English Springer Spaniel Full Grown: History, Temperament, and Training

The English Springer Spaniel is a beloved breed with a rich history dating back to the 16th century in England.

They were originally bred to "spring" game out of dens, hence their name.

Their friendly and outgoing personalities make them a great addition to many families.

English Springer Spaniels are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, which is a result of their breeding history.

They are highly social dogs that thrive on interaction and attention from their owners.

Their average weight is around 35-50 pounds, with males being slightly larger than females.

English Springer Spaniels are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, requiring only occasional brushing and nail trimming.

Expand your knowledge: Lancashire Heeler History

The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized dog with a compact build.

Their coat is moderately long with feathering on the legs and tail, and can be either short and wiry or long and thick depending on whether they're field-bred or bench-bred.

Field-bred dogs tend to have shorter, coarser coats than show-bred dogs.

Their ears are long and pendulous, especially in bench-bred dogs, and are often trimmed shorter in field-bred dogs to prevent snagging.

English Springer Spaniels have expressional eyes that are often soft brown in color and a 'happy' face, especially when alert and playful.

Expand your knowledge: Bench English Setter

The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized compact dog.

Its coat is moderately long with feathering on the legs and tail, and it's a well-proportioned, balanced dog with a gentle expression.

Field-bred dogs tend to have shorter, coarser coats than show-bred dogs.

Field-bred dogs are wiry and have more of a feral look than those bred for showing.

Show dogs have longer fur and more pendant ears, dewlaps and dangling flews.

The tail of a field-bred dog may be docked a few inches in comparison to the show dog.

Field-bred dogs are generally more agile and have less body fat than show-bred dogs.

The English Springer Spaniel is similar to the English Cocker Spaniel, but English Springers tend to have shorter, and higher-set ears than English Cockers.

The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized dog with a compact build, and its coat is moderately long with feathering on the legs and tail.

One of the most striking features of the breed is its ears, which are long and pendulous, often described as "spectacular." They're usually left long, but working dogs may have theirs trimmed shorter to prevent snagging.

The breed comes in a variety of colors, including black, liver, and white, with or without tan markings. Field-bred dogs tend to have shorter, coarser coats than show-bred dogs, and may shed less frequently.

A field-bred English Springer Spaniel has a wiry coat, more feral-looking features, and a docked tail, while a show-bred dog has a longer, silkier coat with more feathering and less freckles.

The breed's size can vary, with some being shorter and stockier, while others are leaner and rangier.

English Springer Spaniels typically range in size, with males being approximately 19 to 21 inches at the withers.

Males in the show dog line typically weigh between 40 to 60 pounds.

Females are generally smaller, measuring 18 to 20 inches at the withers.

Working types can be lighter in weight and finer in bone.

Males in the show dog line can weigh up to 60 pounds, while females usually top out at 55 pounds.

The UK Breed Standard specifies that males should be exactly 20 inches at the withers.

The English Springer Spaniel has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. By 1801, Sydenham Edwards explained in the Cynographia Britannica that the land spaniel should be split into two kinds, the Springing, Hawking Spaniel, or Starter; and the Cocking or Cocker Spaniel.

Originally, both cocker spaniels and springer spaniels were born in the same litters, serving as a hunting dog to flush game for hawks and other birds. The smaller cockers were used to hunt woodcock, while their larger littermates would "spring" the game into the air.

In 1902, the UK's Kennel Club made a distinction between the two 'Springer' types of spaniel, recognizing the English Springer Spaniel as an official breed.

Explore further: Game Bred American Pit Bull Terrier

The English Springer Spaniel's history dates back to the 16th century, with the first written records appearing in John Caius's book "The Treatise of Englishe Dogs" in 1576.

The breed was initially used for hunting, with smaller cocker spaniels hunting woodcock and their larger littermates flushing game into the air for trained falcons or hawks.

By 1801, Sydenham Edwards had already recognized the need to split the land spaniel into two kinds: the Springing, Hawking Spaniel, or Starter; and the Cocking or Cocker Spaniel.

The first recorded recognition of the breed was in 1902, when the English Kennel Club officially recognized the English Springer Spaniel breed, combining physical standards from the Spaniel Club of England and ability standards from the Sporting Spaniel Society.

In 1910, the American Kennel Club followed suit, recognizing the English Springer Spaniel breed.

The breed's popularity increased in Canada and North America in the 1920s, with the English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association (ESSFTA) becoming the breed's parent club in 1927.

Additional reading: American Kennel Club Lancashire Heeler

The English Springer Spaniel's name is a reflection of their hunting style. They get their name from their ability to flush and spring game from their hiding spots.

This unique skill earned them their name, and it's a crucial part of their hunting technique.

English Springer Spaniels are medium-sized dogs with a sturdy build and a gentle nature.

They typically weigh between 35-50 pounds and stand between 19-24 inches tall at the shoulder, making them a great size for families.

English Springer Spaniels are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, which make them excellent companions for people of all ages.

Their floppy ears and soulful eyes only add to their charm, making them a popular breed among dog lovers.

English Springer Spaniels are highly energetic dogs that require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy, with a daily need for at least an hour of physical activity.

They are also highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training, making them a joy to train and interact with.

English Springer Spaniels are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and ear infections.

With proper care and attention, English Springer Spaniels can live up to 12-14 years or more, making them a long-term companion for many families.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Healthy Bull Terrier

English Springer Spaniels are moderate shedders, so be prepared for some extra hair around the house.

They need a decent brush once a week, but this can increase if they've been out and about, running off lead in fields or parks.

Their coats can get wet and muddy in bad weather, so they might need a bath now and again, especially around the warmer months.

