English Springer Spaniel Breed Guide: Health and Care

Vet verified. Written by Danielle Montgomery, Copywriter. Reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon MVB MRCVS, Team Vet.

The English Springer Spaniel is an athletic, people-oriented sporting dog developed to find, flush and retrieve game. Springers can be affectionate family companions, skilled scent workers and enthusiastic sport partners, but they need training, grooming, secure exercise and a realistic plan for time alone.

English Springer Spaniel facts at a glance

Temperament and Personality

The Springer Spaniel personality is happy-go-lucky, energetic, and attentive. Their gentle disposition combined with an enthusiastic zest for life has made this breed one of the most popular family pets.

English Springer Spaniels, or Springers, are lively dogs who love to work hard and keep active, stemming from their background as a gundog flushing out game birds. This boundless energy means Springer Spaniels love to explore the great outdoors, often with their noses pressed firmly to the ground. This super strong sense of smell, and their high intelligence, has seen the Springer excel as a sniffer dog, often being used by the police and search and rescue teams.

Playful and high-energy, it can often feel like the Springer Spaniel doesn’t have an ‘off switch’. Whether it’s puzzles, toys, games, or canine sports, they’re always on the go. But their cheerful, affectionate nature, and love of all people means they also make for amazing therapy dogs in hospitals and nursing homes, proving they do have a calm side!

Gentle and sweet-tempered with an insatiable need to please their owners, it’s no wonder they’re one of the most beloved dog breeds on the planet. However, this need for constant human companionship means they’re at risk of developing separation-related distress, which is an undesirable Springer Spaniel trait. If left on their own for too long, you can expect to see some destructive behavioral problems, like chewing on furniture, excessive barking, or toileting inside the house.

As with all dogs though, early socialization and consistent training is key to raising a confident and well-mannered dog. So, if you’re looking for true canine companionship, the English Springer Spaniel could be the breed for you.

The English Springer Spaniel can be broken down into two types - the field and the bench. The field Springer Spaniel is bred for hunting and working, while the bench type is bred for the show ring. Both need lots of exercise, but the field Springer Spaniel has more stamina than the bench type, and as such, has more demanding exercise needs.

Springer Spaniel paw-sonality traits

• Happy and friendly

• Sweet-tempered and gentle

• Loyal and eager to please owners

• Very people-oriented

• Social and extroverted

• Thrives on human companionship

• Energetic and playful

• Always down for activities

• Keen and quick to learn

• Highly intelligent and trainable

• Amazing sense of smell

• Strong prey drive and hunting instincts

• may struggle with abrupt or prolonged isolation

• Needs a lot of physical and mental exercise

English Springer Spaniel pros and cons

Are Springer Spaniels good family dogs?

Many Springers thrive in active families that can provide daily training, exercise, grooming and companionship. Breed reputation does not guarantee that an individual will suit every household. Ask about the dog's history, supervise interactions and plan gradual alone-time training rather than assuming someone must always remain home.

Are Springer Spaniels good with children?

Many are affectionate family dogs, but their speed, enthusiasm and retrieving behavior can overwhelm a small child. Adults must supervise every interaction, protect the dog's rest and eating areas and teach children not to climb on, corner or take items from a dog.

You should always teach children how to properly interact with dogs, regardless of breed. This includes no pulling, smacking, poking, or disturbing them while they’re eating and sleeping. Great care should also be taken when introducing dogs and children, making sure to never leave little ones unsupervised no matter how well trained your dog is.

Are Springer Spaniels good with other pets?

Compatibility with dogs, cats and small animals is individual. Hunting ancestry can contribute to pursuit, so use controlled introductions, barriers and direct supervision. Do not assume a puppy raised with another species will always be safe without management.

Introducing new animals into the pack should always be managed carefully. Remember, every Springer Spaniel is unique, so monitor their body language, provide space and reward good behavior.

Care Requirements

We all want our dogs to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a Springer Spaniel properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered.

How much exercise does a Springer Spaniel need?

A lot! When fully grown, these active guys and gals often benefit from substantial physical activity and mental work spread across the day, adjusted for age, conditioning, weather and health. They're the opposite of a couch potato, and make an ideal companion for people who spend a lot of time outdoors.

