English Springer Spaniel: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care

English Springer Spaniel temperament

The AKC rates the English Springer Spaniel five out of five for affection with family and trainability, and four out of five for playfulness, energy, openness to strangers and getting along with other dogs. It describes Springers as lively and highly intelligent.

They are devoted companions. The AKC notes that a Springer wants to be with its family and that unwanted behaviors can result if one is regularly left alone for long periods. Expect a dog that follows you around and greets you as if you had been away for weeks. Interactive dog puzzle toys can keep a busy Springer occupied while you are in another room, though they do not replace company.

How big do English Springer Spaniels get?

The AKC lists male English Springer Spaniels at about 20 inches tall and 50 pounds, and females at about 19 inches and 40 pounds. They are medium-sized, compact sporting dogs with a medium-length double coat, feathering on the ears, chest and legs, and often liver and white or black and white markings.

Individual dogs vary around those figures, and the breed standard describes a balanced, athletic dog rather than a heavy one. Keep a Springer lean and fit; a visible waist and ribs you can feel easily under the coat are what to aim for.

Lifespan and common health issues

The AKC gives an English Springer Spaniel lifespan of 12 to 14 years and calls the breed generally healthy. Conditions sometimes seen, according to the AKC, include elbow and hip dysplasia and eye conditions. Recommended screening for breeding dogs is hip, elbow and eye evaluations and a DNA test for a form of progressive retinal atrophy.

VCA explains that progressive retinal atrophy usually shows first as night blindness, with a dog nervous in the dark or bumping into things in dim light. The AKC also advises checking a Springer's ears regularly for infection. Ask breeders for parent screening results, and see your vet for head shaking, ear odor, limping or changes in vision.

Exercise needs

The AKC says Springers enjoy outdoor activity and make great companions on long walks or hikes. With proper exercise they can live in a small house or apartment, but a large, fenced yard for play sessions is probably ideal, and daily exercise keeps them healthy and happy.

Retrieving, swimming and scent games all suit a dog bred to flush and fetch birds. Many Springers excel at hunt tests, agility, obedience and tracking. After woodland walks, check the coat and ears for burrs, seeds and ticks.

Grooming and shedding

The AKC recommends weekly brushing to remove dirt and loose hair and keep the coat free of mats, with a slicker brush or metal comb for tangles. Shedding is moderate, three out of five on the AKC scale. Our dog brushes and guide to dog brushes cover the options for a weekly routine.

Trimming tidies the feet, head, neck and under the tail; the AKC says owners can do this themselves or use a professional groomer. Trim nails regularly, brush the teeth often with a dog toothpaste, and dry the ears well after swimming.

Training an English Springer Spaniel

The AKC calls early socialization and puppy classes important and says continued training and gentle guidance are vital for this lively, intelligent breed. Springers are active, forward explorers, so the AKC advises staying in control at all times.

Reward-based training with food, play and retrieves works well. Build a strong recall and a reliable stop or sit at a distance, practice loose-leash walking early, and give the nose a job with find-it games so it is not always working for itself.

Are Springers good with kids and other pets?

The AKC rates the English Springer Spaniel three out of five with young children, reflecting their size and bounce more than their temperament. Many are gentle and patient family dogs, but an excited adolescent can knock over a toddler, so supervise and teach calm greetings.

With other dogs the AKC rating is four out of five, and most Springers enjoy canine company. Their bird-dog instincts mean pet birds and small animals need careful management and supervision.

What an English Springer Spaniel needs at home

Useful kit includes a slicker brush and metal comb, nail clippers, an ear cleaner your vet suggests, a well-fitted harness and leash, a long line for recall practice, a crate and a washable dog bed. Retrieving toys, balls and puzzle feeders keep a busy dog content.

A towel by the door helps with a dog that loves water and mud. Book a vet visit soon after bringing your Springer home and ask about ear care, eye checks and a safe exercise plan for a growing puppy.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.