Springer Spaniel breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About English Springer Spaniel
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the English Springer Spaniel
English Springer Spaniels are a popular and versatile breed known for their energy, intelligence, and hunting abilities. They are also valued for their affectionate temperament, making them excellent family pets and companions.
They have medium-length, double-layered coats with a waterproof outer layer and a soft undercoat, which come in a variety of colors. Common colour combinations include liver and white, black and white, and tricolour (liver, white, and tan, or black, white, and tan).
'Springers' have a natural instinct for finding and retrieving objects, making them valuable in search and rescue operations. Originally bred as gun dogs, they excel at flushing and retrieving game. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them highly trainable, and they thrive in obedience and agility sports.
These energetic dogs need regular exercise, such as long walks or play sessions, to stay happy and healthy. While generally robust, they can be prone to conditions like hip dysplasia and ear infections, so regular veterinary care is important.
Weight, height and life expectancy
Springer Spaniels have a medium-sized build with males standing between 48-56 cm in height and females slightly smaller, ranging from 46-51 cm.
They typically weigh between 18-23 kg.
The average life expectancy of a Springer Spaniel is 12-14 years.
What is the temperament of Springer Spaniels like?
Springer Spaniels are friendly, outgoing, and highly sociable dogs. They are known for their affectionate nature and are often referred to as "velcro dogs" because they love to stay close to their owners.
These dogs are good with children and can get along well with other pets if properly socialised from an early age. Springer Spaniels are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them highly trainable. Due to their high energy levels, they require plenty of daily exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behaviours.
They have a strong drive to work and are happiest when given tasks or activities that engage both their mind and body. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in various roles, from family pets to working dogs in fields such as search and rescue.
Additionally, they can be alert and protective, making them effective watchdogs. However, their strong bond with their owners can sometimes lead to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.
Our English Springer Spaniel Community
"Meet Frank, a joyful and friendly English Springer Spaniel! With a wagging tail and a warm smile, Frank loves making friends with both humans and dogs. His gentle temperament makes him the perfect companion for any adventure."
Frank's owner, Adam from Chesham
Oakley is a 15-month-old Springer who loves being out and about, whether in the car or on a walk! He enjoys playing with his toys, especially a tennis ball, at home - but most importantly, he loves attention. He’s a shadow and the best at cuddles!"
Oakley's owner, Chelsi from Aberdeen
How much exercise does an English Springer Spaniel need?
Exercise and Training Needs for Springer Spaniels
Springer Spaniels are super active and energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. They love daily activities that challenge both their body and mind.
Physical Exercise:
A Springer should get at least 1.5 to 2 hours of exercise every day. This could include brisk walks, jogging, hiking, playing fetch, or even some interactive play sessions. They also enjoy dog sports like agility, flyball, or obedience training, which are great ways to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. For puppies, it’s important not to overdo it—shorter, frequent play sessions work best to avoid injury. As they grow, you can gradually increase their exercise, and by around 18 months, they’re ready for full exercise levels.
Mental Stimulation:
Springers need their minds kept busy too! Training sessions, puzzle toys, and fun activities like agility or obedience competitions help keep them mentally sharp and engaged. These activities also strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
Grooming and Care for Springer Spaniels
Springer Spaniels have a double coat with a dense, medium-length topcoat and a weather-resistant undercoat. To keep them looking their best, their coat needs regular grooming. Brush at least two to three times a week to get rid of loose hair, prevent matting, and keep their skin and coat healthy. Since they’re moderate shedders, you might need to brush more often during shedding seasons.
They’ll also need occasional trimming around their ears, paws, and tail. Some owners even choose to have them clipped short by a professional groomer.
Don’t forget about ear care—regular cleaning is important to prevent infections. Bathing every 6-8 weeks (or as needed) will help keep them fresh, and you’ll also want to trim their nails monthly to stop them from growing too long.
Lastly, like any dog, regular tooth brushing is a must. Ideally, aim for twice a day, but if that’s not possible, just do it as often as you can to keep their teeth healthy.
Are English Springer Spaniels Easy to train?
Springer Spaniels are highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them generally easy to train. They excel in various activities like obedience, agility, and fieldwork, and have a natural instinct for retrieving, making them quick learners. Their energetic nature means they’ll thrive with structured, fun training sessions that keep them engaged and mentally stimulated.
Positive reinforcement works wonders with this breed, so using treats, praise, and rewards will help them learn quickly. Consistency and patience are key, as they respond best to clear, regular training. Early socialization is also important to help them become well-rounded and obedient dogs.
If you’re ever unsure about how much exercise or training your Springer needs, it’s always a good idea to check with your vet for advice tailored to your dog’s age and health.
What do Springer Spaniels eat?
It’s important to feed your Springer Spaniel a high-quality dog food that’s appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. A balanced and nutritionally complete diet is key to keeping them healthy and happy. Most Springers do well being fed twice a day.
Puppies have specific dietary needs to support their growth, so they should be fed a specially formulated puppy food until around 12 months old. Until they’re six months old, puppies should be fed 3-4 times a day, and then you can reduce it to twice daily. After that, they can transition to adult dog food.
The type and amount of food, as well as feeding frequency, should be based on your dog’s individual needs and your vet’s recommendations. Be sure to avoid overfeeding or giving too many treats to prevent weight gain and related health issues.
Are English Springer Spaniels healthy?
Springer Spaniels are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Being aware of these can help you catch any issues early and keep your dog happy and comfortable.
Common Health Issues in Springer Spaniels:
- Bones and Joints:
- Hip Dysplasia: A genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, which can lead to discomfort and arthritis.
- Incomplete Ossification of the Canine Humeral Condyle: A condition where the bone fusion process doesn’t occur correctly, leading to a weakness in the elbow.
- Heart:
- Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA): A congenital heart defect that causes irregular blood flow between two of the heart’s major arteries.
- Hormonal:
- Cushing’s Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism): A condition where the adrenal gland produces too much steroid hormone.
- Hypothyroidism: When the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormone, leading to various health issues.
- Neurological:
- Epilepsy: A condition that causes seizures due to abnormal brain activity.
- Skin:
- Atopy: An allergic reaction that causes skin irritation.
- Ear Infections: Due to their floppy ears, Springers are more prone to ear infections caused by bacteria or yeast overgrowth, leading to irritation, inflammation, and odor.
- Other:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): An eye condition that can result in blindness over time.
- Phosphofructokinase (PFK) Deficiency: A rare genetic disorder that affects the metabolism.
Routine vet check-ups and a healthy diet are essential to manage these conditions. Regular grooming and ear care, as well as monitoring for symptoms like changes in behavior or physical discomfort, can help you catch problems early. If you have any concerns or are unsure whether a Springer Spaniel is the right breed for you, be sure to consult with your vet.
Vet top tip
Make sure to clean their ears regularly! Because of their floppy ears, moisture and debris can get trapped, leading to infections. If you notice your dog shaking their head a lot or their ears start to smell, it’s a good idea to check with your vet to nip any potential ear issues in the bud.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog's health, contact your local vet.
