English Springer Spaniel

Temperament and Personality

The Springer Spaniel personality is happy-go-lucky, energetic, and attentive. Their gentle disposition combined with an enthusiastic zest for life has made this breed one of the most popular family pets. 

English Springer Spaniels, or Springers, are lively dogs who love to work hard and keep active, stemming from their background as a gundog flushing out game birds. This boundless energy means Springer Spaniels love to explore the great outdoors, often with their noses pressed firmly to the ground. This super strong sense of smell – and their high intelligence – has seen the Springer excel as a sniffer dog, often being used by the police and search and rescue teams. 

Playful and high-energy, it can often feel like the Springer Spaniel doesn’t have an ‘off switch’. Whether it’s puzzles, toys, games, or canine sports, they’re always on the go. But their cheerful, affectionate nature, and love of all people means they also make for amazing therapy dogs in hospitals and nursing homes, proving they do have a calm side!

Gentle and sweet-tempered with an insatiable need to please their owners, it’s no wonder they’re one of the most beloved dog breeds on the planet. However, this need for constant human companionship means they’re prone to develop separation anxiety, which is an undesirable Springer Spaniel trait. If left on their own for too long, you can expect to see some destructive behavioural problems, like chewing on furniture, excessive barking, or toileting inside the house. 

As with all dogs though, early socialisation and consistent training is key to raising a confident and well-mannered pooch. So, if you’re looking for true canine companionship, the English Springer Spaniel could be the breed for you.

Springer Spaniel paw-sonality traits

• Happy and friendly

• Sweet-tempered and gentle

• Loyal and eager to please owners

• Very people-oriented

• Social and extroverted

• Thrives on human companionship

• Energetic and playful

• Always down for activities

• Keen and quick to learn

• Highly intelligent and trainable

• Amazing sense of smell

• Strong prey drive and hunting instincts

• Hates being left alone

• Needs a lot of physical and mental exercise

English Springer Spaniel pros and cons

Are Springer Spaniels good family dogs?

Absolutely. The Springer Spaniel is a firm family favourite, and for good reason. They’re people pleasers down to the bone and thrive off constant human connection. Always wanting to do right by their owner, the Springer is a breed that rarely ends up in the doghouse! Their gentle disposition and friendly nature make them a wholesome family pet, but their high energy levels need to be met. They also hate being left alone and suffer from separation anxiety, so they need someone at home most of the day. Active households with time to dedicate to playing, training and exercising are better suited. 

Are Springer Spaniels good with children?

Yes, Springer Spaniels are known to be gentle and patient with children of all ages, making them a great buddy for teens and toddlers alike. They’re a lively, active breed though, so their high energy levels may be too demanding for a family with very young children. 

Are Springer Spaniels good with other pets?

Yes, the social Springer Spaniel is known to be pretty easy going when it comes to other dogs. If well socialised and trained, they can also learn to live with cats and other small animals. However, due to their strong hunting instincts and history of flushing out gamebirds, they’re not suited to households with budgies, canaries, parrots, or other feathery friends.

Care Requirements

We all want our doggos to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a Springer Spaniel properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered. 

How much exercise does a Springer Spaniel need?

A lot! When fully grown, these active guys and gals need around 2 hours of physical and mental exercise a day. They're the opposite of a couch potato, and make an ideal companion for people who spend a lot of time outdoors.

Tire out your Springer Spaniel with lots of jogging, swimming, long games of fetch, and tracking scents on hiking trails. Canine sports such as agility, flyball, and obedience training are also good outlets for this highly energetic breed.

You don’t need to climb a mountain every day to meet your Springer Spaniel’s exercise needs though. Long brisk walks, jogs around the park, romps around a secure back garden, sniffing games, and interactive puzzle toys will keep them engaged too. As long as their brains and bodies get a good daily workout, they’re happy hounds.

However, if they’re under-stimulated, you might see some unwanted Springer Spaniel behavioural issues, such as destroying furniture and excessive barking. That’s why it’s essential to keep these dogs busy with plenty of activities. 

How do you train a Springer Spaniel?

With a rich hunting heritage and desire to please their owners, English Springer Spaniels are easy to train pups. They love to learn and thrive in busy environments, but training a Springer Spaniel can be intense, and isn’t for the faint hearted. You need lots of time, patience, and paw-sitivity to ensure your dog doesn’t get bored and destructive. 

