A sunny, sociable dog that loves being in the middle of family life. Springers are keen to please and quick to learn, which makes training a pleasure, and they are known for getting along with children and other household pets. They bring huge enthusiasm to anything active, whether that is a hike, a retrieve or a scent game, and then happily switch into an affectionate house dog once their energy has been used.4271
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for an English Springer Spaniel. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery 2 days
Bathevery month
HaircutTrim feathering and feet, or keep a short cutevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseAbout 120 minutes a dayevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
Coat and looks how to spot one
medium-length, close and weather-resistant with moderate feathering
The tallest and most athletic-looking of the British land spaniels: compact, strong and built for a full day's work. The outer coat lies close and straight (sometimes slightly wavy) over a weatherproof undercoat, with moderate feathering on the ears, chest, legs and belly. Field-bred springers usually have shorter coats and a lighter frame, while show-bred dogs carry more coat and longer ears.423
Coloursliver and whiteblack and whiteliver, white and tan (tricolour)black, white and tan (tricolour)predominantly white with liver or black markingsblue roanliver roan423
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. The Royal Kennel Club and PDSA both suggest more than two hours of exercise a day. Springers thrive on off-lead running in safe areas, swimming, retrieving, scentwork, agility and other jobs that use both body and brain. Field-bred lines tend to need the most.51
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush once or twice a week, paying attention to the ears and feathering, and check for burrs and seeds after country walks. A tidy-up trim about every three months keeps the coat neat. The breed does shed.51
Home where they are happiest
Suits town or country homes, but does best with a large, secure garden and easy access to open spaces for daily off-lead exercise.5
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete, balanced dog food suited to the dog's age and activity, portioned to keep an athletic shape. Hard-working field dogs may need more energy than family companions.1
Company who they like around
Loves company and likes to be included in family activities. Usually friendly with children and other pets, and happiest with an owner who can share an active lifestyle.12
The story where it all began
Spaniels were used for centuries to find game and drive it out of cover for nets, falcons or sighthounds, and the FCI standard describes the springer as the oldest of the sporting gundogs. For a long time springers and cockers were born in the same litters: the smaller pups worked woodcock and the bigger ones were used to 'spring' game into the air, which is where the name comes from. Once shooting over dogs became common, this flushing style became the springer's trademark. A key strain was kept by the Boughey family at Aqualate in Shropshire from around 1812, starting with a dog called Mop; their line was still producing field trial winners nearly a century later. The breed was also known for a time as the Norfolk Spaniel. The Kennel Club recognised the English Springer Spaniel as a separate breed in 1902, joining the show standard of the Spaniel Club with the working tests of the Sporting Spaniel Society. The first springer shown in the ring, Beechgrove Will, gained his championship by 1906, and the English Springer Spaniel Club was founded in 1921. The AKC recognised the breed in 1910. Over the twentieth century the breed developed into two quite different lines, one bred for field trials and one for the show ring, and both remain popular today.4583
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
The name 'springer' describes the job: these dogs 'spring' birds and rabbits out of cover so the hunter gets a clear chance.5
2
English Springer Spaniels have won Best in Show at Westminster six times, including back-to-back wins by Ch. Chinoe's Adamant James in 1971 and 1972.9
3
A springer named Buster received the PDSA Dickin Medal in December 2003 after finding a hidden weapons cache in southern Iraq while serving with the Duke of Wellington's Regiment.10
4
Millie, the springer owned by George and Barbara Bush, was the 'author' of Millie's Book, which reached No. 1 on the New York Times non-fiction bestseller list in 1990.11
5
The FCI standard calls the springer the highest on the leg and the raciest in build of all British land spaniels.4
6
Working and show springers have been bred almost entirely separately for more than 70 years, so the two types can look like different breeds.3
7
Thanks to their keen noses and drive, springers work as detection dogs for police and customs services in several countries, including the UK, Sweden, Finland and Canada.3
A day in the life told by an English Springer Spaniel
I wake the family with a wagging tail and a gentle nudge. Breakfast is a happy affair, then we head out for a romp in the park. I chase leaves, splash in puddles, and retrieve a stick until my legs are tired. After a good shake, we go home where I curl up on the sofa, watching the kids play. Later, a sniffy walk in the woods fills my nose with exciting scents. Back home, I lie by the fire, my tail thumping softly. Another perfect day.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
FCI
Standard No. 125, Group 8 (Retrievers, Flushing Dogs, Water Dogs), Section 2 (Flushing Dogs); definitive acceptance 29 Dec 1954; current standard published 28 Jul 2009; working trial required for international championship6
The Royal Kennel Club
Gundog Group, listed as Spaniel (English Springer); recognised as a separate breed in 19028
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my English Springer Spaniel, and at what times?
Feed your Springer at least two meals a day for an adult, or three to four smaller meals for a puppy, as their stomach empties within a few hours. Follow the food label for portion sizes and check with your vet to keep them in an athletic shape.113
What should an English Springer Spaniel eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A complete, balanced dog food suited to their age and activity level is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, as these are especially harmful to dogs.114
How often should I bathe an English Springer Spaniel?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath about every four weeks, but the ASPCA recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your Springer gets very dirty or has skin issues, using a dog-safe shampoo.15Pet Wiki plan
How often does an English Springer Spaniel need brushing?
Brush once or twice a week to keep their medium-length coat and feathering neat, and check for burrs after walks. Pet Wiki's plan suggests brushing every two days for best results, as the breed does shed.51Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim an English Springer Spaniel's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and ask your vet or a groomer to show you how if unsure.15Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does an English Springer Spaniel need?
Your Springer needs more than two hours of exercise daily, including off-lead running, swimming, or scent games. They thrive on activities that use both body and brain, so keep them busy and happy.51
How do I look after an English Springer Spaniel's teeth and ears?
Brush their teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, and check their floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Never push anything into the ear canal, and dry them gently after baths or swimming.15Pet Wiki plan
How long does an English Springer Spaniel live?
English Springer Spaniels typically live between 12 and 14 years. With good care, regular vet check-ups, and a healthy lifestyle, they can enjoy a long, happy life.351
Is an English Springer Spaniel good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are known for getting along well with children and other household pets. They are sunny and sociable, making them a wonderful family dog when properly socialized.4271
Can an English Springer Spaniel be left alone?
This breed loves company and is happiest when included in family activities. They can be left alone for short periods, but they may become unhappy if left for too long, so ensure they have plenty of attention and exercise.12
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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