Tire out your Springer Spaniel with lots of jogging, swimming, long games of fetch, and tracking scents on hiking trails. Canine sports such as agility, flyball, and obedience training are also good outlets for this highly energetic breed.

You don’t need to climb a mountain every day to meet your Springer Spaniel’s exercise needs though. Long brisk walks, jogs around the park, romps around a secure fenced yard, sniffing games, and interactive puzzle toys will keep them engaged too. As long as their brains and bodies get a good daily workout, they’re happy hounds.

However, if they’re under-stimulated, you might see some unwanted Springer Spaniel behavioral issues, such as destroying furniture and excessive barking. That’s why it’s essential to keep these dogs busy with plenty of activities.

All Spaniels are known for their love of water, which is something to bear in mind when you’re out and about. They could jump into a stream that isn’t safe, or get into trouble by walking on thin ice. Their strong nose is also known to lead them astray, so mastering the art of recall is a key part to ensuring that walkies are always a wonderful experience.

How do you train a Springer Spaniel?

With a rich hunting heritage and desire to please their owners, English Springer Spaniels are intelligent and often highly trainable dogs. They love to learn and thrive in busy environments, but training a Springer Spaniel can be intense, and isn’t for the unprepared owner. You need lots of time, patience, and paw-sitivity to ensure your dog doesn’t get bored and destructive.

Unleash your pup’s potential with these Springer Spaniel training tips.

1. Be positive. Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behavior with lots of praise and delicious treats. Springer Spaniels are very sensitive to their owners and can easily detect disapproving tones, so a gentle but firm approach works best.

2. Engage in scent work. Use their hunting and retrieving instincts to your advantage by incorporating scent work, flyball, agility training, hide-and-seek, and fetch into their training routine. This will give both their brains and bodies a good workout!

3. Provide mental enrichment. Give them puzzle toys that require problem solving, or set up a DIY obstacle course in the yard using chairs, hula hoops, and cones. They’ll love the challenge, and it’ll help burn off some of their boundless energy too.

4. prioritize recall. One whiff of a scent or a glimpse of a bird and the Springer Spaniel is off, so it’s important they develop good recall. Use a long line, clear vocal commands, and high value treats such as this tiny pieces of a veterinarian-approved training reward, or a toy covered in a strong scent to lead them back to you.

5. Teach them the ‘drop’ command. Springers were born to flush out and retrieve prey, so they love carrying things around in their mouths. Make sure they learn this command so you’re able to get back your socks or slippers without any fuss!

6. Teach them to ‘wait’ before retrieving a ball. This will help them understand they need to obey you first before chasing after an interesting scent.

7. Be consistent. Springer Spaniels are an intelligent breed and learn quickly, so they’ll pick up bad habits just as fast as they can learn good ones. Consistency and ongoing training from a young age is essential.

8. socialize from the start. socialization is still crucial, even for the super friendly Springer. Expose them to new people, children, dogs, animals, smells, and situations from an early age to help them become calm and confident canines.

9. Be patient with their separation anxiety. While they should never be left alone for hours on end, you can help your Springer be more comfortable with their own company by gradually increasing the amount of time you're away from home. Start with small increments (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and make sure they have a toy or puzzle to keep them busy.

How much grooming do Springer Spaniels need?

The English Springer Spaniel has a apartment double coat that’s waterproof, weatherproof, and thornproof, and it needs a fair bit of grooming. They shed moderately throughout the year and need regular brushing to keep their coat healthy. Here are some tips to help you learn how to groom a Springer Spaniel.

• Use a metal dog comb followed by a slicker brush several times a week to keep their coats shiny and tangle-free. Brush daily during shedding seasons.

• Their ears, legs, chest and belly have feathering, which protects them from scratches when running through fields. Make sure to brush these areas after a walk to remove any debris and prevent matting. Remember to check their paw pads too as they might have trodden on something nasty.

• Check their ears for signs of infection and Clean only as directed; use a soft cotton pad to gently wipe around the inner areas but don’t stick anything down their ear canal.

• Springer Spaniels are attracted to bodies of water, so bathe regularly using a dog-friendly shampoo (just not too regularly though, as this could disrupt the Ph balance of their skin and cause allergies to flare up.)

