English Springer Spaniel Breed Guide

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!

Who are English Springer Spaniel dogs 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!

How much grooming does a English Springer Spaniel need?

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 Spaniel bark much?

Although they were once used as a gun dog, 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.

Do English Springer Spaniel bite?

The English Springer Spaniel dog breed will rarely bite unless it feels threatened. As with any cuddly dog, if it is introduced to children always ensure that they know not to pull your dog's fur, ears or tail.

If you do notice your Spaniel getting rough as a puppy and biting more often than it should, be sure to discipline it. It is a lot harder to train an adult dog than it is to train it whilst it is a puppy.

What is the temperament & personality of a English Springer Spaniel?

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!

What is the weight & size of a English Springer Spaniel?

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.

How much training does a English Springer Spaniel need?

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!

What are some of the most common health issues for a English Springer Spaniel?

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

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy which can impact eyesight

• Ear problems such as Otitis Externa

• Potential heart problems like Patent Ductus Arteriosis

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 a 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 should you feed a English Springer Spaniel?

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!

What is the price of a 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!