

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.
How the health grade is calculated
Sources for required breeding screenings. Jagdspaniel-Klub e.V. (JSpK)
Self-check
Answer 6 quick questions about your everyday life and see how well the English Springer Spaniel fits you — including an honest cost estimate per month, per year, and across the dog's lifetime.
At a glance
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Shoulder height
49–53 cm
Weight
18–25 kg
Practical
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 →Colors & coat
The coat colors that occur in the English Springer Spaniel — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Coat type
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.
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.
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.
| 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?
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.
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.
Lives for its family — the born family companion.
Extraordinarily patient and loving — a true family dog.
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
Can manage in the city, but only with very active owners.
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
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 "overoccupy" 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.
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 Hair everywhere, always — no white clothing survives. | Very heavy |
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
Solid, watch carefully
Health grade
In the English Springer Spaniel, breed-specific risks exist for hip dysplasia (HD), glaucoma, and severe hereditary diseases such as fucosidosis. The Jagdspaniel-Klub e.V. (JSpK) strictly requires examinations for breeding approval for hip dysplasia (HD) with the cut-off value HD A–C (where C may only be mated with A/B), an ophthalmological eye test for eye problems, as well as screenings for glaucoma and pectinate ligament dysplasia (PLD). A health-oriented breeder additionally tests breeding stock for fucosidosis and phosphofructokinase (PFK) deficiency and only mates carriers with proven free partners. Before buying a puppy, have the official results for HD, the eye examinations, and the DNA tests of both parents presented to you without gaps.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
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.
Responsible breeders test for HD, glaucoma, pectinate ligament dysplasia (PLD), and eye problems, and also test genetically for fucosidosis in order to consistently avoid severe hereditary diseases.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
Tier 1 reflects the tests Jagdspaniel-Klub e.V. (JSpK) actually mandates. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Club standard. Jagdspaniel-Klub e.V. (JSpK) requires these tests for breeding approval. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
A English Springer Spaniel costs around ~€180 per month (€100 – €340, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€5,030 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (13 years) it comes to about ~€31,370.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€180 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€180
In the first year
~€5,030
Across the dog's life
~€31,370
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €1,500 – €2,500
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.

Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative imageThe 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 (make it "spring") 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
In daily and family life, many owners describe the English Springer Spaniel as a very affectionate, cheerful and sociable companion. It is often called a proverbial "Velcro dog" that follows its people everywhere and loves to be in the middle of the action. Indoors, with enough to do, Springers are considered pleasantly calm and cuddly; they are patient with children and usually greet visitors and other dogs in a friendly or even exuberant way.
At the same time, owner reports highlight a downside of this close bond: many Springers find being alone hard, and it has to be built up very carefully and gradually from the start. Owners also stress that these dogs are very sensitive. They quickly become unsettled by a tense atmosphere or excessive harshness, which is why a harmonious, structured environment is key to their well-being.
Sources:sabinemiddelhaufeshundundnatur.nethaustierforum.chfield-spaniels.dedogforum.dezoomalia.de
When it comes to training and activities, owners regularly highlight the breed's great willingness to cooperate and strong desire to work (its "will to please"). Springers learn quickly, are very easy to motivate with food and praise, and are excellent at activities like dummy work, tracking or mantrailing. As flushing dogs, they naturally tend to stay closer to their handler on outings than far-ranging pointing breeds or scent hounds, which makes off-leash time easier.
Even so, experienced owners stress that the hunting and prey drive should never be underestimated. As soon as tracks or game scent beckon, their hunting instinct calls for consistent, forward-thinking anti-hunting training. Pressure or excessive strictness backfire, since the dogs then tend to get stubborn or shut down. The breed's well-known passion for any body of water, however muddy, also takes perseverance in daily training and with recall near water.
Sources:sabinemiddelhaufeshundundnatur.netmit-tier.dehaustierforum.chfield-spaniels.de
On health and care, owner reports focus mainly on the breed's characteristic drop ears and its coat. Owners almost universally report that the hairy, hanging ears are very prone to moisture and poor air circulation, and as a result to chronic ear infections. Regularly trimming the hair on the inside of the ears and constantly checking for dirt or foreign bodies such as grass awns are a fixed part of most owners' grooming routine.
Grooming effort is also often discussed in forums. Working lines are usually easier to care for, while the longer coat of show lines needs brushing several times a week and regular trimming, or it mats easily and soaks up dirt like a sponge. Owners also mention the big appetite of some Springers, which can quickly lead to weight gain as exercise drops off in old age, so feeding and condition need a watchful eye.
Sources:field-spaniels.dehaustierforum.chhundeliebe.bizreddit.com
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
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.
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.
English Springer Spaniel grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
The English Springer Spaniel can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
The English Springer Spaniel comes in these colors: Brown and white, Black and white, Tricolor, Roan.
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred English Springer Spaniel.