• Trim around the head, ears, neck, tail, and feet using rounded scissors.

• Trim their nails every month if they don’t wear them down naturally. It’s important you know what you’re doing when it comes to nail trimming, so learn from a professional or let the groomers take care of it.

• Some owners prefer their dog to be clipped by a professional groomer every 3 months, resulting in a short Springer Spaniel haircut. This groom will also include a nail trim and the opportunity for a groomer to spot anything that might need your veterinarian’s attention.

• Don’t forget their teeth and gums. Use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent stinky Spaniel breath.

• Use dental chews only as part of a veterinarian-approved oral-care plan; they do not replace brushing, examination or professional treatment.

The 3 main Springer Spaniel colors are black and white, liver and white, and tri-color. Any other colors such as red, lemon, or orange are not considered breed standard.

Health and Wellness

Properly looked after, loved and cared for, the English Springer Spaniel lifespan is between 11 and 15 years. However, like many beautiful purebreds, there are some specific health issues for Springer Spaniels.

Healthy Springer Spaniels should be seen by a veterinarian at least once a year, with senior dogs (seven years and older) needing more frequent visits. Monitor your dog regularly and ensure they’re getting what they need for a healthy and happy lifestyle.

Common English Springer Spaniel health concerns

Risk is not diagnosis. Family history, documented screening and a veterinarian's examination matter more than assuming every Springer will develop the same problem.

Hip and elbow dysplasia

Abnormal joint development can contribute to pain and arthritis. Limping, stiffness, reduced endurance or reluctance to jump deserves evaluation. Lean body condition and sensible conditioning support joints but cannot guarantee prevention of inherited dysplasia.

Eye disease

Progressive retinal atrophy and other inherited or acquired eye conditions occur in the breed. DNA testing for PRA crd4 or cord1 does not replace a specialist eye examination. Squinting, redness, cloudiness or sudden vision change needs prompt care.

Ear and skin disease

Long ears and frequent swimming can trap moisture, but odor or debris alone does not identify yeast, bacteria, parasites or allergy. Keep ears dry after water, inspect them and seek cytology-guided treatment for pain, discharge, redness or head shaking. Do not place leftover medication in an unexamined ear.

Neurologic and behavior change

Seizures, disorientation, sudden aggression or loss of learned behavior requires veterinary assessment. Do not diagnose sensationalized "rage syndrome" from an isolated incident. Pain, neurologic disease, fear, conflict and environment all need consideration, and safety management should begin immediately.

Phosphofructokinase deficiency

This inherited metabolic disorder can affect red blood cells and muscles. Ask breeders about DNA testing and verify results. Exercise intolerance, weakness, dark urine or collapse is not something to manage with a supplement at home.

Dental disease and masses

Daily brushing and veterinary dental assessment are important. Check the skin and mammary tissue during routine handling, but do not try to identify a lump by appearance. New, growing, ulcerated or painful masses need examination and often sampling.

Food and nutrition

Feed a complete and balanced diet for the correct life stage, then adjust calories from body condition, weight trend and activity. A field-bred adult working through hunting season may need a very different intake from a neutered companion, senior or puppy. Food volume alone cannot be compared because calorie density varies.

How much should an English Springer Spaniel eat?

Start with the food label and a veterinary calorie estimate, measure the whole day's amount and count training rewards, chews, table food and supplements. Divide meals in a schedule the individual tolerates. Avoid intense exercise immediately around a large meal and discuss bloat risk with the veterinarian.

Preventive habits that matter

• Keep body condition lean and record weight.
• Build running, swimming and sport conditioning gradually.
• Dry and inspect ears after water without over-cleaning.
• Use reward-based recall and secure leash or fenced exercise.
• Brush teeth and investigate oral pain or bad breath.
• Follow regional vaccine, heartworm, tick and parasite guidance.
• Never give human pain medication without veterinary direction.

Living Conditions

Take a look at the Springer Spaniel’s dream home.

Cost of ownership in the United States

Adoption and purchase fees vary, and price does not prove responsible breeding. Collect local quotes for veterinary care, training, grooming, insurance, boarding and emergency services.

