English Springer Spaniel Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The English Springer Spaniel is an enthusiastic, athletic gundog that springs game from cover. It is friendly, eager and tireless, and happiest when it has a job and a family to love.

Origins and appearance

The breed developed in England as a flushing spaniel, used to spring game for hunters or falcons. It is one of the oldest sporting breeds. Springers are medium-sized and athletic, with a long muzzle, long feathered ears and a medium-length, silky coat in liver and white or black and white, sometimes with tan. Working and show lines differ, with working dogs lighter and more driven.

Temperament

Springers are friendly, outgoing and affectionate. They crave attention and want to be with their family. They are bouncy and excitable. They get along with children and other dogs. They can have separation anxiety and become destructive when bored. Some lines have temperament problems, so choose breeders carefully.

Exercise

They need an hour or more of vigorous daily exercise. Working lines may need two hours. They enjoy swimming, fetch, running and field work, plus scent games. They are happiest with a task. A leash or secure space is needed, since they follow scents.

Training

They are intelligent and eager to please. Use positive methods and variety. Teach a reliable recall and a retrieve. Early socialization helps. Teach a settle cue. House training is generally easy.

Coat and grooming

The coat needs brushing several times a week, especially the feathering, and trimming every couple of months. See cocker spaniel grooming guide. Clean the ears weekly, trim nails and check for burrs and ticks. They shed moderately.

Health considerations

Topics include:

• Ear infections. See dog ear infections
• Hip dysplasia. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Eye conditions, such as progressive retinal atrophy
• Phosphofructokinase deficiency, an inherited enzyme disorder with a DNA test
• Skin allergies. See dog skin allergies
• Hypothyroidism
• Rage syndrome in rare cases

Living with an English Springer Spaniel

They suit active families with a yard. They need company and exercise. They may be mouthy and exuberant.

Behavior and daily management

A Springer needs a structured day. Provide exercise, retrieving, scent games and training. Teach calm behavior, and avoid long absences. Use secure fencing.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are bouncy and mouthy. Begin socialization, grooming and training. Provide chew toys. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for grooming, ear care, food and vet care. See dog vet cost guide.

Training notes

Springers thrive on work. Retrieval games, scent trails and short obedience sessions suit them. Teach an off switch, since many struggle to relax, and reward calm behavior indoors.

Seasons and travel

Springers tolerate cold well but need shade in heat. The coat collects burrs and water. They travel well.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include underexercising, skipping ear care, leaving the dog alone and choosing the wrong line for your lifestyle.

Questions to ask a breeder or rescue

Ask about hip, eye and DNA tests, and whether the lines are show or working, and the parents' temperaments.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Springer suits active families who want an energetic, affectionate gundog. It may not suit sedentary owners. For a smaller spaniel, see the English Cocker Spaniel.

Working lines versus show lines

The Springer family splits into field-bred and show-bred types, and they can feel like different breeds. Field lines are leaner, faster and often much more intense, with an endless appetite for retrieving and running. They suit hunters, canine sports enthusiasts and very active households. Show lines are usually heavier, with more coat, and generally mellower, though still energetic by most standards. Before choosing a puppy, ask honestly how much exercise you can give on a bad weather week, not just on holiday weekends.

Swimming and water safety

Many Springers love water, and a safe swim is excellent exercise. Choose clean, shallow entry points, avoid stagnant ponds with algae, and rinse and dry the ears afterwards to lower the risk of infection.

The takeaway

Springers are eager, energetic and loving, and they need exercise, training and company.