Discover Everything About English Springer Spaniel
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
English Springer Spaniel overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The English Springer Spaniel receives a grade of B. It is a largely robust breed; however, breed-specific concerns such as hip dysplasia (HD) and hereditary eye conditions must be monitored through consistent health testing. The serious neurological disorder fucosidosis can also be well-managed today thanks to modern genetic testing, which is why buyers should insist on seeing certified test results for both parents.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Height
49–53 cm
Weight
18–25 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,500 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Medium length, smooth or slightly wavy, with a dense undercoat
- Origin: Great Britain
Typical coat colors
- Black/White
- Liver/White
- or Tricolor
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a English Springer Spaniel, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the English Springer Spaniel right for you?
The English Springer Spaniel is a tireless, joyful Stöberhund (flushing dog)—bred to track and flush out game in dense brush. He combines a keen nose with an extreme 'will to please,' but in return, he demands genuine teamwork rather than just being a companion.
Perfect for you if:
- You are ready to incorporate daily dummy training, tracking, or scent games—this Stöberhund needs a real task for his nose, not just racking up miles.
- You enjoy being out in nature regardless of the weather and don't mind a dog that unerringly heads for every mud puddle and body of water.
- You are looking for a highly cooperative, people-oriented companion who will be closely integrated into daily family life.
- You enjoy positive but consistent training to channel his hunting passion into manageable paths from the very beginning.
Less ideal if:
- You expect him to walk past birds or game trails with indifference—he was bred specifically to flush them out.
- You have to leave him alone for long periods regularly; he bonds extremely closely with his people and withers without that connection.
- You are looking for a low-maintenance, clean apartment dog—his coat collects burrs, dirt, and moisture like a magnet.
- You prefer quiet, leisurely strolls and want a dog that relaxes on its own.
The real vibes check
An English Springer Spaniel is not a dog that just walks alongside you—he is a highly motivated work colleague in a mud-covered coat who views every walk as a joint project. If you give his nose and brain something to do, you will have the gentlest cuddle-buddy on the sofa in the evening. However, if you leave him unemployed, the cooperative partner quickly turns into an independent hunter who redecorates the bushes on his own.
Breed Profile
The English Springer Spaniel is an elegant, medium-sized dog with a harmoniously built body that conveys strength and endurance. Its head is well proportioned with a friendly expression, and it has long, feathered ears. The tail is often carried with a cheerful swing. The FCI classifies the English Springer Spaniel in Group 8, Section 2 (scouring dogs). There are two different lines within the breed: the show line, which is more commonly seen at dog shows and has a slightly more lush coat texture, and the working line, which is bred for hunting and is often more agile and leaner.
| Height | 49 - 53 cm (Female), 49 - 53 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 18 - 23 kg (Female), 20 - 25 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 14 years |
| Character | Active, friendly, intelligent |
| Coat | Medium length, smooth or slightly wavy, with a dense undercoat |
| Coat Color | Black/White, Liver/White, or Tricolor |
| Price | 1500 - 2500 € |
History
The English Springer Spaniel originated in Great Britain and is one of the oldest spaniel breeds. It was first mentioned in the 16th century and is probably descended from the same lineage as the Cocker Spaniel. The name "Springer" refers to his ability to scare game out of the thicket (“jump”) when hunting. It was originally used for small game hunting, where it was supposed to both track down and retrieve game. The breed was recognized as an independent breed by the English Kennel Club in 1902 and has since gained many followers worldwide.
The English Springer Spaniel was bred as a hunting dog for hunting birds and flushing out game.
Great Britain
1800
Character & Temperament
If you love an active lifestyle and are looking for a dog to accompany you on your adventures, the English Springer Spaniel could be your perfect companion. He is known for his friendly nature and tireless energy. It should be noted that there are differences between the working and show lines of this breed. While the show line is often quieter and has more fur, the working line brings with it immense energy and a more pronounced hunting instinct. The English Springer Spaniel is very people-oriented and loves spending time with his family. He is also a playful fellow who gets along great with children. His intellect and eagerness make him a quick learner, and he enjoys being challenged mentally and physically. Since he comes from a hunting line, he shows distinctive prey and hunting behavior. It's important to socialize him well and teach him early on how to express his instincts in a controlled manner, especially if you live in an environment with a lot of wildlife. When it comes to being alone, it should be noted that the English Springer Spaniel builds a close bond with its family and does not like to be left alone. Early training can help him get used to short periods of alone time, but long periods without company should be avoided. As for alertness, the English Springer Spaniel is alert and will likely bark if someone approaches the house, but it is typically not an aggressive guard dog. His friendliness towards people and his tendency to greet guests with wagging tails and calls to play make him a charming and loving companion. A special feature of the English Springer Spaniel is its talent for nose work. Although originally bred for hunting, he has also made a name for himself as a sniffer dog, particularly in areas such as drug detection.
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the English Springer Spaniel is so called because it was originally trained to jump in front of hunters while hunting and scare off game?
What Awaits You
The English Springer Spaniel is a passionate hunting dog. It is versatile and easy to train. However, there are always reports of aggressive behavior towards the owners. Dogs of this breed should therefore be in experienced hands who can train and exercise this breed appropriately.
