English springer spaniels are fantastic hunting dogs that also want to cozy up with you in front of a fire. They’re members of the sporting group.
These spaniels have the stamina to run for miles out in the field but are happiest when spending time with their family. They make phenomenal pets for anyone looking for a loveable companion with a keen sense of curiosity.
Characteristics of English Springer Spaniels
Body size. English springer spaniels have an average body size for the spaniel group. The males are slightly larger than the females in terms of both height and weight.
A normal male English springer spaniel size is about 20 inches high. Females typically reach around 19 inches.
Their weight is proportional to their height. Males are an average of 50 pounds while females are an average of 40 pounds. Talk to your veterinarian if you're worried that your pet is too far underweight or overweight.
Their size means that these dogs are relatively easy to transport. They can hop in the car with you to go for a ride. They can even be happy in small apartments and cities.
Body shape. English springer spaniels have tough, muscular bodies that turn them into excellent hunters. Their bodies are compact and sturdily built, with deep chests that don’t get in the way of their strong legs.
English springer spaniel characteristics include heads that are about the same length as their necks. Their long, wide ears hang close to their cheeks.
Their muzzles are as long as their skulls and half as wide. Their tails are usually docked — cut off — in competitions, but this isn’t at all necessary for a standard pet.
In general, the dogs look very well-balanced, and none of their features are overly exaggerated, according to the American Kennel Club.
Lifespan. As a medium-sized dog, the average English springer spaniel's life expectancy is well over a decade. It ranges anywhere from 12 to 14 years, so plan on having a long life with your dog — especially if you decide to adopt one as a puppy.
Coat. British springer spaniels have double coats. This means that they have two distinct types of coat — each with unique properties.
Their undercoats are short, soft, and dense. They get thicker in colder weather.
Their outer coats are longer and tend to be wavy. The outer coat has a medium length. It tends to flare out around their ears, legs, and chests. This adds a bit of whimsy to their handsome appearance.
Together, the coats combine to make these dogs virtually waterproof. They also protect their skin from thorns, burrs, and other hazards as they make their way through the hunting field.
Their coats can come in different color combinations, including:
- Black and white
- Black, white, and tan
- Lemon and white
- Liver, white, and tan
- Orange and white
These colors can then come in three patterns:
- Ticked
- Spotted
- Roan
Eyes. An English springer spaniel's eyes should be medium-sized ovals. They’re set reasonably far apart and shouldn’t protrude out from the skull.
They can be hazel, black, or dark brown depending on their coat colors. These eyes convey a trustworthy expression that’s considered a defining mark of the breed.
Gait. This breed has a very smooth gait that’s clearly meant to cover long distances. The best-trained examples move without wasting a single motion.
Personality. These spaniels are incredibly playful and affectionate pets. The American Kennel Club rates them a five out of five for maximal familial affection.
Other English springer spaniel personality traits include kindness, exuberance, and loyalty.
In general, the English springer spaniel temperament is very agreeable. They shouldn’t be too aggressive or too timid.
These dogs are devoted to their families and nice to others. They’re very obedient and have gentle natures — but they can also be willful and like to explore. Make sure they know who’s in charge before letting them wander off-leash.
Caring for English Springer Spaniels
Grooming. English springer spaniel care involves a medium amount of grooming. You should brush their coat on a weekly basis to keep it clean, shiny, and free of tangles.
If mats do develop, use a stronger metallic comb to work them out.
Their coats do need occasional trimming — particularly around their feet and ears. You can do this yourself or take your dog to a professional groomer whenever you think it needs a touch-up.
Additionally, trim their nails and check their ears regularly for any debris or signs of infection. You should also brush your dog's teeth daily to round out their grooming routine.
Feeding. Always keep fresh, clean water available for your pet.
Your English springer spaniel will thrive on high-quality dog food. Find a brand that your pet likes and try to stick to it.
Although they love begging for human food, you should rarely give them table scraps. Especially avoid foods with a high fat content and cooked or raw bones.
Talk to your veterinarian about specific nutritional needs for dogs, and make sure you know what human foods are safe for dogs to eat.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation. English springer spaniels have enough energy and endurance to hunt for hours out in the fields — but they’re happiest in a cozy home with a reasonable amount of daily exercise.
