English Springer Spaniel
The Good
- Well-adapted to city apartment living
- Love children and treat them with care and protection
- Intelligent and excellent at training
- Very affectionate and obedient
- Welcome guests warmly
The Real
- Cannot tolerate being alone
- Active dogs requiring long walks and attention
- May hunt small animals
- Not guard dogs - too friendly
- Quite noisy, bark frequently
Gallery
Breed Overview
If you're looking for a dog that embodies the perfect balance of athleticism and affection, the English Springer Spaniel might just be your ideal mate. These medium-sized beauties are the ultimate "have your cake and eat it too" dogs - they're serious working athletes during the week and devoted couch companions come evening.
Originally bred as "springing" spaniels to flush game birds for hunters, these dogs have evolved into one of Australia's most beloved family companions. Standing around 50cm tall and weighing between 18-25kg, they're perfectly sized for most Australian homes, whether you're in a Sydney apartment or a sprawling Perth suburb.
What really sets Springers apart is their incredible versatility. They're equally happy accompanying you on weekend hikes through the Blue Mountains or settling in for a Netflix session after the kids go to bed. Their weather-resistant double coat handles Australia's varied climate reasonably well, though they'll appreciate a warm jumper during those chilly Melbourne winters.
These dogs are genuine people-pleasers with an almost human-like ability to read your mood. They'll greet you like a long-lost friend every single day, tail wagging with such enthusiasm you'd think you'd been gone for weeks instead of just popping to the shops. Fair warning though - they're not the type to be content with a quick walk around the block. These are dogs that need adventure, mental stimulation, and plenty of quality time with their favourite humans.
History
History
The English Springer Spaniel boasts one of the most fascinating origin stories in the dog world, with roots stretching back centuries across Europe. While there are competing theories about their ancestry - some suggesting Roman origins, others pointing to ancient Celtic migrations from Spain to Cornwall - what's certain is that these spaniels have been working alongside hunters for hundreds of years.
The name "spaniel" itself likely derives from the old French "espaigneul," meaning "Spanish," giving credence to the Celtic migration theory. The earliest written mentions of "springing spaniels" appear in 15th and 16th-century texts, though these early dogs bore little resemblance to today's refined breed.
The real transformation began in the 17th century when British hunters acquired flintlock rifles. Suddenly, the spaniel's role evolved from simply chasing game into the sophisticated "springing" technique - strategically flushing birds into flight for hunters to shoot. This revolutionary hunting method demanded smarter, more trainable dogs, leading to serious breeding programmes focused on developing the ideal hunting companion.
For centuries, what we now know as English Springer Spaniels and English Cocker Spaniels were actually considered the same breed, often born in the same litters. The larger puppies became "springers," while the smaller ones were designated "cockers" for woodcock hunting. It wasn't until 1902 that the English Kennel Club officially recognised them as separate breeds, establishing the foundation for the modern English Springer Spaniel we know and love today.
The breed was officially recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1910, and by 1924, the English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association was formed, cementing the breed's reputation as both exceptional working dogs and beloved family companions.
Traits & Characteristics
English Springer Spaniel characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
English Springer Spaniels are generally robust dogs with excellent longevity, typically living 12-14 years when properly cared for. However, like most purebreds, they do have some health considerations that Australian owners should be aware of.
The most common concern is ear infections, thanks to those gorgeous floppy ears that can trap moisture and reduce air circulation. In Australia's humid coastal areas like Brisbane and Darwin, this becomes particularly important. Regular ear cleaning with a quality canine ear cleaner and keeping ears dry after swimming at your local beach will help prevent problems.
Hip and elbow dysplasia can occur in the breed, where joints don't develop properly and may lead to arthritis later in life. Reputable Australian breeders should provide hip and elbow scoring certificates for parent dogs. Watch for signs like limping, abnormal gait, or reluctance to jump into the car after beach walks.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a genetic eye condition that can lead to blindness, typically appearing between 2-6 years of age. While relatively rare in Springers, responsible breeders offer DNA testing to screen for this condition. Early signs include night blindness and increased clumsiness during evening walks.
Some Springers may experience seizures, usually beginning before age five. While concerning, many cases can be managed effectively with veterinary treatment and medication.
