English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is the classic British gundog — bred for centuries to spring (flush) game birds from cover for waiting hunters or falconers.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
United Kingdom
Lifespan
12–14 years
Weight
18–25 kg (40–55 lbs)
Height
46–56 cm (18–22 in)
Exercise
60 to 90 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — active large-breed formula; working dogs have very high caloric needs
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The English Springer Spaniel is the classic British gundog — bred for centuries to spring (flush) game birds from cover for waiting hunters or falconers. One of the most athletic and trainable of all sporting breeds, the Springer excels in field work, hunt tests, agility, obedience, and increasingly in detection work. Like the Cocker Spaniel, show and working strains have diverged significantly — working Springers are leaner, higher-drive, and more intense; show Springers are heavier and more moderate. Both are beloved as family dogs, but working-strain Springers require extremely active, experienced owners.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
The English Springer is a medium-large, athletic dog with a strong, compact body built for endurance in the field. The coat is moderately long, flat or wavy, and weather-resistant, with feathering on the ears, chest, and legs. The classic liver and white or black and white colouration is elegant and distinctive. The eyes are oval, medium-sized, and deeply set, with a trusting, alert expression.
Grooming
High
Shedding
Moderate
Brushing
3-4x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-4-6-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
English Springers are enthusiastic, trainable, and genuinely happy dogs that thrive on work and close partnership with their handler. They are affectionate with family and typically good with children and other dogs. Working-strain Springers have an extraordinary drive that can be channelled into sport, work, or active outdoor pursuits but becomes destructive without adequate outlet. Show Springers are somewhat calmer and more suitable for active family life.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
4/5Attention Need
4/5Friendliness
5/5Playfulness
5/5Protectiveness
2/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
House-Small-Garden
Daily Exercise
60 to 90 min/day
Ideal Weather
0°C to 28°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
40%
Attention
40%
Playfulness
50%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
destructive chewing, excessive barking, pacing, mouthing objects, spinning
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Working Springers need 2+ hours of vigorous exercise daily. Show Springers need at least 1 hour. Both benefit enormously from activities that use their nose — scent work, tracking, retrieving. The coat requires professional grooming every 6–8 weeks and brushing 2–3 times weekly. Ear care is critical — pendulous ears make Springers highly susceptible to ear infections.
Nutrition Notes
Active sporting breed — calorie-dense food when working. Ear infections common (long pendulous ears). Omega-3 for coat and joint health. Joint supplements from age 3. PFK deficiency in some lines affects red blood cell metabolism.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
PFK (phosphofructokinase) deficiency — DNA test available. PRA — prcd-PRA DNA test. "Springer rage" documented in some show lines (similar to Cocker rage syndrome). Hip dysplasia. Ear infections are lifelong. Retinal dysplasia in some lines.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
1300 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
900 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Progressive retinal atrophy and hereditary cataracts occur. Hip and elbow dysplasia are significant concerns. Phosphofructokinase (PFK) deficiency is a metabolic disorder with a DNA test. "Springer Rage Syndrome" — a rare sudden onset aggression — has been documented in some show lines, though its prevalence is debated. Ear infections are common.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Working/field lines and show lines are effectively two distinct breeds in temperament and build. Field Springers are leaner, faster, higher drive. Show Springers heavier, calmer. UK: most popular gundog breed.
Purchase Price
$800 to $2,000
Adoption Fee
$100 to $400
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
English Springer Spaniels are the most widely used breed by UK police for drug and explosive detection — their drive, nose, and compact size make them ideal for search work.
Show and working English Springer Spaniels have diverged so significantly that experienced handlers can identify the strain at a glance — they are essentially two different types within one breed name.
The term "springer" refers to the breed's historical function — springing (flushing) game from cover before falconers or hunters.
