English Springer Spaniel
The benchmark flushing dog, athletic and eager with excellent nose
Origins & History
The English Springer Spaniel is one of the oldest sporting breeds, with origins tracing back to Spain in the 14th century. "Springer" refers to their historic role of "springing" (flushing) game for hunters using nets, falcons, or later, guns. They are the foundation breed from which many other spaniel breeds developed.
The Original Springing Spaniel
For centuries, all land spaniels were classified simply by size. Larger puppies in a litter were used for "springing" game and became Springers, while smaller puppies from the same litter were used for woodcock hunting and became Cockers. It wasn't until 1902 that the English Springer Spaniel was recognized as a distinct breed by The Kennel Club.
Development as a Breed
After formal recognition, English Springer Spaniels were developed primarily in Britain as all-around hunting dogs. They were prized for their ability to work closely with the gun, quartering through cover, flushing game within range, and retrieving downed birds. The breed's excellent nose, moderate size, and tireless enthusiasm made them ideal for driven shoots.
The breed came to North America in the 1920s and quickly gained popularity among hunters who appreciated their versatility. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1910, and they have remained one of the most popular sporting breeds ever since.
Field vs. Show Lines
Today, there is significant divergence between field-bred and show-bred English Springer Spaniels. Field dogs are bred for hunting ability—they tend to be smaller, have shorter coats, more energy, and stronger prey drive. Show dogs are bred to the conformation standard—they are typically larger, with more coat, and calmer temperaments.
For hunting purposes, field-bred dogs from proven working lines are strongly preferred. The divergence is significant enough that many consider them almost separate breeds in terms of working ability.
Physical Characteristics
Size & Structure
- Males: 20 inches, 45-50 lbs
- Females: 19 inches, 40-45 lbs
- Field dogs often smaller and lighter
- Compact, muscular build for endurance
- Deep chest, well-sprung ribs
Distinctive Features
- Expression: Alert, kindly, trusting
- Ears: Long, lobular, set at eye level
- Eyes: Medium size, oval, dark hazel or brown
- Tail: Docked or natural, carried horizontally
The Springer Coat
The English Springer Spaniel has a medium-length double coat that is flat or wavy, providing excellent protection in the field. Feathering is present on the ears, chest, legs, and belly, though field-bred dogs typically have less feathering than show dogs for easier maintenance.
Black & White
Classic coloring with or without tan markings
Liver & White
Brown and white with or without tan markings
Roan Patterns
Blue roan or liver roan with ticking
Field vs. Show Type
Field-bred Springers typically weigh 35-45 lbs with shorter, easier-to-maintain coats and intense, focused expressions. Show-bred Springers may weigh 45-55 lbs with more profuse coats and calmer expressions. If you want a hunting dog, choose a field-bred dog from working lines—the differences are substantial.
Temperament & Personality
The English Springer Spaniel is known for its friendly, eager-to-please temperament. They are happy, outgoing dogs that thrive on human companionship and activity. Field-bred dogs tend to have higher energy and more intense drive, while show-bred dogs are generally calmer.
Breed Strengths
- • Friendly and sociable with everyone
- • Eager to please and highly trainable
- • Excellent with children
- • Energetic and playful
- • Good with other dogs
- • Loyal and devoted to family
Considerations
- • High energy requires significant exercise
- • Field dogs can be intense and driven
- • May be too exuberant for small children
- • Can develop separation anxiety
- • Needs mental stimulation
- • Some lines have behavioral issues
The Springer Personality
Springers are classic "merry" spaniels—they approach life with enthusiasm and their tails rarely stop wagging. They are deeply bonded to their families and want to be involved in all activities. A bored Springer without adequate exercise and mental stimulation can become destructive.
Field-bred Springers have intense prey drive and can be almost obsessive about hunting. This makes them exceptional in the field but means they need significant outlets for their energy. They tend to mature more slowly and remain high-energy well into middle age.
Show-bred Springers tend to be calmer and make easier house pets, but they still need substantial exercise and activity. All Springers thrive with jobs to do, whether hunting, participating in dog sports, or simply having engaging daily activities.
Health Note: "Springer Rage"
Some Springers (particularly certain show lines) are affected by a condition called "Springer Rage Syndrome," characterized by sudden, unprovoked aggression. While rare, it's important to research breeding lines carefully. Reputable breeders do not breed dogs with aggressive tendencies.
Training Approach
English Springer Spaniels are highly trainable dogs that respond enthusiastically to positive training methods. Their desire to please makes them excellent students, though their energy and eagerness can sometimes override their focus. Field-bred dogs particularly benefit from structured training that channels their drive.
Training the Eager Springer
Springers want to please and are quick learners, but their enthusiasm can get ahead of them. The key is channeling their energy productively. Short, engaging sessions work better than long drills. Use their natural hunt drive as a reward—for field dogs, a chance to hunt is the ultimate motivation.
Training Essentials
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Early Socialization
Expose to many situations to build confidence
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Channel Energy
Use training and games to direct their enthusiasm
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Consistent Commands
Be clear and consistent; they aim to please
Field Training Focus
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Quartering Pattern
Teach systematic coverage within gun range
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Steadiness
Hup (sit) on flush is critical for safety
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Retrieve to Hand
Clean delivery of birds completes the job
Field Training Progression
Basic obedience and introduction to birds (8-16 weeks)
Quartering and flushing basics (4-8 months)
Steadiness to flush and shot (6-12 months)
Polished field work and advanced handling (12+ months)
Health & Wellness
The English Springer Spaniel is generally a healthy breed with a lifespan of 12-14 years. However, like all breeds, they are prone to certain hereditary conditions. Field-bred dogs from working lines tend to be quite robust, while some show lines have higher incidences of certain conditions.
