English Springer Spaniel

Personality

The English Springer Spaniel is an affectionate, enthusiastic dog that thrives on companionship and activity. It is known for a happy, wagging approach to life, a love of play, and a strong desire to please. Most Springers are friendly toward children, strangers and other animals, which makes them excellent family companions.

That sociable nature is also a weakness: the AKC says Springers crave company and are miserable when neglected. They dislike being left alone and can develop barking or destructive habits if bored or isolated. They are sensitive dogs that respond badly to harsh treatment.

Breeding lines differ. Field-bred dogs tend to be higher energy and more intense, while show-bred dogs are often calmer and more suited to pet homes, though both need exercise. Choosing a breeder with good temperament records is important. A well-raised Springer is a bright, merry companion that can settle indoors after a good outing.

History

Spaniels of various kinds were used in Europe for hundreds of years to find and flush game birds. The English Springer Spaniel takes its name from its job of springing, or flushing, birds from cover. Before the wheel-lock firearm appeared in the 17th century, springing spaniels worked in tandem with hunters who brought down their quarry with nets, falcons or bows.

During the long history of Britain's land spaniels, dogs described as cockers or springers were often born in the same litter. It took many generations of careful breeding before the English Springer Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel and Field Spaniel could be sorted into the distinct breeds we know today. English and Welsh Springers were exhibited as the same breed at the first British dog shows in the 1870s, until the Kennel Club recognized them separately in 1902. The breed's AKC parent club held its first meeting in 1924, and the AKC recognized the Springer in 1910.

Breeding later diverged into show lines and field lines, each with a slightly different look and energy level. In recent years the breed's trainability, durability and keen nose have been put to use in K-9 detection work. Today it remains a popular hunting partner and a beloved family companion.

Appearance, coat & colors

The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized, compact and athletic dog. According to the AKC, it stands 19 to 20 in (48–51 cm) at the shoulder and weighs 40 to 50 lb (18–23 kg), with males at the top of both ranges. The body is slightly longer than tall, with a deep chest and strong, muscular legs.

The head has a moderately long, square muzzle and soft, kindly eyes in hazel or brown that give an intelligent, gentle expression. The ears are long, lobular and hang close to the head. The AKC standard calls for a docked tail, though it is left natural in many countries.

The double coat is medium in length with a weather-resistant outer layer and a soft undercoat, with feathering on the ears, chest, belly, legs and tail. Colors include liver and white, black and white, either of those with tan markings (tricolor), roan, and lemon, orange or red and white. The show type is heavier-coated, while the field type usually has a lighter coat and a slightly leaner frame.

Training

Springers are among the more trainable sporting breeds. They are intelligent, motivated by praise and food, and enjoy learning, so they often excel in obedience, agility, rally and field work. Positive reinforcement with treats, toys and play is the best approach, and sessions should be short and varied.

Because they are sensitive, keep your tone calm and your corrections minimal. Start early with house training, crate training and socialization. Our crate training guide walks you through the basics.

A reliable recall takes patience: the nose of a bird dog is very good at finding interesting scents and the dog may stop listening. Practice on a long line before allowing off-leash freedom in secure areas. Teach calm greetings, since Springers can leap and wriggle with joy. Prevent separation problems by practicing short absences gradually. Springers need a job, so retrieval games, scent work, trick training and hunting-style tasks give them something useful to do.

Exercise

This is an energetic breed built for long days in the field. The AKC says Springers enjoy outdoor activities and make great companions on long walks or hikes, and that daily exercise keeps them healthy and happy. Long walks, jogging, fetch, swimming and canine sports all suit them. A quick lap around the block will not do, and field-bred dogs need even more activity than show-bred ones.

Springers also need mental stimulation. Scent games, retrieving, training sessions and puzzle toys keep the mind busy. A bored Springer may bark, dig, chew or find mischief of its own. Our exercise guide explains how to balance physical and mental activity.

Many Springers love water, so ponds and rivers are irresistible. After swims or woodland walks, dry the ears and check the coat and between the toes for burrs, grass seeds and ticks. Keep the dog on a leash or long line except in secure areas, because the combination of a strong nose and prey drive can send it far from you. Avoid heavy exercise in hot weather.

Grooming

The Springer's feathered coat needs regular care. The AKC recommends brushing at least weekly, and more often is better, to remove dirt and loose hair and keep the coat free of mats. Any tangles can be worked out with a slicker brush or metal comb, concentrating on the ears, chest, belly and the back of the legs. Field dogs with shorter coats need less work, while show types need more. The coat can be trimmed at home or clipped by a professional groomer, particularly around the feet, head and neck, and under the tail.

