English Springer Spaniel overview
Happy-go-lucky and usually great with families and other pets, the English Springer Spaniel temperament makes them one of the friendliest dogs around! They have a fun, bouncy and enthusiastic personality with seemingly endless energy. The English Springer Spaniel size is a medium dog, making them ideal for families and active households as they’re always looking for playtime or the next run. They get the ‘Spring’ in their name from their traditional role of flushing out gamebirds, but if you’ve ever taken a Springer for a walk you’ll see how well it suits them! Daily grooming, due to their double-layered coats, is needed, and the English Springer Spaniel life span is around 12 to 15 years. But, if you want heartwarming friendship coupled with brisk, bustling walks, then the English Springer Spaniel may be your perfect pet.
- Thinking about adopting an English Springer Spaniel? Check your local shelter first!
- English Springer Spaniel characteristics
- English Springer Spaniel’s grooming and hygiene needs
- An English Springer Spaniel’s behaviour and training needs
- An English Springer Spaniel’s mental and physical stimulation
- What do English Springer Spaniels like to do?
- An English Springer Spaniel’s nutritional requirements
- Are English Springer Spaniels a good family dog?
- English Springer Spaniel breeding and finding a responsible breeder
- Similar dog breeds
Thinking about adopting an English Springer Spaniel? Check your local shelter first!
The affectionate and cheerful English Springer Spaniel temperament can make them ideal for a home full of people, but sadly some end up in animal shelters as their owners are unable to meet their dog’s very energetic needs. Try contacting your local animal rescue charity before you search for a breeder, as there may be a loving dog just waiting to be adopted into their forever home. Mixed breed adults can make for a great alternative to buying a new puppy, and they’ll be fully health checked and all ready for rehoming.
Did you know: mixed-bred Springers can be just as wonderful as their pedigree counterparts? Thanks to a combination of different genetics, cross breeds often don’t suffer from the same breed-related health problems. Dog adoption can help you find your perfect pet pal, giving them another chance at happiness.
English Springer Spaniel characteristics: What makes them unique?
The famous English Springer Spaniel temperament is gentle and loving, with a big personality. They are energetic, intelligent, and eager to please, as well as frequently affectionate and gentle with children and most animals. Generally, the English Springer Spaniel’s size ranges from a medium to a larger stature, with a double-layered coat that needs regular maintenance. The coats come in a few variations, from black and white, black and liver (brown) and the tricolour.
Classed as a gundog breed, the ‘Spring’ in their name reflects the way they were taught to jump for game. They also come in two different types: show and working. Show types tend to be bigger and broader, whereas working dogs are usually leaner and shorter. Similar breeds include the Cocker Spaniel, Field Spaniel, and Welsh Springer Spaniel.
An English Springer Spaniel’s grooming and hygiene needs
English Springer Spaniels are charmed with a double-layered coat that both insulates and protects them. However, it’s prone to tangle, so you’ll need to brush them every day. Bathing them every 4-6 weeks will also help keep their coat shiny and silky. Always remember to thoroughly dry around their eyes, ears, and feathered areas, as trapped moisture can lead to infections. You may need to gently trim the fur on their paws, chest, and ears occasionally, as well as clean their teeth daily and clip their nails as required.
Grooming brings many benefits to your dog's skin and coat, and can support their overall wellbeing as well as build your bond together. However, we recommend a professional dog groom a few times a year as well.
An English Springer Spaniel’s behaviour and training needs
The English Springer Spaniel temperament is one of happiness, energy, and being social with people and most other mammals. Their eagerness to please, and history as working dogs, make them ideal candidates for dog training. Just remember to positively reinforce, keep sessions short and frequent (5-10 minutes), introduce them to pets and people early, and be consistent with commands and training techniques.
Despite their energetic and affectionate nature, some Springers can face behavioural challenges, including:
- Separation anxiety: gradually increase the time you’re away from them and distract them with toys.
- Excessive barking: teach them quiet commands and keep them engaged. They can get bored easily!
- Aggression: some Springers can demonstrate aggressive behaviour if they aren’t social. Early socialisation with other pets and people is key to prevention.
- Hyperactivity: keep dog training calm and controlled so as not to overstimulate them.
- Lack of listening: their ancestral hunting traits can mean they run off. Combat this with proper recall training, using toys or small and tasty dog treats for positive reinforcement.
An English Springer Spaniel’s mental and physical stimulation
Due to the English Springer Spaniel’s size, build, and history as a gundog, they need an active lifestyle to stay happy and healthy. Their instinct is to run, chase, jump, and play with absolutely everything, which means they can need up to 2 hours of exercise a day. That could be in your garden (make sure it’s fenced all the way round to avoid escape attempts), in the park, or in the stream - Springers love the water and are great swimmers - which is also beneficial for their joints.
You’ll need to be certain you can cope with that level of activity, as a lack of mental and physical stimulation can lead to health problems and behavioural issues. As with all dogs, if their daily needs aren’t met, they can bark too much, and become destructive, hyperactive, disobedient or overweight.
What do English Springer Spaniels like to do?
Springer spaniels love to be active! Whether it’s running, swimming, playing, or any type of agility training with you, they love to get out and about. Spaniels adore exercise so much that we’ve put together some of the best agility training for dogs.
An English Springer Spaniel’s nutritional requirements
English Springers have seemingly endless energy, so they’ll need a healthy diet packed with essential nutrients. Complete and balanced dog food, tailored to the age and lifestyle of your dog, will provide all the nutrients they need in the correct ratios to support their health and vitality for the entirety of your English Springer Spaniel’s life span. If you have a fussy dog or a selective feeder, a great way to boost their health is to supplement their diet with dog multivitamins.
Some people ask “Can dogs drink milk?” and the simplest and safest answer is no, as dogs are lactose intolerant, so drinking it may lead to digestive issues. Always supply fresh, clean water for your dog to drink.
Are English Springer Spaniels a good family dog?
A Springer Spaniel's fun-loving personality can make them one of the best family dogs around. The English Springer Spaniel’s size means they’re big enough to cuddle but small enough that they don’t take over, and a natural charm and bubbly character sees them bond well with all ages - especially if the house is an active one. However, essential early socialisation and regular physical and mental stimulation are vital, allowing them to burn off their extraordinary energy. By introducing them gradually, early on, to other pets and children, you can build a deep and loving bond which lasts throughout your English Springer Spaniel’s life span.
English Springer Spaniel breeding and finding a responsible breeder
Seeking a responsible and reputable breeder is hugely important, and it’s essential to do your research when finding a dog breeder. They prioritise the health, safety, and well-being of their dogs above all else, making sure the canines in their care are micro-chipped, well socialised, healthy and vet-checked. Ask your breeder to provide health certificates proving vaccination records, a clear bill of health, and screening results for any known conditions that could affect breeding animals. Look for a clean coat, eyes, ears, a healthy weight, and a dog which socialises well with other puppies.
English Springer Spaniels are happy and energetic and are full of life. They generally engage well with all pets (except birds) and people of all ages. If you’re looking for a Springer Spaniel, be sure to check our adoption page before you buy a newborn puppy, as your ideal dog could be waiting for a new home.
But if you’re looking for another breed, click through to our breed finder page.
