English Springer Spaniel: Breed Facts & Information

Loving, smart and adaptable sums up the endearing English Springer Spaniel. Those unmistakable long, curly ears, expression-filled eyes and feathery legs have melted hearts for centuries. So, it’s no surprise that these affable hounds are a regular feature on the UK Kennel Club’s 10 most popular dog breeds list.

The English Springer Spaniel has strong working roots. Like all spaniels, they were originally bred to be hunting dogs—flushing out game for shooting as well as retrieving. In the 1800s, the Duke of Norfolk developed a passion for spaniels and created his own line—initially known as the Norfolk Spaniel, but later renamed the English Springer Spaniel.

The breed has evolved a lot since then and is now a popular family dog that can easily adapt to most environments. But, as they do in the field, Springer Spaniels remain happiest by their favourite human’s side. And their working instincts can easily be channelled into training. That’s what makes English Springer Spaniels a popular pick for police forces as sniffer dogs.

In the UK, there are two types of English Springer Spaniel—the working line and the show line. The working line is the most prevalent since they are still so easily trained and adaptable to different environments, explains David Templar, of Countryways Gundogs, a Kennel Club-accredited and five-star licenced breeder with more than 40 years of experience. He says that show Springer Spaniels, which are slightly larger in build, tend to be lower in intellect and trainability than their working counterparts.

Both types come in four colour mixes. Most popular is the black or liver and white coat, followed by the rarer tri-colour varieties. Read on for more about the English Springer Spaniel and find out if they’re the right breed for you.

Breed Appearance

English Springer Spaniels are medium-sized dogs that are normally fully grown at about 14 to 15 months. They should have a glossy coat which is short except for longer silky tendrils on their ears, chest, legs and tail. The coat comprises two parts: a largely waterproof outer layer and a soft undercoat. Like most dogs, they shed a couple of times a year, but this is minimal. Springer coats can be black, tan and white; liver, tan and white; liver and white; or black and white.

In terms of breed standards, David says a well-bred working English Springer Spaniel sports straight, non “cow-hocked” legs and a straight and long back. Meanwhile, tails should hang low so they’re not caught when sniffing and exploring bushes and undergrowth. Tail docking is illegal in the UK except for where it is performed by a vet for the purposes of preventing injury in working dogs, and some working Springers have tails reduced by a third. The breed should also be of a healthy weight that “allows you to feel their last three ribs”.

“It [an English Springer Spaniel] should look like an athlete,” continues David. “Even though you might have it as a pet, it was originally bred for a job and it should still be physically able to do that job.”

Types Of  Springer Spaniel

There are two types of Springer Spaniel in the UK; the working and the show type. Show Springers tend to have longer and wavier coats, bigger ears and a stockier build than working types. Bred for intellect over looks, David says working Springers are much easier to train. Both show and working English Springer Spaniels usually live to around 12 to 14 years of age.

Buying either type of Springer Spaniel from a licenced and responsible breeder (more on this later) will cost anywhere from £500 to £1,500.

Springer Spaniel Personality

This is a dog bred to be by man’s side, and that instinct prevails today. They’re happiest in human company but can be left alone for short periods if trained from a young age. They’re active but adaptable, so can fit into most lifestyles as long as minimum exercise requirements are met. The English Springer Spaniel temperament is also loyal, affectionate and sociable, making them wonderful family dogs. They’re not a protective or guarding breed, David points out.

“They’re known for wanting to please which is the reason they’re easy to train,” says David. “They love contact—they want to be with you, they like to cuddle you, they liked to be stroked. They’re happy to be left, but they like to be loved.”

According to David, people often overlook working Springers due to a misconception that they’re too high-energy. Over time, he says, working lines have become a lot softer in nature and malleable to different environments. “They’re a lot easier to train. They’re happy to be calm in the house and then work or run around like a big lunatic outside of the house,” he adds.

