English Springer Spaniel
AKC & CKC Sporting Group
Is This the Right Breed for You?
✔ Excellent Match For
- Active families who can provide daily vigorous exercise
- Owners seeking an eager-to-please, highly trainable companion
- Hunters or active outdoors enthusiasts
• Biddable nature: exceptional willingness to work with handlers
• Moderate size: sturdy, athletic, and adaptable to many homes
• Dual purpose: excels as both hunting partner and family companion
✖ Consider Carefully If
- You're away from home for long hours (separation anxiety risk)
- You prefer a low-energy or sedentary dog
- You're not committed to regular coat maintenance
• Exercise needs: minimum 60-90 minutes daily activity required
• Grooming: regular brushing and occasional professional care
• Mental stimulation: intelligent breed that needs meaningful work
Owner Suitability
The English Springer Spaniel is a versatile, affectionate gundog that thrives on human partnership. Highly intelligent and eager to please, they excel with active owners who appreciate their enthusiasm and working heritage. This breed is not content as a backyard ornament—they need purpose, exercise, and family inclusion to truly flourish.Stats:
- Height: 19-21 inches
- Weight: 40-50 pounds
- Coat: Double coat, medium length, feathered
- Colors: Liver & white, black & white, tricolor, blue roan, liver roan
- Lifespan: 12-14 years
Origin & History
The English Springer Spaniel originated in England over 400 years ago, developed as a flushing spaniel to "spring" game birds into flight for falcons, hawks, or later, guns. Distinguished from Cocker Spaniels by size and function, Springers were the larger spaniels capable of covering more ground. The breed's name derives from their specialized hunting technique.
- One of the oldest gundog breeds, with ancestors in Renaissance art
- Refined in the 19th century for both field and show lines
- Distinct field-bred and show-bred types exist today
- Recognized by AKC in 1910, consistently popular family companion
Today's English Springer Spaniel remains true to its heritage—a tireless worker with boundless enthusiasm. While field-bred lines emphasize hunting drive and smaller stature, show-bred lines feature fuller coats and more deliberate movement. Both types share the characteristic Springer intelligence, affectionate nature, and unmistakable joyful expression that has made them enduring favorites.
| Traits: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy: Extremely high energy; needs vigorous daily exercise. | ✓ | ||||
| Ease Of Training: Intelligent and eager to please, but can be excitable. | ✓ | ||||
| Shedding: Moderate; dense double coat releases steady fur. | ✓ | ||||
| Grooming: Moderate maintenance; regular brushing & occasional trimming. | ✓ | ||||
| Family Dog: Affectionate, playful; good with kids (if well-exercised). | ✓ | ||||
| Watchdog: Alert and may bark at strangers, but not aggressive. | ✓ | ||||
| Beginner Friendly: Best for active owners who can provide training & exercise. | ✓ | ||||
| Prey Drive: Strong hunting instincts; may chase small animals. | ✓ | ||||
| Barking: Can be vocal, especially when bored or excited. | ✓ | ||||
| Good with other dogs: Excellent; gets along well with other dogs | ✓ |
Health Concerns:
- Hip Dysplasia: Moderate risk in the breed
- Eye Problems: Including progressive retinal atrophy and entropion
- Ear Infections: Common due to their long, floppy ears
- Phosphofructokinase Deficiency (PFK): Inherited metabolic disorder
- Autoimmune Disorders: Such as autoimmune hemolytic anemia
- Elbow Dysplasia: Can affect joint development
Please check the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) and parent breed clubs for health information.
Glossary of general canine health conditions.