The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized sporting dog with a compact body and a docked tail. With their friendly expression, eager-to-please attitude, and athletic build, they excel as both hunting companions and family pets.
Origin
England
Life Span
12–14 years
Weight
18–23 kg
Height
48–51 cm
Exercise
high
Grooming
high
Shedding
high
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
The English Springer Spaniel's history dates back several centuries in England, where they were developed as hunting dogs to 'spring' game—flushing birds from cover so hunters could shoot them. The breed shares common ancestry with other spaniels, particularly the English Cocker Spaniel. In fact, until the early 20th century, Cocker and Springer Spaniels could be born in the same litter, with the larger puppies classified as Springers and smaller ones as Cockers. They were officially recognized as separate breeds in England in 1902 and by the American Kennel Club in 1910. Throughout the 20th century, the breed developed along two distinct lines: field-bred dogs optimized for hunting ability, and show-bred dogs with more emphasis on conformation and appearance. Today, these two types have quite different appearances and temperaments, though they remain the same breed. The English Springer Spaniel has consistently ranked among the more popular sporting breeds in the United States and United Kingdom, valued both for its working ability and its qualities as a family companion.
Liver and white English Springer Spaniel in the field
Black and white English Springer Spaniel showing the breed's athletic build
English Springer Spaniel puppy with characteristic gentle expression
Far from the Madding Crowd
2015Film adaptation of Thomas Hardy's novel featuring an English Springer Spaniel as a shepherd's dog.
Millie's Book
1990Book 'written' by Millie, President George H.W. Bush's Springer Spaniel, about life in the White House.
The term 'springer' comes from their hunting style—they 'spring' (flush) game birds from cover.
Prince William and Kate Middleton owned an English Springer Spaniel named Lupo, who was often featured in royal family photos.
They're the only spaniel breed that commonly has a natural bobtail, though most have docked tails in countries where docking is still permitted.
English Springer Spaniels have exceptional noses and are frequently used as detection dogs for explosives and narcotics.
There are significant differences between show-bred and field-bred Springer Spaniels in appearance and temperament, though they remain a single breed.
Purchase Price
800–2500 USD
Monthly Cost
~$110 USD
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