Ideal Environment for a Springer Spaniel

Due to their relative adaptability, Springers can be happy in urban or rural environments. A home with a garden will suit them best, but they by no means need a sprawling estate under their paws.

The most important thing for a Springer is love and companionship in the home. “They’re a loving breed that wants to be your best friend. So that fits into 90% of family homes,” David adds.

Stimulation-wise, Springers enjoy games that tap into their incredible sense of smell as well as regular walks.

Ideal Human for a  Springer Spaniel  

Again, a Springer can adapt to the lifestyles of most humans. Depending on what they’re used to, David says they’re as happy with a three-hour hike as they are with two 20-minute walks a day.

As an active breed, they’ll be the perfect companion for anyone who enjoys plenty of walking and outdoor pursuits. But, as long as they get enough exercise and attention, they’re a perfect match for families, couples and singles alike.

Springer Spaniel Health

This is a largely healthy breed with very few health concerns. English Springer Spaniel puppies bought from an experienced and responsible breeder with well-established bloodlines should have no genetic health issues, says David.

But, if not bred responsibly, Springer Spaniels can be at risk of health conditions including elbow dysplasia and eye problems and a range of other preventable illnesses.

Dr Alex Crow, BVETMED and MRCVS, a vet in the UK and founder of Pet Health Guru, recommends that Springer breeding lines should have clearance from progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), retinal dysplasia, hip dysplasia and phosphofructokinase deficiency (a condition affecting red blood cells). Additional checks for consideration include screening for elbow dysplasia, cataracts, hearing problems, heart defects and hyperthyroidism.

Meanwhile, the Kennel Club advises screening for hip dysplasia and phosphofructokinase deficiency (PFK) in parent dogs. David says this is sufficient for established breeding lines with proven good health.

You may also be wondering how Springer Spaniels fare in the ageing process. Dr Crow says Springer Spaniels can develop bone and joint issues as they enter old age, like any dog breed. This includes arthritis, but not all elderly Springers will develop this, and there’s plenty pet parents can do to reduce the risk.

He adds: “Regular vet check-ups are essential for early detection and management of any potential issues. Maintaining a healthy weight and providing a balanced diet can also help support bone health in older Springer Spaniels.”

Springer Spaniel Feeding Guide

Good breeders will send home their puppies with high-quality puppy food. And David says it’s important to maintain this diet for at least four months before gradually transitioning to other food developed for older puppies.

For adult dogs living as family pets, David recommends good quality kibble but stresses that this doesn’t need to be the most expensive on the market. He adds: “It doesn’t need a high-protein diet if it’s not an athlete. It just needs a good diet.”

Springer Spaniel Training

A versatile breed renowned for their eagerness to please, training Springers can be both fun and rewarding.

Dr Sabrina Kong, DVM and dog trainer at WeLoveDoodles, says: “I can confidently say that these dogs are a joy to train. They are intelligent, eager to please, and have a natural affinity for learning new tasks.”

Teaching the basics like ‘sit’, ‘stay’ and ‘come’ is achievable within a few weeks with consistency, says Dr Kong. More complex tasks like scent work and fetch may take several months to master.

Motivated by love and food, both should be incorporated into reward-based training. “They love treats, but they also respond well to praise and play. A game of fetch or a good belly rub can be just as rewarding as a tasty snack,” says Dr Kong.

Dr Kong also recommends a training plan including plenty of physical activity to channel their working dog instincts. She continues: “Training sessions that involve running, jumping, or retrieving will keep them engaged and make learning fun. Given their working roots, Springer Spaniels require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Daily walks, playtime, and puzzle toys can help meet their needs. They also enjoy activities that engage their instincts, like fetch or scent games.”

Springers, she says, also excel in obedience, agility, and field trials, as well as scent training, which makes them “excellent search and rescue dogs”.