Regular nail trimming is also a must, as you'll know if you hear them click-clacking across the floor.

Daily outdoor activity time is a must, preferably with plenty of room to run, and they make great jogging companions and hiking buddies.

They'll also bond with you quickly and intensely, but be aware that they can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for more than a couple hours at a time.

Discover more: Why Are Labradors so Popular

English springer spaniels require daily outdoor activity time, preferably with plenty of room to run. They make great jogging companions and hiking buddies, and will play fetch until you're too tired to throw any more.

Both varieties of English springer spaniel bond with their humans quickly and intensely, which can result in separation anxiety if they're left alone for more than a couple hours at a time. This can lead to chewing or stress barking.

English springer spaniels can adapt well to a wide variety of homes, including apartments, as long as they get their daily run in. They're even known to thrive in apartments with regular exercise.

If left outside unattended for long periods of time, a bored springer can become a digger who might destroy your flower beds. They need regular interaction and attention to stay happy and healthy.

You might enjoy: When Is the Best Time to Breed a Dog

English Springer Spaniels are moderate shedders, so be prepared for some extra hair around the house.

Their grooming needs are pretty basic, requiring a brush-down twice a week to prevent matting and retain their beautiful coat.

If your Springer spends a lot of time outside, they'll need more frequent brushing to remove dirt and debris.

Bathing is also a consideration, especially during spring when they shed their thick undercoat. Aim for a bath every three months or so.

However, if your Springer gets into mud and dirt regularly, they may need to be bathed more often.

Trimming their nails is also essential to prevent clicking on the floor and potential discomfort.

English Springer Spaniels are highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training, making them a joy to teach and train.

Regular brushing also helps to remove twigs and small branches that can get lodged in their ears and near their rump and upper hind legs.

Don't forget to brush out their ears regularly to prevent clumping and matting, especially after a swim or water play.

You may also want to consider grooming your Springer a few times a year to keep their coat looking its best, especially during warmer months.

Their relatively short legs can make their belly hair prone to getting wet and muddy, so a bath may be necessary to keep them clean and comfortable.

Suggestion: Bernese Mountain Dog 6 Months

English Springer Spaniels require high-quality kibbles, with most needing between 1¾ and 2½ cups daily.

Their feeding needs depend on their activity level, so it's essential to consider how much they're exercising.

Consult your vet for personalized feeding advice, as they can provide tailored guidance.

For most kibble brands, you can follow the feeding instructions on the packaging to keep your Springer at a healthy weight.

Here's an interesting read: German Shorthaired Pointer Feeding Chart

English Springer Spaniels are prone to ear infections, so regular ear inspections and cleanings are a must to prevent inflammation.

English Springer Spaniels are at a higher risk for certain genetic health problems, and annual vet check-ups can help catch issues early while they're still treatable.

Ear infections are a common health issue for English Springer Spaniels, and owners should inspect and clean their ears regularly to prevent inflammation.

English Springer Spaniels are also at risk for obesity, which can create or exacerbate joint, back, or gastrointestinal problems, as well as trigger diabetes.

Here are some common health issues to watch out for in English Springer Spaniels:

English Springer Spaniels are also at risk for Phosphofructokinase deficiency (PFK), which can make pups anemic and prone to muscle pain.

Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help prevent obesity and other health issues in English Springer Spaniels.

English Springer Spaniels are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train.

Stick to a consistent training schedule, aiming for one daily session lasting between 10 and 15 minutes, and use positive reinforcement techniques to keep them engaged.

Their love for learning and working means they thrive in activities like agility coursework and hunting competitions, as long as they have a job to do.

As they grow and mature, English Springer Spaniels may form a strong bond with one person, so be prepared for them to spend more time with that individual.

Their friendly nature and tendency to alert bark as someone approaches the door make them excellent companions for families and individuals alike.

The English Springer Spaniel is a breed that's known for its intelligence and eagerness to please its owners. They're generally easy to train, especially with positive reinforcement and consistent schedules.

One daily training session of 10-15 minutes is a good starting point, and be sure to bring some treats to keep them engaged. With their high intelligence levels, they're smart enough to figure out what you want from them.

These dogs are also highly social and love being part of a pack, making them a great choice for families. However, they may bond more strongly with one person, so be prepared for that.

In terms of temperament, English Springer Spaniels are known for being placid, happy-go-lucky, and dedicated. They're generally great with children and other animals, but may have hunting instincts triggered by small animals.

To get the best from an English Springer Spaniel, make sure they get adequate exercise, such as walks at least twice a day, and ideally some time off lead. They respond well to training, especially when rewarded with treats, and will learn to recall and follow commands.

If this caught your attention, see: Yorkshire Terrier Treats

Here are some key skills to focus on:

Remember, proper socialization and training are key to mitigating any concerns about their hunting pedigree. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can help your English Springer Spaniel become a well-behaved and loyal companion.

Exercise is essential for the English Springer Spaniel's physical and mental well-being. They need a place to run around and roam, so a fenced-in yard is a must-have.

If your English Springer Spaniel doesn't have a yard, frequent trips to the dog park are necessary to meet their physical movement needs. You'll need to make these trips regularly to keep them happy and healthy.

Living an active lifestyle is crucial for this breed, with 1 to 2 hours of daily exercise being the ideal amount. This can be achieved through a combination of walks, runs, and playtime in the yard or dog park.

If you don't meet their daily exercise requirements, destructive boredom behaviors can easily develop. This is a common issue for English Springer Spaniels who don't get enough physical and mental stimulation.

Expand your knowledge: How Much Exercise Do Labrador Retrievers Need