Is an English Springer Spaniel Right for You?
The English Springer Spaniel is an energetic and affectionate sporting dog that thrives on activity and close companionship with its people. Known for their intelligence and eagerness to work, Springers excel in hunting, obedience, and other dog sports. They are friendly, social dogs that generally get along well with families and other pets, but their high energy means they do best in homes where they receive plenty of exercise and mental engagement. For active owners who want a loyal, enthusiastic partner, the English Springer Spaniel can be a wonderful companion.
English Springer Spaniel — At a Glance
Temperament: Friendly, energetic, eager-to-please
Breed Type: Sporting / flushing dog
Height: 19–20 inches
Weight: 40–50 pounds
Lifespan: 12–14 years
Shedding: Moderate
Exercise Needs: High
Good for Families: Yes
Best for Owners: Active households
Origin: United Kingdom
Size: Medium
English Springer Spaniel History
Spaniel type dogs have a long history that dates back as early as 300 AD. The English physician John Caius documented the spaniel in his book, the Treatise of Englishe Dogs, published in 1576. In this comprehensive work, he described the spaniel’s functions and distinctive characteristics. Furthermore, prints and paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries depict dogs of similar type to today’s English Springer Spaniel.
“Cockers” and “Springers”
In the Late 19th Century and early 20th century, Cocker Spaniels and English Springer Spaniels were considered the same breed. The smaller dogs in a litter of Spaniels were often used to hunt woodcock and were termed “cockers” while the larger dogs were used to flush or spring game from the brush and were called “springers”. The Springer Spaniel breed was officially recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1902 and the American Kennel Club in 1910.
There are two Varieties of English Springer Spaniel.
The show bred variety of Springer Spaniel is bred will have a longer dark blanket coat and less coat ticking and are bred for the show ring, while the field variety will generally have a lighter coat and a flagged or docked tail and are bred for hunting. The AKC does not separate the two types, nor does the FCI.
English Springer Spaniel Closest DNA Relatives
In landmark research on modern dog breed development, the English Springer Spaniel has been shown to share the most DNA with an ancestor of the following breeds:
Field Spaniel
English Cocker Spaniel
American Cocker Spaniel
English Springer Spaniel vs Welsh Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel and the Welsh Springer Spaniel are considered different breeds. The Welsh variety is a bit heavier (55 pounds to 50 pounds) while the English Springer is slightly taller (20 inches to 19 inches). The Welsh Springer Spaniel is the older of the two breeds. In terms of temperament, they are friendly but generally a bit more aloof. The FCI standard states the coat colors of the English Springer Spaniel are: “Liver and white, black and white, or either of these colours with tan markings”. The Welsh Springer Spaniel has a coat that is: “Rich red and white only.“
English Springer Spaniel’s and Dog Show Titles
English Springer Spaniels are number three in wins at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. The breed has won 6 overall titles, behind the Wire Fox Terrier(15)
and the Scottish Terrier (8).
How Fast Can an English Springer Spaniel Run?
The AKC Conducts Dog Racing Trials each December in Orlando, FL. called the Fast CAT Invitational. This is a 100 yard race where dogs run individually chasing a lure. The average running speed by English Springer Spaniels is about 22.5 mph. The fastest recorded speed by a dog named MACH Maxie Girl 3 at 29.66 mph!
English Springer Spaniel Temperament
The CBARQ dog temperament research study, conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, is a giant study of over 300 dog breeds and 60,000 individual dogs. In this study, the English Springer Spaniel ranks 33 out of 124 breeds for attention seeking behaviors. They can get very jealous when their owner gives attention to other dogs/people. These dogs crave attention from their owners.
Are English Springer Spaniel’s Trainable?
In this same research, the English Springer Spaniel ranks very high (13 out of 124 breeds) in trainability. They show low levels of stubborn behaviors, follow commands willingly and are not distracted easily.
English Springer Spaniel Humor!
English Springer Spaniel Intelligence
In the landmark book entitled, “The Intelligence of Dogs”, professor Stanley Coren researched and documented the intelligence of over 130 different dog breeds. In his book, the English Springer Spaniel ranks 13th out of 138 breeds in working/obedience intelligence. Essentially this means they will learn new commands in 5 to 15 repetitions and obey first commands 85% of the time or better. This puts them in the “excellent working and obedience intelligence” category. In contrast, the least intelligent breeds will learn the same commands in 80-100 repetitions!
English Springer Spaniels Health and Lifespan
English Springer Spaniels have an average lifespan of 12-14 years. They are a hardy breed, but there are some health concerns to be aware of :
Hereditary Eye Disorders
PFK Deficiency
Springer Rage Syndrome
Check Your English Springer Spaniel Facts and take a fun ESS Quiz!
Facts about English Springer Spaniels-Final Thoughts
English Springer Spaniels are great dogs that have a unique combination of intelligence, energy, and gentleness. Their high energy levels make them ideal companions for active individuals and families who can provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Early socialization is key to ensuring they grow up to be well-rounded and friendly family pets. While their love of water may lead to some wet adventures, their gentle nature makes them great with children and other family members. It is important to note that English Springer Spaniels may be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time, so it is crucial to provide them with the attention and care they need. These dogs seek and require the attention of their owners. These highly intelligent dogs with boundless energy have a sweet temperament and generally make great family pets