Housing & Care
The English Springer Spaniel is an active dog that is best kept in a home with a garden. However, he can also adapt to living in an apartment if he gets enough exercise. The English Springer Spaniel is family friendly and usually gets along well with children. He can also get along with other pets, including cats, if he is trained to do so from an early age.
| Family Friendly Lives for its family — the born family companion. | Ideal family dog |
| Child Friendly Extraordinarily patient and loving — a true family dog. | Excellent with children |
| Dog Friendly Actively enjoys the company of other dogs. | Dog-friendly |
| City Friendly Can manage in the city, but only with very active owners. | Difficult in cities |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
The English Springer Spaniel is intelligent and docile, which makes training relatively easy. They love to work and play, so they are ideal for various dog sports such as agility, obedience or flyball. It is important to be careful not to "over-busy" the dog, otherwise he could become a "ball junkie." He should also learn to develop frustration tolerance and impulse control. Since this breed was originally bred for hunting, it is important to provide alternatives so that the dog can participate happily in social life and be compatible with it. Early training and socialization are crucial here. They bring a natural curiosity and energy, so it's important to exercise them both physically and mentally.
Nutrition & Care
English Springer Spaniels are active dogs that require a balanced diet to maintain their energy and health. High-quality dog food rich in proteins and healthy fats is recommended. It is also important to pay attention to weight as they may be prone to being overweight. In terms of grooming, the English Springer Spaniel has a medium-length coat with a dense undercoat. The coat should be brushed regularly to prevent matting and remove dead hair. The English Springer Spaniel does well in the colder months in Germany, thanks to its thick undercoat that keeps it warm. However, note that he sheds more heavily during the shedding phases.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Working-dog energy that needs burning off every single day. | High-drive |
| Shedding No or minimal hair loss — suitable for allergy sufferers. | No shedding |
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Solid, watch carefully
Health grade
The English Springer Spaniel receives a grade of B. It is a largely robust breed; however, breed-specific concerns such as hip dysplasia (HD) and hereditary eye conditions must be monitored through consistent health testing. The serious neurological disorder fucosidosis can also be well-managed today thanks to modern genetic testing, which is why buyers should insist on seeing certified test results for both parents.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
With joint-friendly rearing and regular eye check-ups, you can make a big difference, while serious hereditary diseases should be ruled out in advance by choosing the right breeder.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' hips, elbows, and eyes tested and use targeted genetic testing to prevent serious neurological and metabolic diseases in their lines.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Experiences with the English Springer Spaniel
Sabine K., Halterin aus Schleswig-Holstein (Hündin, seit 2021)
Unsere Hündin aus der Show-Linie ist der absolute Traum im Alltag, aber man darf sich von ihrem sanften 'Spanielblick' nicht täuschen lassen. Zuhause ist sie eine totale Klette und folgt mir auf Schritt und Tritt. Sie ist unglaublich verschmust, extrem menschenfreundlich und begrüßt jeden Besuch – egal ob Postbote oder bester Freund – überschwänglich mit wedelnder Rute. Ich kann sie sogar problemlos mit ins Büro nehmen, wo sie stundenlang ruhig auf ihrer Decke schläft.
Die Herausforderung liegt ganz klar draußen. Auch wenn die Show-Linie als ruhiger gilt, hat sie einen ernstzunehmenden Jagdtrieb. Sobald wir im Wald sind, ist ihre Nase nur noch am Boden und sie driftet gerne mal in ihre eigene Welt ab. Ein bisschen Sturheit bringt sie dabei auch mit. Man muss von Anfang an konsequent am Rückruf arbeiten und darf die Fellpflege nicht unterschätzen: In den langen Ohren und dem dichten Fell verfängt sich nach jedem Spaziergang gefühlt der halbe Wald.
Tobias M., Halter aus dem Schwarzwald (Rüde, seit 2018)
Ich habe einen aktiven Begleiter für lange Wanderungen gesucht und im Springer Spaniel gefunden. Aber unterschätzt niemals das Energielevel dieser Hunde! Mein Rüde hat eine schier unerschöpfliche Ausdauer. Wenn wir ihn nicht sowohl körperlich als auch geistig richtig auslasten, wird er zu Hause unruhig und fordert Aufmerksamkeit ein. Reines Spazierengehen reicht ihm nicht, wir machen viel Dummytraining und Fährtenarbeit, was ihm wegen seiner genialen Nase extrem liegt.
Sein Jagdtrieb war anfangs eine echte Baustelle. Er geht leidenschaftlich gerne auf Spur, und wir mussten monatelang hartes Antijagdtraining und Impulskontrolle üben, damit er heute in den meisten Gebieten frei laufen kann. Er ist kein Hund, der einfach so 'nebenher' läuft. Wer sich einen anschafft, muss bereit sein, viel Zeit in die Erziehung und Beschäftigung zu stecken.
Christian B., Jäger aus Oberbayern (Rüde, seit 2020)
Als Jäger führe ich einen English Springer Spaniel aus einer englischen Arbeitslinie (Field Trial) und kann nur betonen: Das ist ein völlig anderer Schlag Hund als die Show-Linie. Diese Hunde sind extrem passioniert, pfeilschnell und haben einen unbändigen Finderwillen beim Stöbern und Buschieren. Seine Leichtführigkeit und die exzellente Nase im Revier faszinieren mich jeden Tag aufs Neue.
Allerdings gehören diese Arbeitslinien meiner Meinung nach absolut nicht in reine Anfänger- oder Nichtjägerhände. Ohne eine echte, anspruchsvolle Aufgabe neigen diese Hunde schnell dazu, extrem hibbelig, nervös und unterfordert zu werden. Man muss diesen extremen Vorwärtsdrang und die Arbeitsfreude gezielt lenken können, sonst hat man im Alltag ein nervliches Wrack an der Leine.
sinngemäß aus echten Halterberichten
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Frequently asked questions about the English Springer Spaniel
Is a English Springer Spaniel the right dog for me?
The English Springer Spaniel is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a English Springer Spaniel live?
The average life expectancy of a English Springer Spaniel is 12-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a English Springer Spaniel need?
English Springer Spaniel grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a English Springer Spaniel good for families with children?
The English Springer Spaniel can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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