The breed can also be prone to certain metabolic conditions and jaw muscle inflammation, though these are relatively uncommon. Regular vet check-ups, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying current with vaccinations will help ensure your Springer enjoys a long, healthy life exploring Australia's great outdoors with you.
Feeding an English Springer Spaniel properly is crucial for maintaining their athletic build and boundless energy levels. As active working dogs, they need high-quality, nutrient-dense food that can fuel their adventures, whether that's a morning jog along Bondi Beach or an afternoon exploring Melbourne's many dog parks.
Choose a premium dog food that meets life-stage requirements - puppy, adult, or senior formulations. Springer puppies should eat three times daily on a consistent schedule, while adults typically do well with two meals per day. The amount varies significantly based on your dog's age, weight, activity level, and lifestyle. A working dog spending weekends duck hunting will need considerably more calories than a suburban companion.
These dogs have a reputation for being food-motivated (some might say food-obsessed), which makes training easier but weight management crucial. Springers can easily become overweight if overfed, so resist those pleading eyes at the dinner table. Stick to measured portions and avoid table scraps, particularly during family BBQs when it's tempting to share.
For active Australian Springers, consider supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, especially important for dogs regularly swimming in surf or hiking rough terrain. Omega-3 supplements can also support joint health while keeping their beautiful coat lustrous and soft.
Always provide fresh water, particularly important during Australia's hot summers. After energetic play sessions or walks, allow your Springer to cool down before offering large amounts of water to prevent bloating.
Never feed chocolate, grapes, onions, or cooked bones - these can be toxic to dogs. If you're considering a raw or home-cooked diet, consult with an Australian veterinary nutritionist to ensure balanced nutrition.
English Springer Spaniels require moderate but consistent grooming to keep their beautiful, weather-resistant coats healthy and looking their best. Their medium-length, slightly wavy double coat is designed to protect them from the elements, but it does need regular attention to prevent matting and maintain that lustrous appearance.
Plan on brushing your Springer once or twice weekly using a quality slicker brush or metal comb. During seasonal shedding periods - typically spring and autumn in Australia - you might need to increase this to every other day. Pay special attention to areas prone to tangles: behind the ears, under the legs, and around the chest and hindquarters where the coat is longest.
Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks helps maintain their coat's shape and health. Many Australian groomers familiar with sporting breeds can trim the feet, tidy up the head and neck area, and neaten the coat under the tail. Some owners learn to do basic trimming themselves, which is perfectly acceptable for pet dogs.
Those gorgeous, feathery ears need special attention. Check them daily for dirt, debris, or signs of infection - particularly important after beach visits or bush walks. Clean regularly with a dog-specific ear cleaner, and consider tying the ears back during meals to keep them out of food bowls.
Bathe your Springer as needed, typically every 6-8 weeks or when they've had a particularly adventurous day exploring muddy creek beds. Use a quality dog shampoo to maintain the coat's natural oils and weather resistance.
Don't forget the basics: trim nails every 3-4 weeks (more frequently if they're not wearing down naturally on pavement), brush teeth several times weekly with dog-safe toothpaste, and check eyes regularly for any discharge or irritation.
English Springer Spaniels are absolutely brilliant students when it comes to training - they genuinely want to please you and have the intelligence to master complex commands quickly. Start early with puppy socialisation classes, as this foundation will serve you well throughout their lives, especially in Australia's dog-friendly culture where they'll encounter everything from busy markets to crowded beaches.
These dogs were bred to work all day, so they need substantial exercise to stay happy and well-behaved. A quick walk around the block won't cut it - think more along the lines of an hour of vigorous exercise daily, split between morning and evening sessions. They excel at activities like swimming (perfect for Australia's beach culture), hiking, agility, and retrieving games.
Mental stimulation is equally important. Puzzle toys, scent work, and training sessions help tire their active minds. Many Australian dog sports clubs offer activities perfect for Springers: tracking, rally, agility, and field trials. These activities channel their natural hunting instincts constructively.
Without adequate exercise and mental engagement, Springers can develop problematic behaviours like excessive barking (a consideration in suburban neighbourhoods), destructive chewing, or hyperactivity. They may also become escape artists, using their intelligence to find creative ways out of yards.
