English Springer Spaniel Dog Breed
- Size
- Medium
- Height
- Males – approximately 20 inches at the shoulders, Females – approximately 19 inches at the shoulders
- Weight
- Males – approximately 50 pounds, Females – approximately 40 pounds
- Coat
- Long
- Color
- Black or liver with white, blue or liver roan, or tricolor
- Energy
- Medium
- Activities
- Agility, Conformation, Field Trials, Hunting, Hunting Tests, Obedience
Originally born in the same litters as English Cocker Spaniels, the larger English Springer Spaniel was recognized as a distinct breed in 1902.
Temperament
An enthusiastic hunting companion used to flush game, the English Springer Spaniel is also a cheerful, affectionate and sociable family dog. Well-mannered and highly trainable, Springers love (and need) company, and get on well with both children and other animals.
This active, rugged breed needs exercise and enjoys family activities such as walks, fetching and swimming.
Characteristics
English Springer Spaniels are a sporting breed with a double coat, and long, luxurious ears. Their muscular bodies and smooth, efficient stride make them perfectly suited for long days of hunting fieldwork.
The Springer’s kind eyes convey the inherent trust of a breed born to work and live with humans.
Lifespan
12 to 14 years
Colors
The English Springer Spaniel’s coat is white in various combinations with black, tan and liver colors.
Shedding
English Springer Spaniels shed occasionally, but weekly brushing will help minimize this. The longer hair around the Springer’s head, neck and underside can tangle if not brushed or combed regularly.
Springers can also be trimmed to keep their coats neat, either by their owner or a professional groomer.
Health
The English Springer Spaniel is a healthy breed; however breeders need to watch for elbow and hip dysplasia, and eye conditions. To avoid infection, the Springer’s long ears should be checked regularly.
Best Dog Food for English Springer Spaniel Dogs & Puppies
English Springer Spaniels may benefit from an adult dog food for active dogs. For Springers who need help with weight management, consider a healthy weight formula.
English Springer Spaniel puppies should eat puppy food for their first year of life to aid in their growth and development.
History
The English Springer Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel and Field Spaniel didn’t start as three distinct breeds. Before the generations of careful and well-planned breeding that refined the breeds we know today, English land spaniels described as “cockers” or “springers” often arrived in the same litters.
The springer-type spaniel was first used by hunters to work on game birds—a reputation the English Springer Spaniel maintains to this day. These eager and intelligent gun dogs are prized for their ability to detect game, flush it, then point and retrieve the downed quarry.
Springers will do this tirelessly. When a long day in the field is done, they transform from determined hunting dogs into pleasant house pets, happy to be at home with family.
English Springers first gained fame in North America in the 1920s, when their talents as rugged yet stylish gundogs were recognized in America and Canada. The breed’s sensitive nose, trainability and hardiness have made it a mainstay in K-9 detection work.
Facts
- English Springer Spaniels were popular with presidents George Bush Sr. and George Bush Jr. The former owned a female named Millie and her puppy Ranger, and the latter owned another of Millie’s puppies named Spot.
- Oprah Winfrey and Princess Grace are two other famous Springer owners.