Unleash your pup’s potential with these Springer Spaniel training tips. 

1. Be positive.  Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and delicious treats. Springer Spaniels are very sensitive to their owners and can easily detect disapproving tones, so a gentle but firm approach works best. 

2. Engage in scent work. Use their hunting and retrieving instincts to your advantage by incorporating scent work, flyball, agility training, hide-and-seek, and fetch into their training routine. This will give both their brains and bodies a good workout!

3. Provide mental enrichment. Give them puzzle toys that require problem solving, or set up a DIY obstacle course in the garden using chairs, hula hoops, and cones. They’ll love the challenge, and it’ll help burn off some of their boundless energy too.

4. Prioritise recall. One whiff of a scent or a glimpse of a bird and the Springer Spaniel is off, so it’s important they develop good recall. Use a long-line lead, clear vocal commands, and high value treats such as this Baltic Beef Jerky, or a toy covered in a strong scent to lead them back to you. 

5. Teach them the ‘drop’ command. Springers were born to flush out and retrieve prey, so they love carrying things around in their mouths. Make sure they learn this command so you’re able to get back your socks or slippers without any fuss!

6. Teach them to ‘wait’ before retrieving a ball. This will help them understand they need to obey you first before chasing after an interesting scent.

7. Be consistent. Springer Spaniels are an intelligent breed and learn quickly, so they’ll pick up bad habits just as fast as they can learn good ones. Consistency and ongoing training from a young age is essential.

8. Socialise from the start. Socialisation is still crucial, even for the super friendly Springer. Expose them to new people, children, dogs, animals, smells, and situations from an early age to help them become calm and confident canines.

9. Be patient with their separation anxiety. While they should never be left alone for hours on end, you can help your Springer be more comfortable with their own company by gradually increasing the amount of time you're away from home. Start with small increments (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and make sure they have a toy or puzzle to keep them busy.

How much grooming do Springer Spaniels need?

The English Springer Spaniel has a flat double coat that’s waterproof, weatherproof, and thornproof – and it needs a fair bit of grooming. They shed moderately throughout the year and need regular brushing to keep their coat healthy. Here are some tips to help you learn how to groom a Springer Spaniel.

• Use a metal dog comb followed by a slicker brush several times a week to keep their coats shiny and tangle-free. Brush daily during shedding seasons.

• Their ears, legs, chest and belly have feathering, which protects them from scratches when running through fields. Make sure to brush these areas after a walk to remove any debris and prevent matting. Remember to check their paw pads too as they might have trodden on something nasty.

• Check their ears for signs of infection and clean regularly; use a soft cotton pad to gently wipe around the inner areas but don’t stick anything down their ear canal.

• Springer Spaniels are attracted to bodies of water, so bathe regularly using a dog-friendly shampoo (just not too regularly though, as this could disrupt the Ph balance of their skin and cause allergies to flare up.)

• Trim around the head, ears, neck, tail, and feet using rounded scissors.

• Trim their nails every month if they don’t wear them down naturally. It’s important you know what you’re doing when it comes to nail trimming, so learn from a professional or let the groomers take care of it.

• Some owners prefer their dog to be clipped by a professional groomer every 3 months, resulting in a short Springer Spaniel haircut. This groom will also include a nail trim and the opportunity for a groomer to spot anything that might need your vet’s attention.

• Don’t forget their teeth and gums. Use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent stinky Spaniel breath.

• Give them a healthy dental stick once a day to keep the doggo dentist at bay!

Health and Wellness

Properly looked after, loved and cared for, the English Springer Spaniel lifespan is between 11 and 15 years. However, like many beautiful purebreds, there are some specific health issues for Springer Spaniels.

Common English Springer Spaniel health problems

• Hip Dysplasia. This is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit together properly, potentially leading to arthritis and mobility issues. Those looking to bring a Springer puppy home should aim to buy from reputable breeders who disclose the hip scores of the parents. Due to their active nature, Springer Spaniels may also suffer with chronic joint pain in their senior years. Sadly, these old age health problems can really impact their quality of life. Diseases of the joints can usually be managed with a combination of pain relief, anti-inflammatories, joint supportive diets, and joint supplements.

