A Comprehensive Guide to the English Springer Spaniel

Let's meet the English Springer Spaniel.

If you're looking for a friendly, active, and highly trainable family dog, the English Springer Spaniel is one of the UK's best-loved Gundog breeds.

This medium-sized Spaniel is known for its waggy tail, bright expression, and ‘always up for it’ attitude.

In this English Springer Spaniel guide, you'll learn about the breed's history, temperament, ideal home, appearance, grooming routine, health, diet, training, and socialisation, plus why choosing a reputable breeder matters.

History

The English Springer Spaniel's story begins in Britain's working-dog tradition.

For centuries, Spaniels were valued for their ability to push through thick cover and flush game birds into the open—this ‘springing’ behaviour is where the breed gets its name.

As sporting dogs became more specialised, Springers were developed for stamina, close teamwork with a handler, and a strong nose.

By the 19th century, Spaniels were commonly divided into Land Spaniels and Water Spaniels.

Today, Springers are still popular working dogs, but they're also beloved family pets and successful competitors in agility, obedience, scent work, and other dog sports.

Personality and Temperament

An English Springer Spaniel's temperament is typically affectionate, enthusiastic, and people-focused.

They're often happiest when they have a job to do—whether that's training, retrieving, sniffing games, or simply being involved in family life.

They tend to form close bonds and can be sensitive to harsh handling or prolonged isolation.

• Eager to please: Responds well to reward-based training and clear routines.

• High energy: Springers require daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay settled at home.

• Sociable: Many Springers enjoy meeting people and other dogs when well socialised.

• Sensitive: Does best with calm, consistent handling rather than harsh corrections.

• Strong instincts: May chase birds or follow scents, so recall training is essential.

  
  

Living with an English Springer Spaniel

Living with an English Springer Spaniel is rewarding, but it's a commitment.

That commitment includes enough exercise, training, and enrichment to keep the breed settled.

They do best in homes that can provide structure, activity, and companionship.

This breed is not usually content with a quick stroll around the block—most need a mix of brisk walks, off-lead time in safe areas, training, and enrichment.

• Children:

Springers are often gentle and playful with children, especially when raised together.

However, you must supervise interactions between the dog and the child.

Teach children how to interact respectfully (no ear pulling, no hugging tightly, no disturbing the dog while eating or resting).

• Other pets:

Many Springers live happily with other dogs.

With cats, success often depends on early introductions and management.

Because they were bred to flush and chase, some individuals may be overly interested in small pets (rabbits, guinea pigs, birds), so management and training are important.

• Ideal owner:

The ideal English Springer Spaniel owner is active, enjoys training, and can provide companionship.

This breed suits active individuals or families who can provide consistent routines, positive training, and plenty of time together—Not left alone for long hours.

Breed Overview

An English Springer Spaniel is an energetic, medium-sized breed with an athletic build and strong stamina.

They have long, feathered ears, expressive eyes, and a coat with feathering on the chest, belly, and legs.

• Size: Medium.

• Height (male): 48-56 cm

• Height (female): 46-51 cm

• Weight (male): 20-25 kg

• Build: Sporty and balanced, designed for stamina.

• Coat: Medium length, straight or slightly wavy with feathering.

• Coat Colours: Liver and white, black and white, sometimes with tan points.

• Sheds: Moderate but more in Spring and Autumn

• Grooming Needs: Medium to high, depending on the time of year and field work.

• Personality: Active, affectionate, attentive, intelligent, and loyal.

• Exercise Requirements: 2 hours per day, along with mental stimulation.

• Energy Level: Very high.

• Training Requirements: High.

• Tendency to Bark: Medium.

• Tendency to Dig: Medium.

• Tendency to Drool: Low

• Tendency to Snore: Medium.

• Social Attention Needs: Very high

• Accommodation: A rural or semi-rural home with a large enclosed garden.

• Ideal Owner: Outdoorsy, active people who let their dog get involved.

• Life Span: 12-15 years

• Royal Kennel Club (UK) Recognition: Gundog Group

• American Kennel Club (AKC) Recognition: Sporting Group

  
  

Grooming

English Springer Spaniel grooming is all about consistency.

Springers have a beautiful coat, but it needs regular care to prevent mats—especially around the ears, chest, belly, and feathering on the legs.

Brushing regularly keeps the coat clean and reduces shedding around the home.

A consistent routine also helps you spot skin issues, ticks, or lumps early.

• Brushing (how often + brushes):

Brush at least 3–4 times per week, and daily during heavy shedding or if your dog is very active outdoors.

Use a slicker brush to work through feathering and tangles, and a stainless-steel greyhound comb to check for knots close to the skin (especially behind the ears, under the collar, in the armpits, and on the backs of the legs).

A de-shedding tool can be used lightly during seasonal shedding, but avoid overdoing it on feathered areas.

• Bathing (how often + products):

Bathe your Springer Spaniel roughly every 4–8 weeks, or sooner if they get muddy or smelly.

Choose a gentle dog shampoo (oatmeal or sensitive-skin formulas are popular) and a dog conditioner to help keep feathering tangle-free.

Avoid human shampoos—they can dry out your dog's skin because the pH is different.

• Ear cleaning (how often + what to use and how):

Check ears weekly.

