English Springer Spaniel 101

Country of Origin: Great Britain

Height: Males 20 inches, females 19 inches

Weight: Males 50 pounds, females 40 pounds (18 kg)|40–50 pounds [UKC]

Coat: Double coat with medium-length, straight or wavy, weather-resistant outercoat; moderate feathering and short, soft, dense undercoat

Colors: Black and white, liver and white, tricolor (liver and white or black and white with tan markings), blue, or liver roan

Registries (With Group): AKC (Sporting); UKC (Gun Dog)

ORIGIN AND HISTORY

British flushing spaniels were often called “springing” spaniels because they were used to “spring” the game from cover. These dogs were separated by size—even those born in the same litter. The smallest were the Cockers, the medium-sized were the Fields, and the largest were the Springers. This variety of spaniel sizes led to much confusion—the same dog could be registered as a “field” one year and a “springer” the next as he grew in size. Eventually, in the late 1800s, the breeds were completely separated and a ban on interbreeding occurred. The English Springer Spaniel got his name in 1900 and was given official breed status in England in 1902; under the direction of the English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association (ESSFTA), the breed became established in the United States soon after.

Although they are considered the same breed, there are two types of English Springer today: the field variety and the show variety. The field type is bred to be a higher-energy working dog with more white coloring. The show type is stockier and flashier, with more liver or black coloring.

PERSONALITY PROFILE

The typical English Springer Spaniel is much like his cousin the English Cocker Spaniel—merry, affectionate, playful, and an all-around lovable dog. He is intelligent and even-tempered, a quick learner, and a respectful partner. He loves to swim and is attracted to water, whether it’s a lake or a mud puddle.

CARE REQUIREMENTS

Exercise: The more exercise the Springer gets, the better. Happy to accompany his people anywhere and everywhere, he will gladly get up from his bed to join in all family activities. Several brisk walks a day are necessary to keep him physically and mentally satisfied.

Grooming: The Springer’s fine coat needs regular brushing and attention. The feathering on his ears and extremities must be kept clean and free of knots and tangles. His ears should be inspected often for signs of infection.

Life Span: The average life span of the English Springer Spaniel is 12 to 14 years.

Training: Springers want to do what you ask, and they catch on fast to training. This athletic breed enjoys learning and can participate in sports like hunting, tracking, agility, obedience, flyball, freestyle, and anything else his owner might want to try.