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Springer Spaniel dog breed

Discover what makes Springer Spaniels so special. Get up to speed on their needs in this guide.

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Springer Spaniel dog breed information and advice

Loving, playful and full of energy, the Springer Spaniel is a popular gun dog. When you welcome one into your home, you welcome a dog that loves spending time with the family, is well-behaved, eager to learn and gets along with everyone.

If you’re looking to buy a Springer Spaniel, or English Springer Spaniel as they’re also known, this dog breed guide is perfect for you. 

Discover everything you need to know from the Springer Spaniel temperament to their grooming, training and exercise needs. As well as some good go-to dog care tips and information about the Springer Spaniel lifespan.

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Springer Spaniel facts

Lifespan

12 – 14 years

How much

£650 – £1,500

Size

46 – 56 cm

Weight

18 – 25 kg

Colours

Liver & white, tricolour, orange & white, black & white, red & white, brown, golden, chocolate

Grooming

Every other day, depending on coat

Temperament

Affectionate, intelligent, energetic

Exercise

Two hours a day

Insurance for your Springer Spaniel

Even with the greatest care, your dog may need veterinary treatment at some point in its life. Accidents and health problems can happen to any dog and treatment may bring expensive vet bills.

Springer Spaniels are at risk of developing the following health conditions:

•    Hip dysplasia
•    Elbow dysplasia
•    Generalised progressive retinal atrophy (GPRA)
•    Retina dysplasia

Dog insurance for your Springer Spaniel can help you with the cost of consultations, medication and surgery if needed. The cost of insurance depends on the policy you choose and the level of cover you require.

How to care for a Springer Spaniel dog

When caring for a Springer Spaniel dog, you’ll need to consider their diet, exercise, grooming and training needs.

Feeding and nutrition

Beware, Springer Spaniel dogs are greedy and can easily become overweight. If you have your Springer from a pup, they only have small tummies, so feed them little about three to four times a day. As adults, they should be fed twice a day.

To help keep their waistline in check, it’s good to weigh out their dog food, following guidelines on the packet. You can also speak to your vet for advice.

Grooming

When it comes to grooming, Springer Spaniel dogs can be demanding and need a once-over with a brush two to three times a week – depending on their coat. This will help to remove any fur that is shedding and prevent matting. 

Don’t forget to brush and check their ears too. Because of their hairy ears Springer Spaniels are prone to ear infections, so you’ll need to regularly clean them carefully. A groomer or vet will be able to show you how to do this safely.

How often you need to bath your dog will depend on how dirty and smelly they are. In most cases, they only need bathing every six to eight weeks, but you’ll need to do it more often if your dog goes swimming – and they love water. You can bath them at home or take them to a groomer. They’ll also need a trim several times a year, so you could treat them to a doggy spa day every now and then.

Exercise

The Springer Spaniel temperament is playful, and they have an infectious energetic personality. This means they need around two hours of exercise a day. You could split these hours into multiple walks. 

Playing with your dog is also a great way to exercise them. They were bred as a gun dog, so are great at retrieving balls. The best thing about playing fetch is that you can encourage your dog to get lots of exercise, without having to take much time out of your day.

Springer Spaniels are water dogs, if there is water nearby, your Springer Spaniel will be the first to get in it. Swimming is a great form of exercise that is gentle on their joints. The downside is that you’ll have to live with that wet dog smell, or bath them regularly.

Training

Springer Spaniel dogs were originally bred to flush out and retrieve game. This means they’re an athletic breed that needs lots of physical and mental stimulation. This means that training Springer Spaniels is quite easy and they’ll be keen to please their owners as they lap up human attention. Typically, they will respond best to a treat-based training regime.

As a pup, house or toilet training will hopefully be picked up quickly. Just take them to a designated area after every meal, give them a cue to go and give them the time to do their business. Once done, give them their praise and you’ll find they’ll soon get the hang of it.

If you pick up an adult rescue Springer Spaniel, it can be difficult to house train them. Just give them the time and a little bit more patience and they’ll pick it up eventually.

Temperament and behaviour

The Springer Spaniel’s temperament is what makes them a loving and obedient breed. They’re keen to please their owner and will be on their best behaviour if you give them lots of attention.

So, is a Springer Spaniel right for you?

This affectionate breed is best suited for an active household. Their ideal day would involve going for a long walk, maybe a quick swim and then cuddling up on the sofa in the evening. If that sounds like your dream day, a Springer Spaniel will be your perfect companion.

How long do Springer Spaniel’s live?

The Springer Spaniel lifespan is 12 to 14 years. There are some health issues linked to this breed that may shorten their lifespan, but most conditions can be managed. With the right pet insurance, your dog can live a long and happy life.

Do Springer Spaniels shed?

The Springer Spaniel coat will shed all year, more so during Spring and Autumn. Grooming your dog weekly will help to remove some of the excess fur, but shedding can’t be prevented. Springers grow extra hair on the ears, chest and the rear of their legs. This fur will need to be brushed and trimmed regularly to stop it from matting.

How to train a Springer Spaniel

Springer Spaniels are popular as they’re obedient and easy to train. Springer Spaniel training is a great way to give them the mental and physical stimulation that they need. When training, positively reward your dog with a toy or treat to help them learn faster.

When do Springer Spaniels reach full size?

Most Springer Spaniels will be fully grown by 18 months, but their size can vary. You can expect them to reach 46 to 56 cm in height and 18 to 25 kg in weight. You will need to control their weight through diet and exercise as Springer Spaniels are greedy and can easily become overweight.

Frequently asked questions

Is a Springer Spaniel a good family dog?

The Springer Spaniel temperament is loving and energetic, so with the right set-up they can make brilliant family pets – just be sure that you can meet their high exercise requirements. They have a gentle nature and love going on adventures. 

Do Springer Spaniels bark a lot?

Springer Spaniels are not seen to be excessive barkers, but they could develop bad habits if their exercise and socialisation needs aren’t satisfied. They’re a friendly breed and may bark to communicate with dogs and humans.

What issues do Springer Spaniels have?

Springer Spaniels can live long happy lives with the right owners and the correct environment to thrive. As a breed, there are some health conditions to be aware of. These include elbow and hip displasia, GPRA and retina dysplasia.