About the English Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized sporting dog, with a compact body and a docked tail. His coat is moderately long, with feathering on his legs, ears, chest and brisket. His pendulous ears, soft gentle expression, sturdy build and friendly wagging tail proclaim him unmistakably a member of the ancient family of Spaniels. He is above all a well-proportioned dog, free from exaggeration, nicely balanced in every part. His carriage is proud and upstanding, body deep, legs strong and muscular, with enough length to carry him with ease. Taken as a whole, the English Springer Spaniel suggests power, endurance and agility. He looks the part of a dog that can go, and keep going, under difficult hunting conditions. At his best, he is endowed with style, symmetry, balance and enthusiasm, and is every inch a sporting dog of distinct spaniel character, combining beauty and utility.

  • Temperament:  Friendly, Playful, Obedient
  • AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 27 of 196
  • Height: 20 inches (male), 19 inches (female)
  • Weight: 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female)
  • Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
  • Group: Sporting Group 

GENERAL APPEARANCE

The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized sporting dog, with a compact body and a docked tail. His coat is moderately long, with feathering on his legs, ears, chest and brisket. His pendulous ears, soft gentle expression, sturdy build and friendly wagging tail proclaim him unmistakably a member of the ancient family of Spaniels. He is above all a well-proportioned dog, free from exaggeration, nicely balanced in every part. His carriage is proud and upstanding, body deep, legs strong and muscular, with enough length to carry him with ease. Taken as a whole, the English Springer Spaniel suggests power, endurance and agility. He looks the part of a dog that can go, and keep going, under difficult hunting conditions. At his best, he is endowed with style, symmetry, balance and enthusiasm, and is every inch a sporting dog of distinct spaniel character, combining beauty and utility.

CARE

NUTRITION

Feed the Springer a high-quality dog food appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior) and activity level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Give table scraps sparingly, if at all, especially avoiding cooked bones and foods with overly high fat content. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet.

GROOMING

Weekly brushing will help to remove dirt and loose hair and keep the Springer’s coat healthy, shining, and free of mats. Any tangles can be worked out with a slicker brush or metal dog comb. The Springer can be trimmed by the owner or taken to a professional groomer for clipping and neatening-up of the coat, particularly the feet, the areas around the head and neck, and under the tail. As with all breeds, the nails should be trimmed regularly, as overly long nails can be painful to the dog and cause problems walking and running.

Grooming Frequency  –   Weekly Brushing

Shedding  –  Occasional

EXERCISE

While they are happiest living indoors with their human family, English Springer Spaniels enjoy outdoor activities and make great companions on long walks or hikes. With proper exercise the breed can be suitable for owners living in a small house or apartment, although a home having a large, fenced yard where the dog can run or engage in play-sessions with his people is probably ideal. Daily exercise will help keep the Springer healthy and happy. This can come in the form of long walks and play sessions. The breed also exercises mind and body by participating in obedience, tracking, agility, rally, and other activities that can be enjoyed by dog and owner.

Energy Level  –  Regular Exercise

TRAINING

Early socialization and puppy training classes are important and help to ensure that the Springer grows into a well-adjusted, well-mannered companion. Springers are lively and highly intelligent, and continued training and gentle guidance are vital. The owner should be sure to be in control at all times, because the Springer is an active and forward explorer of his environment. The Springer wants to be with his family, and undesirable behaviors can result if he is regularly left alone for long periods of time.

Trainability  –  Eager to Please

Temperament/Demeanor  –  Friendly

HEALTH

English Springer Spaniels are generally healthy dogs, but there are there are several health and genetic screening considerations specific to the breed. Conditions sometimes seen in the breed include elbow and hip dysplasia and eye conditions.  The Springer’s ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection, and the teeth should be brushed often, using a toothpaste designed for dogs.

Recommended Health Test from the National Breed Club:

  • Hip Evaluation
  • Elbow Evaluation
  • Ophthalmologist Evaluation
  • PRA Optigen DNA Test
  • PFK Disorder DNA Test

Information from American Kennel Club website (www.akc.org)