English Springer Spaniel
Updated January 7, 2025
English Springer Spaniel
Updated January 7, 2025
Loyal, energetic and playful, English Springer Spaniels are best for active pup parents who can not only provide early socialization and consistent training, but also keep up with this sporting dog's grooming needs (that gorgeous coat of theirs will often need a good brushing!).
Star Athlete, Loyal Sidekick, People-Pleaser
Male: 50 pounds
Female: 40 pounds
Male: 22 inches
Female: 19 inches
12 to 14 years
Black and White, Black White and Tan, Liver and White, Liver White and Tan, White and Liver, White and Black
English Springer Spaniels are gorgeous dogs who were born to be active from sun up to sun down. These fun-loving pups have energy to spare and will love every outdoor adventure you can throw their way. Hiking? Yes! Jogging? OMG, let’s go! Climbing Mt. Rainer? Um… You do know they don’t have opposable thumbs, right? Springers enjoy nothing more than hanging out with you, even if you’re just gardening or grilling. (The FOMO is real, folks). Happy to entertain kids of all ages with games of hide-and-go-seek or fetch, this dog is the sidekick you’ve been looking for.
English Springer Spaniel Characteristics
English Springer Spaniel Appearance
The English Springer Spaniel breed is a medium sporting dog with a compact body and athletic build. (Sporting dogs were bred to work with hunters.) They have a moderately long coat with feathering on their long, flappy ears, chest and hindquarters; and their tail (either docked or left long) wags merrily to greet you.

- Ears
Their ears are large drooping flaps that hang close to the side of their head, and help them collect scents while hunting.
- Eyes
Their eyes are medium-sized and oval in shape and can be dark hazel in liver (brown) and white dogs, and black or deep brown in black and white dogs.
- Nose
Depending on their coloring, the English Springer Spaniel has a black or liver nose.
- Coat Length
Thickly coated, Springers have long, rich double coats with feathering on the ears, chest and legs. Their outer coat is medium length and flat or wavy; their undercoat is short, soft and dense.
- Coat Color
Their coats come in a range of colors, including black or liver with white, blue or liver roan (an even mix of white and colored hairs) and tri-color (black or liver, white and tan).
- Tail
The AKC breed standard allows for the tail to be docked or undocked and may be trimmed or well-fringed with wavy feathering. Docking involves cutting a portion of the dog’s tail off when they are puppies. Veterinary groups along with many US states and countries have banned this procedure due to medical and behavioral reasons. If you are interested in this procedure, schedule a consultation with your veterinarian.
English Springer Spaniel Temperament
The English Springer Spaniel’s temperament is high-spirited and gregarious. They are very driven dogs. Bred to be out in the fields hunting with people, their philosophy is “the more, the merrier.” Springers love to please their people, which makes them very trainable.
Because they love their people so much, they need a home where someone will be with them for most of the day. (The separation anxiety is real.) If you’re not able to be with them, check them into doggy daycare or arrange for a neighbor or pet sitter to come by for playtime.
Speaking of playtime, Springer Spaniel dogs are very playful, making them great with older kids as long as they are properly socialized from an early age and the kids are taught how to properly interact with dogs. These pups are very active and may knock over toddlers and babies during play (so be sure to supervise play times!). Their super-friendly nature extends to other dogs, but not to cats. (They were bred to hunt and will give chase. )
These dogs are very intelligent and have an independent streak, so training needs to start early and be consistent. Their intelligence and independence make them better suited to someone who has experience with dogs, but they can be good for a new pup parent who is willing to commit to the necessary training. (Say goodbye to Saturdays off!)
These pups have a lot of energy and need both mental and physical stimulation. Always remember that a tired Springer is a well-mannered Springer. And if your pup isn’t getting the exercise and attention they need, they may resort to coming up with their own entertainment, and that’ll include chewing your shoes and digging in your yard.
How to Care for a English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel dog is a gorgeous but rather high-maintenance dog. Their double coats need to be tended to several times a week to keep them dog-show ready. And with their abundance of energy and smarts, you will need to spend lots of time every day training and exercising them. But, hey—that’s just more time to bond with this loveable dog.
Grooming
Training
Diet
Exercise
Environment
English Springer Spaniel Health
English Springer Spaniels have a lifespan of 12-14 years, although they are prone to several health problems. Some of these health issues may be avoided by working with a reputable breeder. Armed with knowledge and the advice of your vet, you can help your pup live the longest life possible.
- Elbow and Hip Dysplasia: These are developmental disorders where the elbow or hip joint is malformed. Over time, it results in wearing of the bone and osteoarthritis of the joint and is painful for your pup. Depending on the severity, treatments include medications, weight control or surgery.
- Canine Phosphofructokinase (PFK) Deficiency: This is a genetic disease that prevents the dog from transforming glucose into energy and causes exercise intolerance, muscle disease and eventually anemia. There is no cure for PFK, but it can be managed with blood transfusions as needed.
- Ear Infections: Often caused by allergies and water trapped in the ear from swimming or bathing, ear infections cause itching and inflammation. Your vet can prescribe medicated drops to resolve the infection. To help prevent ear infections, keep your pup’s ears dry.
- Retinal Dysplasia: Also known as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), retinal dysplasia is a degenerative disease that affects the photoreceptors of the eye, leading to gradual blindness. There is no cure for the condition, but a dog with retinal dysplasia can adjust to vision loss and still lead a happy life. There is also a genetic screening test so ask your breeder.
- Epilepsy: Seizures can occur in English Springer Spaniels and be hereditary. Epilepsy often first occurs at 6 months to 5 years of age and is generally treatable with daily medications.
English Springer Spaniel History
It’s likely the English Springer Spaniel finds their origins in Spain, but they’re mainly known as descendants of the English Spaniels of Norfolk or Shropshire in the mid-19th century. These hunting dogs accompanied hunters and flushed (or sprung) birds from the brush, earmarking them as “Springers.” Once upon a time, the English Cocker Spaniel and the English Springer Spaniel were the same breed. Larger pups of a litter were used as “springers,” and smaller pups were used for hunting woodcocks.
In 1902, Springer Spaniels were divided into two distinct breeds, the English Springer Spaniel and the Welsh Springer Spaniel, by the English Kennel Club. The American Kennel Club recognized the English Springer Spaniel in 1910; and today, the pup ranks No. 27 on the AKC’s popularity list.
Want to add an English Springer Spaniel to your family? You can find a list of reputable breeders on the AKC website. The average price for a puppy is $800-$2,000. But for that price, you’re likely getting a pup who’s been screened for health and temperament issues and may come with pedigree papers. If you’d like to adopt a pup, contact an English Springer Spaniel rescue or keep an eye out for the breed at your local animal shelter. You can also search Chewy’s database of adoptable dogs in your area.
FAQs
What is the difference between a Springer Spaniel and a Cocker Spaniel?
Do English Springer Spaniels shed?
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Expert input provided by Alex Smith, a trainer at the Positive Puppy Trainer.
Breed characteristic ratings provided by veterinarian Dr. Sarah J. Wooten, DVM, CVJ, a veterinarian at Sheep Draw Veterinary Hospital in Greeley, Colorado (who also provided expert input); dog trainer and behavior consultant Irith Bloom, CPDT-KSA, CBCC-KA, CDBC, owner of The Sophisticated Dog, LLC, in Los Angeles; and certified animal behavior consultant Amy Shojai, CABC, in Sherman, Texas.
The health content was medically reviewed by Chewy vets.