Springer Spaniel Grooming

Springer Spaniels have relatively short coats but longer fur on their ears, legs and underside which needs regular brushing to prevent tangles. Wondering how to trim a Springer Spaniel? Professional grooming isn’t necessary for this breed unless it’s the owner’s preference. A good diet and a thorough weekly at-home groom should suffice in keeping their coat in tip-top condition, says David.

Like all dogs, Springers should not be left in the sun for prolonged periods. But there’s no predisposition to developing any UV-related skin concerns, says David.

As Springers have long and floppy ears, they don’t get much airflow. So ears need cleaning with wipes every one to two weeks to prevent infections, advises David. Good quality flea and tick treatment, given regularly, will also eliminate the risk of ear mites.

With good exercise, Springer’s nails should wear down naturally, usually preventing the need for them to be trimmed. But Springers have “ticklish feet”, says David, so handle paws from a young age to condition them to it.

Famous or Notable Springer Spaniel

Many adoring celebrities and politicians through the ages have had Springers by their side.

Perhaps the most famous Springer Spaniel in recent years was a dog called Max ‘the Miracle Dog’, whose adventures in the Lake District captured the hearts of hundreds of thousands online. Owner Kerry Irving credits Max, who died in 2022, with saving his life when he fell into depression following an accident that left him in agonising pain.

Many notable Springers have also won honours for work and gallantry in the military and police over time. One of them was Jake, who was awarded the Blue Cross Medal for his heroics on the day of the 2005 London bombings. Meanwhile, another Springer Spaniel named Jake was awarded the animal equivalent of the OBE by the charity PDSA for a glittering 10-year crime-busting career with Warwickshire Police.

Getting a Springer Spaniel

After doing your research to make sure this is the right breed for you, it’s important to do even more to find the right breeder.

Looking for a breeder licensed by the council, ideally with five out of five stars—reflecting high standards of animal welfare—is the most important aspect, says David. They should have three stars, at the very least, he confirms. Kennel Club accreditation is also a bonus.

He also recommends finding a breeder with lots of experience and evidence of bringing healthy dogs into the world. You should always be able to see the puppy with their mother. If you can’t, David says you need cast-iron guarantees that you’re purchasing a puppy from an ethical, registered and responsible breeder. Ideally, you should meet the father as well.

As a minimum, David says a well-bred Springer Spaniel puppy should come with:

• vet report confirming the puppy is healthy
• a list of all vet treatments given
• initial vaccinations with certification
• microchip
• Kennel Club registration
• an initial supply of food

The implications of not buying from a licenced, ethical and responsible breeder are huge. Not only will your puppy be at risk of disease and illness, but it will also line the pockets of those providing inadequate and sometimes cruel standards of pet welfare.

Why Springer Spaniel May Not Be Right For You

There are few lifestyles that a Springer struggles to slot into. But anyone unable to provide adequate exercise as well as the love and company that’s so important to this breed would not be a good match. Adapting to apartment living without easy access to a garden is also a challenge for Springers, so inner-city dwellers in high-rise blocks may look to another breed.

Breeds like Springer Spaniel  

How could you not love everything about the Springer Spaniel? Due to their versatility and kind nature, these dogs make wonderful pets for most families. As Dr Kong confirms: “If you’re looking for a pet that’s full of life and love, you can’t go wrong with a Springer Spaniel!”

But other dogs similar in temperament to the Springer, which may be on your radar, include:

• The Cocker Spaniel. The Springer’s slightly smaller cousin, the Cocker Spaniel is lower to the ground and has longer hair. They’re less athletic and independent but higher in energy.
• The Labrador Retriever. Much bigger than the Springer, but one with similar traits and working roots. They’re usually easily trained, loyal, thrive in family life and are brilliant companions for walks and outdoor pursuits. But they’re calmer than the Springer.

Remember, you may also find Springer Spaniels at rescue centres including breed-specific rehoming organisations, due to them being given up or retired from working life. If you’re looking for an older dog, it can also be worth contacting breeders looking to rehome any of their dogs.