Ear care is vital. The long, heavy ears trap moisture and encourage infections, so inspect them weekly, clean with a vet-approved ear cleaner and dry them well after swimming or bathing. Redness, odor, discharge or head shaking calls for a vet visit.

Bathe when dirty with a mild shampoo. Trim nails regularly, since overly long nails are painful, and trim the hair between the pads. Check the coat after outings for burrs and ticks. Brush the teeth often; our tooth-brushing guide explains how.

Feeding

An active Springer burns plenty of energy, but pet dogs with moderate exercise can easily gain weight. Feed a high-quality complete diet for the dog's age and activity, and measure portions twice a day. Our dog food calculator provides a good starting estimate.

Treats should add up to no more than around 10 percent of daily calories. The AKC advises giving table scraps sparingly, if at all, and especially avoiding cooked bones and very fatty foods. Many Springers are food-motivated, which helps training but also makes begging and scavenging likely, so keep trash and counters secure. Check the waist and ribs regularly; our overweight guide explains how.

If your dog has itchy skin, recurring ear infections or digestive upset, talk with your vet about an elimination trial rather than changing foods at random. Choose a puppy formula that supports steady growth. Provide fresh water at all times and avoid heavy exercise right after meals.

Health

English Springer Spaniels typically live 12 to 14 years, and the AKC calls them generally healthy. Conditions sometimes seen include elbow and hip dysplasia and eye conditions. Ear infections are common, so check the ears regularly and brush the teeth often.

The parent club, the English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association, says breeders should at minimum screen for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, general eye health and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA-crd4/cord1), an inherited eye disease with a DNA test. It also recommends optional tests for phosphofructokinase deficiency and fucosidosis, both inherited enzyme disorders, as well as degenerative myelopathy, autoimmune thyroiditis and a cardiac evaluation. The English Springer Foundation lists epilepsy, cancer, bloat and autoimmune disorders among concerns reported by owners and breeders.

Choose a breeder who shares test results. Regular vet visits, ear care, parasite prevention and weight control are the best support for your dog's health. Contact your vet promptly for any limping, red or cloudy eyes, persistent head shaking or sudden behavior changes.

Health conditions to know about

• Ear infections — Long, heavy ears limit airflow and trap moisture.
• Hip and elbow dysplasia — Joint malformations that can cause lameness.
• Progressive retinal atrophy and other eye diseases — Inherited eye conditions can lead to vision loss; a DNA test exists for PRA-crd4/cord1.
• Phosphofructokinase deficiency — An inherited enzyme disorder with a DNA test available.
• Fucosidosis — An inherited enzyme disorder with a DNA test available.
• Epilepsy, cancer, bloat and autoimmune disorders — Concerns reported by owners and breeders, according to the English Springer Foundation.

Health tests to ask a breeder about

• Hip evaluation
• Elbow evaluation
• Annual eye exam by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA-crd4/cord1) DNA test
• Optional: phosphofructokinase deficiency and fucosidosis DNA tests
• Optional: degenerative myelopathy DNA test, autoimmune thyroiditis and cardiac evaluation

Read more: parvovirus.

Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 25, 2026. Editorial policy

Living with a English Springer Spaniel

A Springer can adapt to many homes but does best with space to run and an active family. A house with a securely fenced yard is ideal. The AKC says that with proper exercise the breed can suit a small house or apartment, but only if the owners provide serious daily exercise.

This is a social dog that wants to be near its people. It does not do well isolated in the yard or left alone for long hours, and separation problems are common. Plan your schedule accordingly, using daycare or a dog walker if needed.

Springers generally get along with children, other dogs and often cats, especially when raised with them. Their bounce can overwhelm toddlers, so supervise.

Expect mud, water and burrs. Many Springers are happiest when they have a job, such as retrieving, tracking or agility. They are not strong guard dogs, though they will bark when visitors arrive. A sturdy crate, a bed and a towel by the door are useful. Springers are happiest living indoors with their human family.

Puppies, breeders & rescue

English Springer Spaniel puppies vary widely in price depending on region and breeder. Pay attention to the line: show, field or dual-purpose. Show dogs are usually calmer, and field dogs are more driven, so choose according to your lifestyle.

A responsible breeder will screen parents for hips, elbows and eyes and test for PRA-crd4/cord1, as the parent club requires. Ask whether they also use the optional DNA tests for phosphofructokinase deficiency and fucosidosis, and be open about temperament and health in the line. Ask how puppies are socialized, whether they are raised in a home, and how the breeder helps owners after sale. You should be able to meet the mother and ask questions freely.

Be cautious with sellers who advertise many breeds, always have puppies available, or will not show health test results. Springer rescue groups regularly have adult dogs and young adults looking for homes, often because of a lack of exercise and training in earlier homes. Plan on an early vet check and review our puppy first week checklist to prepare for arrival.