• Elbow Dysplasia. This is similar to hip dysplasia but affects the elbow sockets.

• Ear Problems. Springer Spaniels are prone to ear infections. This is due to the poor ventilation of the ears and the fact that the ear canals tend to become moist and humid – the ideal environment for yeast and bacteria to grow. 

• Skin Disorders. Itchiness, inflammation, scaliness, greasiness, and hair loss are all indicators of a skin disorder. This could be genetic, or caused by allergies to environmental factors such as household chemicals, dust mites, flea bites, food, pollen, or grass.

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). This is an inherited condition that causes dogs to go progressively blind, and there’s sadly no cure. It’s strongly advised that breeders screen their breeding stock for this debilitating disease. 

• Seizures. This is a rare, inherited condition seen in English Springer Spaniels, usually developing before the age of 5. In most cases, seizures can be successfully controlled with medication.

• Cancer. English Springer Spaniels are particularly predisposed to develop mammary tumours, with around one third being affected. The tumours are often benign, but if they’re malignant, you need to act fast. Cancer symptoms in Springer Spaniels include ulcerated lumps and bumps, loss of appetite and weight loss, abnormal odours from the mouth and ears, sores that won’t heal, discharge from parts of the body, lethargy, weakness, and difficulty breathing. If the tumours are detected early and successfully removed, prognosis can be good, however if left untreated, cancer will eventually lead to death. 

Food and Nutrition

Feeding your Springer Spaniel a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their coat stay shiny to maintaining healthy joints, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant! 

How much should an English Springer Spaniel eat in a day?

The amount you feed your Springer Spaniel will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their activity levels, and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed.

A good rule of thumb is to feed these active pooches twice a day – in the morning and evening – to fuel them for all their activities. Due to their intense energy levels, you might want to consider high protein dog food, which is good for optimal muscle growth, immune strength, and a glossy coat.

You'll find a handy feeding calculator at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt, helping you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!

Keep your hound healthy with these preventative tips:

Feed a balanced diet

Choose a high-quality, vet recommended dog food that meets your Springer Spaniel’s nutritional needs, and consider adding natural supplements to their diet such as Salmon Oil to boost their physical and mental health.

Regular exercise

These athletic doggos need lots of daily physical and mental exercise to stay happy and healthy. 

Protect their joints

To help keep the hip and elbow dysplasia at bay, consider feeding Springers a Joint Care Dry Food, or add Joint Tablets to their diet as an extra preventative measure. Also, puppies should never be over exercised while they’re still developing.

Monitor weight

A healthy English Springer Spaniel weight is anywhere between 20kg and 25kg. Make sure they get the exercise they need to prevent them from packing on the pounds. Carrying extra weight puts pressure on a dog’s joints and organs, reducing their quality of life.

Protect their skin & coat

For dogs suffering from itchy skin, you might want to consider a daily care supplement like our Bionic Biotic, or hypoallergenic dog food. Frequent grooming will also prevent matting and tangling which often exacerbates skin irritability.

Look after their eyes

Regular eye tests can detect early signs of Progressive Retinal Atrophy, and a balanced diet rich in omega-3s (found in fish) can help support eye health.

Care for their ears

Springer Spaniels have long, luscious ears that are prone to infection, so make sure to dry their ears thoroughly after swims or baths, and clean their ears regularly.

Take them to the vet

It might not be their favourite place in the world but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.

Always speak to your vet about the best course of action in treating health problems in your dog.

Living Conditions

Take a look at the Springer Spaniel’s dream home.

Cost of Ownership

The unconditional love of a Springer Spaniel is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one. 

How much is an English Springer Spaniel puppy?

The price of an English Springer Spaniel can cost anywhere between £500 and £1,500. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The average monthly total cost for owning a Springer Spaniel is between £80 and £100.

Set up costs

Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), bedding, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training. If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.

Ongoing costs

When it comes to food, these pooches need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. On average in the UK, it costs between £50 and £80 per month to feed a Springer Spaniel. On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.

Insurance costs

As this breed is prone to a few hereditary health problems, it’s highly recommended to purchase pet insurance for your Springer Spaniel should anything happen. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose. Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a pedigree dog without any pre-existing conditions is around £403. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.)