Hip Dysplasia
A malformation of the hip joint that can cause arthritis and lameness. Responsible breeders screen all breeding stock with OFA or PennHIP evaluations.
Prevention: Only breed dogs with good or excellent hip scores
Elbow Dysplasia
Developmental abnormalities of the elbow joint that can cause lameness and arthritis. OFA elbow evaluation is recommended for all breeding stock.
Prevention: OFA elbow screening of breeding dogs
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
A degenerative eye disease leading to blindness. DNA testing is available for cord1-PRA and prcd-PRA found in Springers.
Prevention: DNA test breeding stock for PRA
Phosphofructokinase Deficiency (PFK)
A metabolic disorder affecting red blood cells and muscle cells. DNA testing is available and all breeding stock should be tested.
Prevention: DNA test breeding stock; never breed two carriers
Recommended Health Testing (ESSFTA)
- Hip evaluation (OFA or PennHIP)
- Elbow evaluation (OFA)
- Eye examination (CAER)
- PFK DNA test
- PRA DNA test (cord1 and prcd)
Ear Care
The Springer's long, pendulous ears are prone to ear infections, especially in dogs that spend time swimming or in wet conditions. Regular ear cleaning and inspection after field work can help prevent problems. Keep ear hair trimmed to improve air circulation.
Hunting Style & Abilities
The English Springer Spaniel is the benchmark flushing breed, and field-bred Springers are among the most accomplished bird dogs in the world. They combine excellent noses, tireless energy, and natural hunting instincts to excel in a variety of upland hunting situations.
The Springer Hunting Style
Springers work close to the gun, typically within 30-40 yards, quartering back and forth to thoroughly cover ground. When they locate game, they push in and flush the bird within gun range. Unlike pointing dogs, they do not stop—the "spring" in their name refers to their action of springing game into the air.
Quartering
A well-trained Springer works a systematic quartering pattern, covering ground efficiently while staying within gun range. They respond to whistle commands to change direction, ensuring no cover is missed.
Flushing
When scent is found, the Springer intensifies its search, pushes into cover, and flushes the bird. A steady Springer sits (hups) on flush until sent to retrieve, preventing dangerous situations and ensuring a controlled hunt.
Hunting Strengths
- Excellent nose and bird-finding ability
- Tireless energy in the field
- Excellent retrieving ability on land and water
- Natural drive to hunt cover
- Highly trainable and responsive
Ideal Hunting Situations
- Pheasant hunting in dense cover
- Ruffed grouse in thick woods
- Woodcock in bottomland cover
- Jump shooting ducks
Field Trial Success
English Springer Spaniels dominate spaniel field trials, where their speed, style, and bird-finding ability are showcased. Field-trial-bred Springers are exceptionally driven and make outstanding hunting dogs, though their intensity may be more than casual hunters need. Dogs from both field trial and hunting lines can make excellent hunting companions.
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
High Energy - Requires 1-2 hours of vigorous daily exercise
- • Field dogs need significant daily exercise
- • Love swimming and water activities
- • Retrieving games satisfy natural instincts
- • Long walks, hikes, and running
- • Excel at dog sports (agility, flyball)
Coat Care
Coat care needs vary between field and show dogs:
- • Brush 2-3 times weekly to prevent mats
- • Regular ear cleaning and inspection
- • Trim feathering for field dogs
- • Professional grooming for show dogs
- • Moderate shedding year-round
Living Requirements
Space
House with yard preferred. Field dogs especially need room to run.
Company
People-oriented; can develop separation anxiety if left alone too much.
Family
Excellent family dogs. Great with children and other pets.
The Busy Springer
Springers, especially field-bred dogs, need significant mental and physical stimulation. A bored Springer with too much energy will find ways to entertain themselves—often destructively. They thrive with active owners who can provide hunting opportunities, dog sports, or other engaging activities.
Finding Your English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is a popular breed with many breeders, but quality varies significantly. For hunting, it's essential to choose a field-bred dog from working lines. Show-bred dogs, while beautiful, typically lack the drive and instincts for serious hunting work.
Field vs. Show: A Critical Decision
If you want a hunting dog, you must choose a field-bred Springer from proven working lines. The divergence between field and show lines is so significant that they're essentially different breeds in terms of working ability. Look for:
- • Parents with hunting or field trial titles
- • Breeders who actively hunt their dogs
- • Dogs from proven working pedigrees
- • Puppies started on birds early
Finding a Field Breeder
- Contact the English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association
- Verify health testing on OFA database
- Ask to see parents hunt or watch field trial videos
- Look for breeders who hunt their own dogs
Questions to Ask
- What titles do the parents have?
- What health testing has been done?
- Can I see the parents work/hunt?
- Are puppies started on birds?
- What's the temperament of your dogs?
Rescue Organizations
Adult Springers sometimes need new homes, though field-bred dogs are rare in rescue:
- • English Springer Rescue America - National breed rescue
- • Regional Springer rescues - Many local rescue groups
- • Note: Most rescue Springers are show-bred or pet-bred
$1,500-$3,000
Typical puppy price from field-bred lines
3-12 months
Typical wait time for field-bred puppies
~26th
AKC breed popularity ranking
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