A long walk once a day, playing fetch in the yard, or going for a nice swim are all healthy activities that your pet will enjoy.
They can handle homes and apartments without yards, but a fenced-in outdoor space is ideal for the breed. This will give them plenty of space to play and provide mental stimulation by allowing them to engage with the world around them.
Their mental health needs are best served by playtime with the family. This will help you bond with your pet while keeping them fit and content.
Springer spaniels are also fantastic competitors in dog sports like agility, dock diving, and flyball.
Veterinary visits, medications, and immunizations. Talk to your veterinarian to determine all of the vaccinations that your pet needs. All dogs should get a core set.
This includes vaccinations for:
- Canine parvovirus
- Distemper
- Adenovirus
- Parainfluenza virus
- Rabies
You can start these vaccinations as early as six weeks of age. There are also other, non-core vaccinations that you can discuss with your veterinarian.
The dosages for flea and tick medications are based on your dog's weight. Oral and topical applications are available from your veterinarian or other distributors. Use them as needed.
Many of these medications can be effective against a variety of pests and parasites, so talk to your veterinarian to figure out the best one for your dog. Flea/tick prevention is now also recommended year-round in many states. Additionally, heartworm medications are now recommended year-round.
Health Problems to Watch for with English Springer Spaniels
Any individual example of an English springer spaniel is likely to be a very healthy dog — especially with proper grooming and exercise.
That being said, the breed in general has quite a few physical conditions and genetic predispositions to watch out for. These English Springer Spaniel health issues can include:
- Hip dysplasia. This is a common condition in dogs where the hip joint doesn’t form properly. It can get in the way of your dog’s movements.
- Elbow dysplasia. This condition is comparable to hip dysplasia but occurs at the elbow joint.
- Eye conditions. One example is progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a genetic condition that your dog can be tested for. Get your pet’s eyes examined annually.
- PFK disorder. This stands for phosphofructokinase disorder. It’s a rare genetic condition that causes your dog’s red blood cells to break down too soon. This makes it much harder for your dog to exercise.
- Idiopathic epilepsy. Some dog breeds have unexplained seizures. Seek veterinary help immediately if you think that your dog has had a seizure.
- Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus. This is a potentially life-threatening condition that involves swelling and twisting in your dog’s stomach. There is a surgery called gastropexy that can be done to minimize the risk of this occurring.
Special Considerations for English Springer Spaniels
English springer spaniels can be rather needy dogs. They don’t like to be left alone for long periods of time and are much happier hanging out with the family. Otherwise, they tend to develop problematic behaviors caused by their separation anxiety.
These dogs are great with older children, strangers, and other dogs, but they’re not as great with young children. This could be because their energy and enthusiasm are simply too much — small children don’t know how to handle them.
These dogs were specifically bred to be easy to train and very eager to please. They can form a strong bond with their owners and can communicate with humans well thanks to their breeding.
They do drool and shed in moderate amounts, and they can bark more often than you wish, though few would describe this breed as excessively yappy.
History of English Springer Spaniels
Spaniels are an ancient British group. It took breeders hundreds of years to perfect the type and then many decades more to carefully create the variety of specific spaniel breeds that we have today.
For example — a few hundred years ago — English springer spaniels were born into the same litter as puppies we would today call cocker spaniels. Breeders then refined the English springers with the idea of hunting game birds in mind.
These dogs were helping out in the fields before the invention of the hunting rifle. In those days, they would assist their humans, who were working with nets, bows, and falcons.
With the creation of the hunting rifle, springer spaniels became one of the most eager gundogs around. They get their name from their ability to sneak up on birds in tall grasses and flush — or “spring” — them out of hiding. Then, they can take point and retrieve the bird.
The first English dog shows took place in the 1870s, and the springer spaniel was represented — but there wasn’t yet a distinction between English and Welsh varieties. The Welsh Springer Spaniel didn’t get acknowledged as a separate breed until 1902.
These dogs became popular in the U.S. and Canada in the 1920s. A breed-specific club was founded in the U.S. in 1924.
Today, springers are happy family pets and hunting companions across the globe. One of the most interesting modern English springer spaniel facts is that they’re very useful in K-9 detection units thanks to their calm demeanors and hunting skills.