Many Springers benefit from weekly cleaning because their long ears can trap moisture.

To clean:

Lift the ear flap, apply cleaner into the ear canal.

Massage the base of your Springer's ear for 20–30 seconds, then let your dog shake.

Wipe away loosened debris.

Use a vet-approved dog ear cleaner and cotton pads or gauze.

Don't insert cotton buds inside the ear canal.

• Eye care (how often + what to use and how):

Check your dog's eyes several times a week.

For mild discharge, wipe with sterile saline or a dog-safe eye wipe.

Use a clean cotton pad for each eye and wipe from the inner corner outward.

If you see redness, squinting, thick discharge, or ongoing tearing, contact your vet.

• Paws and nails:

After walks, rinse and dry paws and check between the toes for grass seeds, grit, or irritation.

Trim nails every 2–4 weeks using dog nail clippers or a nail grinder.

Trim little and often to avoid the "Quick", and keep paws fur tidy to reduce matting and slipping.

• Dental care:

Brush teeth daily (or at least 3–4 times per week) using dog toothpaste and a soft dog toothbrush or finger brush.

Never use human toothpaste—many contain ingredients (like xylitol) that can be dangerous for dogs, and the foaming agents aren't meant to be swallowed.

Alternatives include vet-approved dental chews, dental water additives, and dental diets, but brushing remains the most effective option.

• Flea prevention:

Use a vet-recommended flea preventative such as a spot-on, a chewable tablet, or a collar.

Your vet can advise what's best for your dog's age and health.

At home, wash bedding regularly, vacuum carpets and sofas often, and empty the vacuum outside—this helps break the flea life cycle because many fleas live in the environment, not just on your dog.

Health: Common Issues

English Springer Spaniels are generally healthy and robust.

However, like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions.

Responsible breeding, good nutrition, appropriate exercise, and regular vet checks all help support long-term wellbeing.

• Ear infections:  Common due to long ears and trapped moisture.

• Hip dysplasia: Can affect comfort and mobility.

• Eye conditions: Some lines may have inherited eye problems.

• Skin allergies: May cause itching, redness, or recurrent infections.

• Weight gain: Extra weight can worsen joint strain—monitor body condition.

If you're considering a puppy, ask what health testing the parents have had (for example, hip scoring and eye testing where applicable) and request to see documentation.

Food and Diet

An English Springer Spaniel's diet should be complete and balanced for the dog's life stage (puppy, adult, and senior) and activity level.

Many do well on high-quality kibble, wet food, or a combination of both.

If feeding raw, ensure it's properly formulated and discuss it with your vet.

What matters most is nutritional completeness and suitability for your individual dog.

• Puppies: Usually 3–4 meals per day, gradually reducing as they mature.

• Adults: Usually 2 meals per day help maintain steady energy and support digestion.

• Portion control: Start with the food's guidelines, then adjust based on body condition and exercise.

• Treats: Keep treats modest and use them for training.

• Water: Fresh water available at all times.

  
  

Training an English Springer Spaniel

Springers are often a joy to train because they're smart and motivated, but their enthusiasm and nose can lead them into mischief if training is inconsistent.

Focus on reward-based methods: praise, treats, toys, and access to what they want (like sniffing) can all be powerful reinforcers.

• Start with foundations: Name response, recall, loose-lead walking, sit, down, stay, and ‘leave it’.

• Teach recall early: Practise on a long line and reward heavily; avoid calling your dog for things it dislikes.

• Build impulse control: ‘leave it ', ' wait ', and calm greetings.

• Train recall carefully: Practise on a long line, reward heavily, and avoid calling your dog for things it dislikes.

• Be Consistent: Everyone in the household should use the same rules and cues.

  
  

Socialising an English Springer Spaniel

Socialising an English Springer Spaniel should start as early as possible.

The goal is to create calm, positive experiences with people, dogs, places, and everyday sounds.

• Start from: 8 weeks (or as soon as your puppy comes home).

• Introduce new experiences: gradually and pair them with treats.

• Focus on calm exposure: Avoid overwhelming, busy environments at first.

• Continue through adolescence:  Confidence can dip during the teenage phase-keep practising.

• Consider a well-run puppy class: that supports training and controlled dog-to-dog exposure.

  
  

Why You Should Choose a Reputable Breeder

When buying a puppy, choosing a reputable breeder is one of the most important decisions you'll make.

Ethical breeders prioritise health, temperament, and early socialisation—reducing the risk of inherited problems and behavioural issues.

• Health testing: They can show proof of relevant health checks for both parents.

• Temperament: They breed from stable, friendly dogs, thoughtfully match puppies to homes and provide honest guidance

• Early socialisation: Puppies are raised with appropriate handling and exposure.

• Transparency: They offer ongoing support, welcome questions, provide contracts, and offer lifelong support.

• Welfare first: They won't sell puppies too young or through high-pressure sales, and will care about where their puppies go.

• And will take a dog back if needed.

Our Final Thoughts

The English Springer Spaniel is a joyful, loyal, and energetic companion with deep roots in the UK's working-dog history.

With the right exercise, training, grooming routine and family time, a Springer can be an outstanding pet for active homes.

If you're considering one, meet the breed, plan for daily enrichment, and choose a reputable breeder or rescue—your future Springer will thank you for it.