English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is a dog breed carefully bred as a hunting breed whose goal was to flush prey. These dogs had to flush the game so that hunters can get a clear shot. These hunting dogs are extremely energetic so they are better suited for people that have a fenced yard where these dogs can explore and run around.
The English Springer Spaniel is an extremely affectionate breed that will do anything for its family. This breed was originally bred for hunting purposes, and they were extremely good at it. However, in the 1940s and 50s, breeders started special breeding programs for the working spaniels and the spaniels that were bred for their looks and show potential.
These two varieties are quite different these days, and even their looks slightly differ. The working bloodlines are known as field springer spaniels and are quicker and more agile than the show ring variety. The Show Springer Spaniels have a differently shaped muzzle, longer ears, and overall longer hair.
They are bred for their companionship and their showmanship.
This breed does not like to be left alone for long periods of time and can suffer from separation anxiety. They will also bark excessively when they get bored and anxious.
Height:
19-20 in (48 to 51 cm)
Weight:
40-50 lb (18-23 kg)
Origin:
Great Britain
Life Expectancy:
12-14 years
Dog Breed Characteristics
Grooming
English Springer Spaniel has a double coat medium in size. Their coat is weather and weatherproof. Weekly brushing is required to keep the coat healthy and without tangles.
English Springer Spaniel coat colors:
- Black or liver with white markings
- Blue or liver roan
- Tricolor: black-white or liver-white with tan markings
They will also need other basic care; brush their teeth at least three times a week. Check their ears for signs of infection and redness, and trim their nails if they don’t wear them down naturally.
Exercise
English Springer Spaniel dogs are medium active and they will need a proper amount of daily activities to be happy. Playing with his owner in the house, chasing the ball, or just long walks can all do the trick and keep this dog satisfied. If you provide him with enough daily activities you don’t have to worry that your dog will miss behaving.
Personality
English Springer Spaniel was bred for hunting, and because of that, they will need proper training if you want your dog to develop into a well-behaved dog. Also, their high prey drive can be a problem that you will need to take care of.
When training an English Springer Spaniel, make sure you use positive training methods. Never use fear, punishment, or pain because not only is it cruel, it can result in an overly shy or even aggressive dog. Be firm, fair, and consistent, but use only positive reinforcement!
These dogs are eager to do whatever their people ask of them. Involve as many treats as you can and keep the training sessions interesting.
Make training a fun and interesting experience, and you will start noticing good results pretty soon. Never use punishment as a training method; correct the dog’s unwanted behavior calmly and continue with the training. Negative training methods can result in shy or even aggressive dogs.
Kids
English Springer Spaniel is an excellent family dog that will get along with every family member, including children. Take note that kids need to be taught how to properly play and interact with a dog so English Springer Spaniel can enjoy their company.
If they are raised together from an early age, they will be playing parting, and they will enjoy spending time together.
Other animals
These dogs can get along well with other dogs and can enjoy their company. Generally, the English Springer Spaniel is a great pet to have if you already have other pets at home. They are extremely friendly and love having company, so your English Springer Spaniel won’t mind other pets.
He can however start chasing birds because of their hunting instincts but with the right socialization from the start they can be taught how to live with them.
Health problems
English Springer Spaniels are dogs with a life expectancy of 12-14 years. Like any other dog breed, they are prone to health problems that every (future) owner should be aware of. To ensure you'll get the healthiest possible dog, never buy a dog from a puppy mill breeder or a pet store.
English Springer Spaniels can suffer from
- Hip dysplasia - Genetic problem affecting hips resulting from an improperly formed hip joint.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy - Group of diseases that affect the retina and cause it to deteriorate over time.
- Ear infections - Especially for dogs that love water, you need to check their ears regularly for signs of infections or redness.
- Skin disorders
- Retinal dysplasia
To be sure that your dog will be healthy, always buy him from a responsible dog breeder who regularly tests their breeding dogs to secure that their puppies will be healthy as well.
English Springer Spaniel breeders
If you are thinking of getting one of these dogs make sure that you buy from a registered and reputable English Springer Spaniel breeder. When talking to a breeder, ask them what bloodline they are breeding and are their dogs working or companion type. This breed is very energetic and needs daily exercise to remain healthy and happy.
These dogs love having constant company, so try and make sure that you have enough time to spend with your dog and provide them with the necessary activities.
Buying a dog from a responsible breeder will cost you more money, but you can be sure that you will get a healthy puppy. When you bring your new puppy home, start with the training and socialization immediately. By doing so, you will end up with a well-behaved dog whom you can trust. Provide him with enough daily exercise for him to be happy.
If you are unsure whether this is the breed for you, check out this FREE GUIDE that will help you decide which dog breed is right for you.
SEARCH ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL BREEDERS
World Dog Finder team
Updated at31.08.2023.
Breed History
These dogs were used to flush game birds and small animals by driving them in the open so the hunters could capture them. Smaller dogs were used for hunting woodcock, and they were called cockers, and the larger dogs were used for flushing games, and they were called Springers.
Today there are still excellent hunting dogs as well as family companions.
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