Ringing in at #8 in our Top Dog Series, is the English Springer Spaniel! These loyal and loving dogs are the perfect addition for a family, but are they the breed for you?
Overview
The English Springer Spaniel is a playful, energetic working dog. They are intelligent and incredibly active. Tasked with ‘flushing’ game from ground in the field, commonly referred to as ‘springing’, hence their name! Due to the fact they are gun dogs, they are extremely receptive to training and very tolerant of other dogs and children making them a great family dog.
Since English Springer Spaniel are working dogs, they need a significant amount of daily exercise. They could run all day long due to their remarkably high stamina so they aren’t a great choice for full time workers. Though you can always find a Tailster carer to keep your English Springer Spaniel company whilst you’re at work!
Good to know
Average height: Females 43 – 48 cm, Males 46 – 51 cm
Average weight: Females 16 – 2okg, Males 23 – 25 kg
Lifespan: 10-14 years
Colours: According to the Kennel Club, the only recognised colours are black & white, black, white & tan, liver & white and liver, white & tan.
Pros
Intelligent: Springers are extremely intelligent and thrive on mental stimulation alongside physical exercise. They are very eager to please but you must remain consistent and it’s advisable to start from a young age to avoid destruction stemming from boredom!
Great family dogs: Springers are known for their friendly temperament and patience with children making them the perfect family dog.
Not big barkers: English Springer Spaniel are not known for their barking.
Water babies: If you want a proper nature loving dog, a Springer might be for you! English Springer Spaniel love nothing more than jumping into the water after a ball.
Cons
Health issues: English Springer Spaniel are prone to elbow dysplasia, otitis externa and canine hip dysplasia (CHD). They suffer from slightly more minor issues such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), phosphofructokinase deficiency and retinal dysplasia.
Tail docking: Since 2006, it has been illegal to dock an English Springer Spaniel’s tail, unless special permission has been granted by the right authorities. There is a heavy fine for anyone who has this cruel and unusual procedure carried out so it’s worth keeping in mind when viewing puppies.
Obsessive: Due to their working background, they have a tendency to become obsessive over balls, toys or other items. This needs to be managed from a young age.
Best suited to an outdoor lifestyle: Not necessarily a con, but it should be taken into consideration. This breed needs a lot of stimulation, both mental and physical so should not be the first choice for city dwellers.
Prone to separation anxiety: Due to their history of working the field with their owner, English Springer Spaniel thrive in human company. This can quickly turn into a bigger problem in th form of separation anxiety. Follow our step by step guide to help your dog if they suffer when they’re not with you.
Want to walk an English Springer Spaniel?
We have over 4000 English Springer Spaniel on Tailster so why not apply to be a carer? Check out some of our Tailster English Springer Spaniel below…
Fun facts
English Springer Spaniel were originally called Norfolk Spaniel.
Springer Spaniel and Cocker Spaniel used to be the same breed, simply different sizes. But they have been recognised as separate breeds since 17th Century.
Springers are often used in the police force due to their exceptional scenting ability and willingness to please!
Work full time but still want an English Springer Spaniel? Or maybe you’ve got a holiday coming up and no one to help with your new English Springer Spaniel? Click here to find out how Tailster can put you in contact with hundreds of pet carers in your local area, meaning that you can rest in the knowledge that your pets are being well looked after.