The breed responds best to positive reinforcement training methods. They're sensitive souls who don't respond well to harsh corrections but will work their hearts out for praise, treats, and play. Their food motivation makes them relatively easy to train, though you'll need to account for treats in their daily caloric intake.
Early socialisation is crucial for developing a well-rounded adult dog who can handle Australia's varied social situations, from crowded weekend markets to busy dog beaches.
Who is an ideal owner?
English Springer Spaniels thrive with owners who understand that these dogs are happiest when they're part of an active lifestyle. If you're someone who enjoys morning jogs, weekend hiking adventures, or regular trips to the beach, a Springer could be your perfect companion. They're particularly well-suited to Australian families who embrace the outdoor lifestyle our country offers.
These dogs are fantastic with children of all ages, showing remarkable patience and gentleness. They're natural playmates who can keep up with energetic kids during school holidays and settle down for quiet time when needed. However, their enthusiasm means they might accidentally knock over very small children during greetings, so supervision is wise.
Springers are ideal for people who work from home or have flexible schedules, as they don't cope well with being alone for extended periods. They're the type of dog that wants to be involved in your daily activities - whether that's helping with gardening, accompanying you to kid's sports training, or simply being your shadow around the house.
First-time dog owners often do well with Springers, provided they're committed to meeting their exercise and training needs. These dogs are forgiving of mistakes and eager to please, making the learning curve manageable for novice owners.
However, they're not suitable for everyone. If you're frequently away for long work hours, prefer a low-maintenance pet, or live in a small space without access to adequate exercise areas, consider other breeds. Springers also aren't ideal guard dogs - they're more likely to enthusiastically greet intruders than deter them.
Retirees who remain active often make excellent Springer owners, as do young professionals who enjoy running, cycling, or regular outdoor adventures.
Interesting facts about the English Springer Spaniel
Interesting Fact
The name "springer" comes from their historical hunting technique of "springing" game birds into flight for hunters to shoot, first officially used in 1902
English Springer Spaniels have been White House residents multiple times - President George H.W
Bush's dog Millie even wrote a bestselling children's book that made it into the Guinness Book of Records in 1990.
Interesting Fact
The breed standard was specifically designed to "foster the natural ability of the Springer while encouraging uniformity within the breed" when established in 1927
Interesting Fact
Acceptable coat colours are limited to black or liver with white, blue or liver roan, and tricolor - lemon, red, and orange colours are specifically prohibited to distinguish them from other spaniel breeds
FAQ
Springer Spaniels tend to bark when greeting strangers and might bark to communicate they want to play or to greet other dogs. They're not known for excessive barking, but this can develop if their exercise and socialisation needs aren't met. In Australian suburban settings, early training to manage their vocal enthusiasm is important for neighbourhood harmony.
Because they're very trainable, English Springer Spaniels excel at many activities! They were bred as hunting companions with excellent tracking and retrieving abilities, and they're known to be outstanding show dogs as well. Many Australian owners find them brilliant at dog sports like agility, obedience, and scent work.
The average English Springer Spaniel lifespan is 12-14 years, which is typical for medium-sized dogs. With proper care, regular vet check-ups, and a healthy lifestyle, many Springers in Australia enjoy long, active lives well into their senior years.
Absolutely! English Springer Spaniels are known as affectionate dogs who love being around their humans. You'll likely find yourself with a devoted couch companion who thinks they're a lap dog, regardless of their 20+ kilogram size.
Yes, Springers can adapt to apartment living in cities like Sydney or Melbourne, provided their exercise needs are met. They need at least an hour of vigorous daily exercise and mental stimulation. Access to dog parks, beaches, or hiking trails is essential for apartment-dwelling Springers.
Plan on brushing 1-2 times weekly, with professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. Their ears need daily checking and regular cleaning, especially important in Australia's humid coastal areas. They're moderate shedders year-round with heavier seasonal shedding periods.
Their strong hunting instincts mean they may chase birds, small mammals, or other wildlife during bush walks or beach visits. Early training and leash management are important, particularly in areas with native wildlife. Their excellent recall training is essential for off-leash adventures in Australia's great outdoors.