Fun Facts and Trivia

Get to know the English Springer Spaniel even more with these tidbits and tales about one of the most beloved field and family dogs!

• They get their name from the way they would ‘spring’ at game birds to drive them into the air for their handlers to shoot at. 

• The Springer’s nose is not to be sniffed at! They’re famed for their incredible tracking skills, and are used as sniffer and detection dogs by the police, armed forces, and search and rescue teams.

• Ever wondered the difference between Cocker Spaniels vs Springer Spaniels? Well they actually used to be the same breed. They came from the same litters, but would be separated by size. Cockers were smaller and were used to hunt woodcock, while Springers were larger and were used to flush game birds. 

• William Wallace, the commander of the Scottish army during the First War of Scottish Independence in the 13th century, had a Spaniel called Merlin that would have likely been developed into an English Springer Spaniel. Apparently this brave doggo rode into the Battle of Stirling Bridge with Wallace in 1297. 

• From swimming in the ocean to splashing in puddles, English Springer Spaniels love water. They may even try to dive into their water bowl! This isn’t an elegant breed, so expect muddy pawprints and have plenty of towels on standby.

• You can get Springer Spaniel cross breeds. The Springer Spaniel Labrador cross is called a Springador, the Springer Spaniel Poodle mix is called a Sproodle, and the Springer Spaniel Collie mix is called a Sprollie!

History and Origin

Records of Spaniels can be traced back as early as the 14th century, but their ancestry is likely a lot older. There are even some pieces of art and literature from 250 B.C that depict Spaniel type dogs! Their name suggests they came from Spain, but like with many old breeds, their origin story isn’t entirely clear. Apparently there was a Spaniel aboard the Mayflower that landed in America in 1620, but we don’t know how these adorable doggos found themselves on British shores. However they got here though, we’re glad they did.

Prior to the 1800s in the United Kingdom, Spaniels were categorised into two types – Land and Water Spaniels. These Land Spaniels eventually evolved to have different jobs based on their size, and were named after their function. The smaller dogs were used to hunt woodcock, so would eventually be called the Cocker Spaniel. The larger littermates would ‘spring’ at gamebirds, causing them to fly into the air where a trained falcon or hawk would be waiting. This is how the English Springer Spaniel got its name. The birds of prey were replaced by guns in the 17th century, so Springers were also trained to retrieve the prey.

Although the Cocker and Springer had been widely recognised as separate breeds since 1893, the English Springer Spaniel was officially registered as a breed by the Kennel Club in 1903. That very same year, a liver and white Spaniel named Beechgrove Will was the first English Springer champion, proving these dogs can excel both in the field and the show ring. 

Intelligent and hardworking with an affectionate, loving nature, it’s easy to see why they quickly became a beloved canine companion. Even though they’re mainly seen in the home environment these days, English Springer Spaniels are still highly sought after for employment! As well as being a favourite dog for gamekeepers, they’re also incredible sniffer dogs, working alongside police forces, emergency services, and search and rescue teams all over the world. 

Choosing a Puppy or Dog

Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a Springer Spaniel. 

1. Research the breed. Springer Spaniels are gentle and loving but they’re very high energy, so you need to make sure your lifestyle is suited. 

2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.

3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings. 

4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her Springer Spaniel puppies and to check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight weeks’ old. 

5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on Springer Spaniels and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.

6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.

When adopting a Springer Spaniel, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Springer Spaniels in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home. 

Comments (4)

My name is loki, my hoomans call me loki bear im super cheeky and very clever

Loki - Mar 01 2023

Very informative. A friend has a young springer,approximately nine months old. She doesn’t spend enough quality time with her and I’m already seeing the negative traits. Separation anxiety and way too energetic when out for walks. Just looking at the dog it’s easy to see what the problem is. I am doing my best to try and educate my friend but she is very stubborn and doesn’t like to heed advice. I have sent her this great article . Hopefully she reads it.

Steve - Sep 25 2023

My 7 month old springer has started to shadow chase. Is there anything I can do apart from diverting him to toys etc.

Sue Gallagher - Mar 07 2024

Hi Sue,
This is usually a sign of boredom and hopefully by diverting his attention to toys and other mental stimulation, this should stop over time. If you have any concerns, we would advise speaking with your vet or a behaviourist. :)

Team Pooch - Mar 07 2024

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