Setup and first-year costs

Plan for a crate or safe room, bed, bowls, secure harness, six-foot leash, long line, identification, grooming tools, ear-care supplies approved by the veterinarian, toothbrush, enrichment and safe transport. Initial examinations, vaccines based on risk and spay or neuter decisions are individualized.

Ongoing and emergency costs

Budget for complete food, preventive care, parasite control, professional grooming if used, training, dental care, replacement equipment and pet care. Insurance or dedicated savings should account for orthopedic diagnostics, ear and skin disease, emergencies and specialist care, not just annual visits.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Get to know the English Springer Spaniel even more with these tidbits and tales about one of the most beloved field and family dogs!

• They get their name from the way they would ‘spring’ at game birds to drive them into the air for their handlers to shoot at.

• The Springer’s nose is not to be sniffed at! They’re famed for their incredible tracking skills, and are used as sniffer and detection dogs by the police, armed forces, and search and rescue teams.

• Ever wondered the difference between Cocker Spaniels vs Springer Spaniels? Well they actually used to be the same breed. They came from the same litters, but would be separated by size. Cockers were smaller and were used to hunt woodcock, while Springers were larger and were used to flush game birds.

• William Wallace, the commander of the Scottish army during the First War of Scottish Independence in the 13th century, had a Spaniel called Merlin that would have likely been developed into an English Springer Spaniel. Apparently this brave dog rode into the Battle of Stirling Bridge with Wallace in 1297.

• From swimming in the ocean to splashing in puddles, English Springer Spaniels love water. They may even try to dive into their water bowl! This isn’t an elegant breed, so expect muddy pawprints and have plenty of towels on standby.

• You can get Springer Spaniel cross breeds. The Springer Spaniel Labrador cross is called a Springador, the Springer Spaniel Poodle mix is called a Sproodle, and the Springer Spaniel Collie mix is called a Sprollie!

History and Origin

Records of Spaniels can be traced back as early as the 14th century, but their ancestry is likely a lot older. There are even some pieces of art and literature from 250 B.C that depict Spaniel type dogs! Their name suggests they came from Spain, but like with many old breeds, their origin story isn’t entirely clear. Apparently there was a Spaniel aboard the Mayflower that landed in America in 1620, but we don’t know how these adorable dog found themselves on British shores. However they got here though, we’re glad they did.

Prior to the 1800s in Britain, Spaniels were categorized into two types, Land and Water Spaniels. These Land Spaniels eventually evolved to have different jobs based on their size, and were named after their function. The smaller dogs were used to hunt woodcock, so would eventually be called the Cocker Spaniel. The larger littermates would ‘spring’ at gamebirds, causing them to fly into the air where a trained falcon or hawk would be waiting. This is how the English Springer Spaniel got its name. The birds of prey were replaced by guns in the 17th century, so Springers were also trained to retrieve the prey.

Although the Cocker and Springer had been widely recognized as separate breeds since 1893, the English Springer Spaniel was officially registered as a breed by the Kennel Club in 1903. That very same year, a liver and white Spaniel named Beechgrove Will was the first English Springer champion, proving these dogs can excel both in the field and the show ring.

Intelligent and hardworking with an affectionate, loving nature, it’s easy to see why they quickly became a beloved canine companion. Even though they’re mainly seen in the home environment these days, English Springer Spaniels are still highly sought after for employment! As well as being a favorite dog for gamekeepers, they’re also incredible sniffer dogs, working alongside police forces, emergency services, and search and rescue teams all over the world.

Choosing a puppy or adult dog

Meet adult relatives when possible and ask how dogs behave at home, around handling and when left. For a puppy, verify the registered identities of both parents and the actual health records rather than accepting "vet checked" or a commercial DNA panel as a substitute.

1. Verify hip, elbow and ophthalmologist results in the OFA database.
2. Ask for PRA crd4 or cord1 DNA results and discuss any additional tests used in the line.
3. Ask about ear disease, seizures, autoimmune disease, temperament and longevity in relatives.
4. Choose a breeder or rescue that asks questions, provides records and offers lifetime support.
5. Avoid sellers who guarantee health, market color as more important than welfare or will not identify the parents.
6. For an adult, obtain a medical and behavior history and arrange a careful transition plan.

