If you’re always on the go, an English Springer Spaniel could be your perfect pup. Known for their energy and stamina, they’re always keen to get involved in every family adventure. Long tramps, outdoor play sessions, swims and jogs? Sign them up! These smart, independent, playful pups do best with older kids (they can accidentally knock over small children during playtime).
Their friendly personalities extend to other dogs although not so much cats - their prey drive is strong and cats are far too much fun to chase. The only thing they don't like is being left alone and they’ll make their displeasure known with unwanted behaviour like chewing and digging. You’ll need to invest time in early socialisation and daily training to keep on top of their energy and intelligence. But in return, you’ll have the best sidekick you could ask for.
English Springer Spaniel Facts
With their compact, muscular appearance, you can tell English Springer Spaniels are hunters that are used to long days in the field. Sweet-faced and lovable, they can stand up to 50cm tall and weigh up to 22kg. Their medium-length double coat comes in many different colours and patterns.
- Breed Group: Sporting
- Height: Female: 48cm, Male: 50cm
- Weight: Female: 18kg, Male: 22kg
- Life Span: 12-14 years
- Coat: Double-coated, medium length
- Colour: Various, including black and white and liver and white
What Does an English Springer Spaniel Look Like?
Long, drooping crinkly ears (all the better to go hunting with) and oval-shaped, dark soulful eyes? You’re looking at an English Springer Spaniel. These medium-sized sporting dogs look athletic and compact, making them the ideal companion to hunters back in the day.
Their thick, lush double coat has feathering on the ears, chest and legs. Medium-length, it can be flat or wavy and comes in multiple colours, usually a combo of black, white or brown (also called liver or tan). Their expressive tail that always wags hard to greet you can either be trimmed or wavy and fringed.
English Springer Spaniel
English Springer Spaniel Temperament: Spirited Sidekick
Originally bred to ‘spring’ game birds from their hiding spot, English Springer Spaniels are high energy, driven dogs that will do anything for their people. Although this makes them easily trainable (oh how they want to please you!), it does mean they don’t cope well when left alone.
Known to suffer from separation anxiety, English Springer Spaniels love a human to be home with them for most of the day. If you’re not, they’ll need to be in doggy daycare or a neighbour or pet sitter will need to swing by. A miserable, lonely English Springer Spaniel will find ways to entertain yourself that you won’t like. Think chewing anything in sight or digging up the garden.
Super playful, Springer Spaniels love hanging out with kids, especially older ones, provided they’ve been well-socialised since they were a pup. Because they’re so active and bursting with energy, Springer Spaniels can knock over toddlers and babies during playtime. Always keep an eye on your Springer Spaniel around young children. They get on well with other dogs but not cats - they’re too tempting to chase.
High-spirited, Springer Spaniels are smart and independent which means they’re best suited to experienced pet parents who are willing to put in the time needed to properly train them. With enough mental and physical stimulation every day, you’ll have a tired, well-mannered pooch.
Keeping English Springer Spaniels Healthy: 4 Issues to Watch Out For
Used to working in the fields, English Springer Spaniels are a healthy, hardy breed, with a few things to watch out for.
Ear Infections
With their long, flowing ears, Springer Spaniels can be prone to ear infections. These can be caused by allergies or water getting trapped in their ears and can result in itching and inflammation. Try to keep your dog’s ears dry and if you do spot any signs (like shaking their head or scratching their ears), your vet can prescribe ear drops to help.
Canine Phosphofructokinase (PFK) Deficiency
A genetic disease, PFK stops your dog from transforming glucose into energy. This leads to them being unable to exercise properly, muscle disease and anaemia. Although there’s no cure, it can be managed with treatment like blood transfusions. Plus, because it’s genetic, responsible breeders can ensure their breeding dogs don’t pass it down to their puppies.
Joint Problems
A lot of dog breeds suffer from elbow and hip dysplasia, which is where the elbow or hip joint slips out of position. It can cause the bone to wear down and can lead to osteoarthritis, both of which can be painful for your Springer Spaniel. It can be treated with medications, weight control or surgery, depending on how bad it is.
Eye Issues
Retinal dysplasia (or progressive retinal atrophy) is a degenerative disease that slowly blinds your dog. Although there’s no cure, many Springer Spaniels adjust to blindness well and lead happy lives.
Caring for Your English Springer Spaniel Dog
As well as their double coats that need regular attention, an English Springer Spaniel needs plenty of training and exercise every single day. Think of it as quality time with your loveable sidekick.
Grooming
You’ll need to brush your English Springer Spaniel’s double coat at least 3 times every week. Start with a slicker brush to help remove any dead hair then follow up with a comb to get out any tangles or knots. Although their coat doesn’t shed much, in spring and autumn you’ll notice a lot more shedding - you’ll probably need to brush them every day during these times using a deshedding tool. A quick trim can also help keep their coat looking its best. It’s good to keep their feet, head, neck and under their tail neatly clipped.
They only need an occasional bath, about once every 2 months, or more if they’ve rolled in the mud. Aim for monthly nail trims and regular checks and cleaning of their ears. Signs of ear infection include redness or swelling.
Nutrition
Although high energy and active, your English Springer Spaniel doesn't need a special diet. They’ll be happy to tuck into high quality dog food that’s suited to their age and life stage. For puppies, start them off right with the Royal Canin Medium Puppy Dry or Wet Food to support their growing bodies. Then transition to Royal Canin Medium Dry Food & Wet Food, which provides a specially-tailored formula to help boost the immune system and digestive health.
However, because it can seem like they’re always on the move, you might be tempted to overfeed them, especially treats and especially during your daily training sessions. Keep an eye on how many treats (and calories) they’re getting and watch out for any extra kilos. If you spot any, talk to your vet. They can help you develop a diet and exercise plan that will keep your Springer Spaniel at a healthy weight.
Exercise
No surprises here - your Springer Spaniel needs at least 1 hour of exercise every day. They thrive on being physically and mentally stimulated so a trot around the block won’t cut it. Instead, mix up their daily activity - think walks, jogs, long tramps and outdoor play sessions in the garden (fetch and chase are particular faves). Large gardens are a Springer Spaniel’s personal paradise, where they can safely run and romp with you.
Make sure you only let your English Springer Spaniel off their lead in a fully fenced area or if you’re hunting with them. Their prey drive is high as is their ability to conveniently forget their listening ears.
For indoor entertainment, puzzle & enrichment toys will keep their mind busy (and away from thoughts of chewing your favourite shoes).
Training Your English Springer Spaniel
Being brave, active, lively, intelligent and confident means your Springer Spaniel needs to know you’re in control, always. That’s where proper training and early socialisation comes in, to help your Springer become the best version of themselves. Puppy school will help these famously friendly pups learn to play well with others. It’s not just puppy school: daily training and gentle guidance should happen every day, from puppyhood onwards.
English Springer Spaniels are people-pleasers and only want to make you happy. However, their independent streak and in-built desire to hunt means training them takes patience and consistency. You’ll need to stick to a regular training schedule and consistently use the same commands. They should be able to pick up the basics, like sit, stay and come, easily. It can be worth working with a professional trainer to help you both get to grips with these essential skills.