Dog breed · Sporting / Gundog
English Springer Spaniel
A hard-working flushing spaniel with boundless enthusiasm for fieldwork, water and family life.
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Breed characteristics
- Group
- Sporting / Gundog
- Origin
- England
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 18–25 kg (40–55 lb)
- Height
- 46–56 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Medium double coat with feathering
- Temperament
- EnthusiasticWillingTirelessAffectionate
History
One of the oldest British gundog types, separated from the Cocker by size in 1902.
Appearance
Medium, compact and feathered, in liver-and-white or black-and-white, often ticked.
Exercise and activity
Ninety minutes or more daily with retrieving and scent work.
Care and grooming
Brush twice weekly, trim feathering and clean ears after wet walks.
Health considerations
- Ear infections
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Phosphofructokinase deficiency
- Fucosidosis
Honest challenges
Before choosing a English Springer Spaniel
- Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
- Check your routine can support the activity described here: Ninety minutes or more daily with retrieving and scent work. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
- Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as Ear infections, Hip dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy, Phosphofructokinase deficiency, Fucosidosis), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime.
- Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- Dogs Trust — dog care, behaviour and welfare advice