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A workable weekly care rhythm

Balance aerobic work with recovery

Rotate brisk walks, sniffing, retrieving and skill practice rather than asking for maximum speed every day. Observe stride, enthusiasm and recovery. Sudden slowing, repeated stretching, limping or reluctance to rise is information, not laziness. Puppies need free exploration and short sessions instead of forced distance, while seniors may need more warm-up, traction and recovery.

Make recall a safety system

Practice indoors, then in fenced space and finally on a long line with controlled distractions. Reward reaching the handler, sometimes release the dog back to sniff and avoid calling only to end fun. No food reward creates a physical barrier, so use a leash around traffic, wildlife, livestock and unsafe water even when recall has been reliable elsewhere.

Teach calm independence

Build short absences while the dog is comfortable, using a safe area and predictable return. A camera can show whether the Springer rests or paces, vocalizes, drools and tries to escape. Increase time gradually; persistent distress needs a veterinarian and qualified reward-based behavior professional. Another pet or a puzzle does not automatically cure separation-related distress.

Groom from the skin outward

Run fingers through feathering after every brush to find tight tangles, burrs and skin irritation. Check between toes and under the ears after field work. Dry the ear flap and outer canal after swimming but do not push swabs or tools into the canal. Repeated infection needs diagnosis, not increasingly frequent cleaning.

Support an off switch

Place a bed away from household traffic and reward voluntary settling after needs are met. Constant ball throwing can build arousal and repetitive strain without teaching recovery. A predictable sequence of activity, food, toilet opportunity and uninterrupted rest helps a busy dog learn that nothing is required between sessions.

Prepare for travel and emergencies

Condition the dog to a secured crate or crash-tested restraint before a long trip. Carry identification, microchip details, current medications, vaccine records when required and contact information for a clinic near the destination. Use a leash before opening any vehicle door. For hikes and field days, pack water, check heat and surface conditions and know the fastest route back. A towel, first-aid supplies and a planned emergency contact are useful, but they do not replace veterinary care. After a demanding outing, recheck paws, nails, coat, ears, hydration and gait once the dog has cooled down.

U.S. health testing to verify

The American Kennel Club lists hip evaluation, elbow evaluation, ophthalmologist evaluation and PRA crd4 or cord1 DNA testing among recommended health tests for English Springer Spaniels. Ask for registered names and verify public results through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. A CHIC number means required results are public; it does not guarantee every result is normal or promise a healthy puppy.

Field and bench lines

Field-bred and bench or show-bred Springers share a breed identity but may differ in coat, build, hunting intensity and working style. The label does not replace assessment of the individual or the specific family line. Ask what older relatives actually do, how they settle indoors and what support the breeder provides.

Safe exercise and scent work

Use sniffing, retrieving, tracking and reward-based sport foundations to meet breed-typical interests. Build duration gradually, check paws and coat after cover and keep the dog out of unsafe water, thin ice and harmful algae. A long line attaches to a suitable harness, not a neck collar, and off-leash work belongs in a secure area until recall is reliable.

Swimming safety

Not every Springer is a strong or sensible swimmer. Check current, temperature, access and exit points, use a canine life jacket where appropriate and rinse and dry the coat and ears afterward. Vomiting, weakness, breathing change or collapse after water exposure is urgent.

Frequently asked questions

Are English Springer Spaniels good family dogs?

Many are, when the household can meet their exercise, training, grooming and companionship needs. Individual temperament and supervision still decide the fit.

How much exercise does a Springer need?

Healthy adults often need substantial daily movement and mental work, but there is no safe universal two-hour prescription. Adjust for age, fitness, weather and health.

Can a Springer live with cats?

Some can with careful introduction and management. Hunting ancestry means owners should never assume safety around cats, birds or small animals.

Do Springer Spaniels have rage syndrome?

Do not label an isolated aggressive event this way. Sudden or severe behavior change requires safety management and veterinary and qualified behavior assessment.

Trusted sources

• American Kennel Club: English Springer Spaniel
• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals: CHIC programs
• AVSAB: humane dog training position statement

This breed guide is educational. Individual medical, nutrition, exercise and behavior decisions belong with the dog's veterinarian and qualified care professionals.