English Springer Spaniel Dog Breed Information

Group

Sporting

Weight

18-25 kg

Height

40-55 cm

Lifespan

12-14 years

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About the English Springer Spaniel

Reviewed by:

Dr. Dilber Hussain

Veterinarian

Full of enthusiasm and energy, English Springer Spaniels are an extremely energetic dog breed perfect for active families. They love socialising with people and other dogs, which is why they are an extremely popular breed.

Whether you’re looking to adopt an English Springer Spaniel or you are already lucky enough to own one, here is everything you need to know about caring for this social breed!

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What is the history & origin of the English Springer Spaniel?

The first English Springer Spaniels were used during hunting to flush out game from hiding spots. In fact, this is how they got their name, thanks to the distinctive spring jump they used when chasing game.

They are an incredibly athletic dog breed which is why you often see them used in dog competitions and running around the gardens of their owners!

All Spaniels, including Cocker Spaniels and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, originate from a group of Spaniels from Spain. Spaniels, even when born in the same litter, can vary drastically in terms of size and appearance, which led to multiple breeds sharing the same ancestor!

What is an English Springer Spaniel Breed?

The English springer spaniel is an instantly recognisable dog breed thanks to its long shaggy coats and friendly faces.

They’re a medium-sized dog breed with high energy levels, which means they are a perfect fit for active owners and energetic kids.

Due to their history as hunting dogs, they love getting involved in your daily activities and spending time with the family!

The English Spaniel can come in a range of coats, from the traditional black and white coat to tan markings across their entire body.

Who is an English Springer Spaniel Best For?

As they are high-energy dogs, English Spaniels best suit active families who have time to regularly play with their dogs. They require a decent amount of room to regularly run, which is why they might not be suited to apartments.

With early socialization, they are also extremely affectionate and caring towards younger children. This means they will look after and protect your children, which is why they are suitable for families with kids!

English Springer Spaniel Grooming & Shedding

As you might expect, their long coats will require regular grooming. A weekly brush down will help prevent them from shedding throughout your home and can untangle knots and tangles that can occur throughout their coat. They tend to shed around summertime as they lose their winter coats.

You should also regularly trim their nails, as with many dogs, as long nails can quickly become painful for your furry friend. If you feel uncomfortable trimming your dog’s nails then a professional groomer can help you out!

Do English Springer Spaniels bark a lot?

Although they were once used as a gun dogs, English Springer Spaniels are fairly quiet and don’t tend to bark too often. They may bark at strangers, but this can be avoided by introducing your English Spaniel to new people as a puppy.

What is the average weight & height of an English Springer Spaniel dog?

English Springer Spaniels are fairly light dogs, partly to their high energy levels and active lifestyles. You can expect an average Springer Spaniel to weigh anywhere between 18 to 25 kilograms.

In terms of height, the Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized dog breed. A typical Adult Spaniel will grow to be around 40cm to 55cm depending on a range of factors such as sex and genetics.

Are English Springer Spaniels easy to train?

Introducing your English Springer Spaniel to your friends and other dogs whilst it is a puppy is a great way to ensure it grows into a friendly and sociable dog. English Springers can quickly become devoted dogs, which is why they are perfect families.

As they are an energetic dog breed, they do tend to get rough whilst playing, especially when they are young. To avoid this be sure you discipline your Spaniel whilst it is a puppy or you only adopt from responsible breeders!

When letting your Spaniel play outside, ensure it is kept inside a fenced yard. As they are a curious breed, they do tend to wander off and explore their environment!

How do English Springer Spaniels behave? A look at their temperament and personality

You can expect your English Springer Spaniel dog to constantly want to play and go for walks. They are highly active and love to constantly receive affection from their owners and even other dogs.

As they once closely worked alongside us they love to impress their owners and will go out of their way to ensure they are helping you every day.

One of their favourite activities is playing fetch, this is due to their history as flushing dogs. A spaniel will happily chase and retrieve anything so be sure to stock up on tennis balls and sticks for your new best friend!

Does the English Springer Spaniel have any common health issues?

The English Springer Spaniel dog breed is generally incredibly healthy. However, as with all breeds, they are still prone to a few health issues.

One of the biggest problems a Spaniel may face is ear infections. As they have large floppy ears they can quickly suffer from ear pain, especially when there is a sudden temperature change or they play outside during winter.

Ensure you regularly check your Springer Spaniels ears to avoid an ear infection getting out of hand.

They are also a few other issues that your English Springer Spaniel may bump into as it ages, these are:

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: These genetic conditions occur when the joints don’t fit properly, leading to pain and mobility issues. Screening can help with early detection.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This hereditary eye condition gradually impairs vision, making regular eye exams important for monitoring.
Otitis Externa: A common ear infection that causes discomfort and requires good ear hygiene to prevent recurrence.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus: This heart condition occurs when a blood vessel fails to close after birth, leading to potential heart issues that need veterinary attention.

Always check that your chosen breeder has checked your puppy’s parents for potential genetic health problems. The National Breed Club suggests that you always ask for a certificate regarding the health of your Spaniels parents!

What is the lifespan of an English Springer Spaniel?

As with many medium-sized breeds, your English Springer Spaniel can live a long and healthy life. You can expect your Spaniel to live for anywhere between 12 and 14 years, so you will have many years to spend with this cuddly and energetic dog breed!

How much does an English Springer Spaniel need to be fed?

Your English Springer Spaniel will require at least 2 servings of high-quality food a day. On average you can expect your Spaniel to need around 2 to 3 cups of food a day depending on its lifestyle and age. Always adjust the amount of food to suit your dog as each Spaniel is different!

Fatty foods, such as leftover meats and bones should be avoided as Spaniels are prone to heart disease. However, they will enjoy a treat as much as any dog breed so be sure to keep your dog’s favourite snacks sealed away!

How much can you expect to pay for an English Springer Spaniel in Australia?

English Springers are incredibly popular dogs and thankfully aren’t one of the most expensive breeds out there. When adopting a spaniel from a reputable breeder you can expect to spend anywhere between $500 to $650 for an English Springer puppy.

Keep in mind that you may need to spend a little more if you are looking to adopt a show dog or one with a unique coat!

English Springer Spaniel FAQs

Are English Springer Spaniels smelly dogs?

Due to their long and thick coats and love to be outdoors, English Springer Spaniels are thought to be smelly. However, with regular grooming and a caring owner, this truly isn’t the case with most Spaniel breeds.

Do English Springer Spaniels like to cuddle?

As long as you aren’t constantly forcing your English Springer Spaniel to cuddle, they love attention as much as most breeds. It isn’t uncommon for your Spaniel to hop onto your lap for bedtime cuddles!

How do I keep my English Springer Spaniel entertained?

Springer Spaniels are known for their high levels of energy which means they regularly need to be entertained. The best way to do this is to play a range of games with your Spaniel such as fetch or even tug of war!

You should ensure that you are walking your English Springer Spaniel daily to ensure it is tired when it’s time for bed!

Is an English Springer Spaniel ideal for a first-time dog owner?

This will depend on how confident you are with exercising your dog. As English Springer Spaniels are incredibly energetic and playful, they require daily exercises such as walking and dog sports.

If you’re not sure whether or not you will be able to offer your Springer Spaniel enough exercise then a calmer breed may be a better first-time breed!