaniel whose requirement varies sharply between a working season and a quiet month, so adjust instead of feeding a fixed amount. Show-line dogs put on weight easily and need portion control. Feed twice a day and keep long ears clear of the bowl.

Watch for: No characteristic ingredient allergy defines the breed, though chronic ear disease is frequent and is sometimes explored as a food issue once conformation and moisture have been addressed. Skin complaints deserve the same order of investigation, with a veterinarian directing any dietary trial.

Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.

Living with a English Springer Spaniel

Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.

For play and enrichment, browse our favorite dog toys and interactive toys for rainy days.

Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a properly sized crate.

Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.

Compare English Springer Spaniel with Other Breeds

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