With their cheerful personalities and gentle nature, it’s no wonder Springer Spaniels have become such a popular breed for many families. But do Springers truly make good pets? In our opinion, the answer is a resounding yes—when matched with the right owners. This high-energy sporting breed does have some unique considerations, but overall offers a devoted companionship that’s hard to beat. Read on as we dive into the key traits of Springer Spaniels, to help you decide if one could be your perfect pet.

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English Springer Spaniel temperament

The typical Springer Spaniel is known for having a gentle, friendly, and upbeat temperament. They form strong bonds with their families and eagerly participate in any activities involving their loved ones. Springers enjoy being constantly engaged—they are not meant to be relegated to the backyard. This breed wants to be immersed in family life.

Springer Spaniels do exceptionally well in homes with children when properly socialised. Their playful, patient nature often makes them ideal playmates for kids. They aim to please their owners and are highly affectionate. But do keep in mind that their high energy and excitability can be a bit much for very young children. There have also been reports of genetic aggression in the breed.

This breed does require regular mental and physical stimulation to prevent problem behaviours from developing. An under-exercised Springer can become highly destructive or hyperactive. Providing adequate outlets for their energy is key. But a stimulated Springer is a wonderfully loyal best friend. And if your household keeps up with their activity needs, Springers thrive as family dogs.

How much exercise does a Springer Spaniel need?

As an athletic breed originally bred for endurance in the field, the Springer Spaniel requires a significant amount of daily exercise. Young adult and adolescent Springers often need 45-60 minutes of vigorous activity per day, although of course this will vary between individuals. This can include everything from running on the beach to field work and agility courses. Adults over the age of two will need at least two hours of exercise daily, whether it’s a long walk or a series of high-energy fetch sessions.

In addition to physical exercise, Springers need mental stimulation through training, interactive toys, and opportunities to sniff, explore, and problem solve. A combination of both mental and physical exercise is ideal for this intelligent breed.

Without adequate outlets for their high energy, Springers might start exhibiting some behavioural issues like destructiveness, hyperactivity, and excessive barking. A commitment to providing daily exercise and enrichment is essential for owning this breed successfully. Those unable to meet their needs would do better with a less active breed.

Are Springer Spaniels easy to train?

Highly intelligent and eager to please, Springer Spaniels are natural superstars when it comes to training. In fact, they often come in at the top of the pack during obedience and agility training. Positive reinforcement techniques are strongly recommended, as Springers can shut down with excess harshness. This sensitive breed responds best to patient, rewarding training methods.

Their energetic nature does require firm guidance and structure during training sessions. But overlong repetitive drills will bore them quickly—variety and fun are key! Early socialisation and training are vital to prevent shyness or skittishness. Well-socialised Springers tend to be highly adaptable in public settings.

While eager to learn, their exuberance can pose some training challenges. Impulse control and manners should be priorities. But an owner willing to provide consistent, engaging training will find this breed highly trainable—and even competitive in canine sports. Their versatility allows them to excel in obedience, agility, tracking, and more.

How much grooming does a Springer Spaniel require?

The medium-length coat of the Springer Spaniel requires regular brushing and grooming. With moderate feathering, a Springer’s coat, ears, legs, and belly tend to be prone to mats if not brushed thoroughly a few times per week.

Many owners choose to have their Springer’s coat trimmed into a practical short cut for easy maintenance. Visits to a professional groomer every 6-8 weeks works well for many Springer families. Ears take a little extra TLC – these should be cleaned weekly to prevent infection.  

Do Springer Spaniels shed their hair?

Yes, with their medium-length, feathered coats, shedding is definitely a consideration with Springers. They are not excessive year-round shedders but do undergo seasonal shedding cycles each spring and fall when they blow out their undercoats. During these periods you can expect quite a bit of loose hair around your home which requires consistent cleaning and grooming to manage.

Outside of seasonal shedding, Springers shed a normal amount for a medium-coated breed. Some dogs will shed more than others based on factors like coat thickness, health, and genetics. Proper nutrition supports a healthier skin and coat. Daily brushing removes dead hair and distributes oils to keep the coat tidy between professional grooming visits. If shedding is a major concern, consider having your Springer’s coat trimmed short to reduce loose hair and time spent hoovering.

What is the ideal household for English Springer Spaniels?

Given their high activity needs, Springer Spaniels thrive best in active homes with substantial time to dedicate to exercise and training. Secure housing is a must, as their hunting instincts make many Springers likely to roam and chase. A safely fenced garden is ideal.

While adaptable, Springers appreciate living in homes with other pets and family members around much of the time—they are prone to separation anxiety when left alone for long periods. A predictable daily routine and sufficient companionship prevents problematic behaviours.

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Springers can adjust to living in a flat provided their exercise needs are amply met each day. Their moderate size makes them flexible. This breed should not live outdoors or in a kennel—they require human interaction and mental engagement. Multi-pet homes are great if proper socialisation is provided.

What is the cost of owning a Springer Spaniel?

Cost is an important consideration when deciding whether to care for any dog. Here are some key expenses you’ll need to budget for before welcoming a Springer Spaniel into your home. 

First, there is the initial cost of purchasing a Springer puppy from a licensed and ethical breeder. Adoption fees from a rescue group are another option. Next comes essential supplies like a lead, collar, food bowls, bed, and crate. You’ll also pay ongoing costs for items like premium dog food and regular treats.

You’ll need to factor in preventive healthcare like vaccinations and flea and worming tablets. It’s also a good idea to set aside contingency vet funds for any injuries or illnesses that crop up. Insurance is something worth considering to offset major medical costs down the road.

Since Springers have high grooming needs, add the cost of regular trips to a professional groomer unless you decide to trim, brush, and bathe your dog at home. This breed also thrives on training classes and formal obedience work, another expenditure to possibly consider. And when it comes to getaways, don’t forget the added expense of travel crates, hotel pet fees, and transportation.

What health problems are associated with Springer Spaniels?

Springer Spaniels are generally healthy dogs. Yet as with any breed, there are some common inherited health conditions to be aware of – particularly involving their joints, eyes, and ears. Understanding these potential issues helps you stay alert for early signs, provide preventative care, and get veterinary help promptly if needed. Here are four of the most prevalent issues seen in Springers:

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a genetically transmitted condition resulting in improperly formed hip joints. The hip socket does not fully surround and stabilise the upper thigh bone, causing instability, arthritis, and lameness. Mild cases may only cause stiffness or discomfort. But severe dysplasia can be disabling.

Signs of hip dysplasia usually begin between 6 months to 2 years old. Dogs may bunny-hop with their rear legs, have trouble standing up, or shift their weight frequently attempting to get comfortable. Treatment ranges from lifestyle modifications for minor cases to total hip replacement surgery for significant dysplasia. Selective breeding and health screening of parent dogs can reduce risk.

Elbow Dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia is very similar to hip dysplasia but affects the elbow joints instead. Multiple developmental abnormalities can contribute to elbow dysplasia, leading to loose cartilage and joint issues. This causes osteoarthritis and lameness over time.

Dogs with elbow dysplasia may be hesitant to play or exercise and seem stiff or sore, especially after resting. Diagnosis involves X-rays and ruling out other injuries. Mild cases can be managed with anti-inflammatory medication and rest. More severe cases often require surgery. As with hip dysplasia, selective breeding following genetic testing is important to reduce risks.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

PRA refers to a degenerative eye disease causing vision loss and blindness. It stems from gradual deterioration of the retina (the light-sensing part of the eye). PRA is a genetic disease that progresses as abnormal proteins build up in the retina, leading to photoreceptor death and vision loss.

Early signs in affected dogs include poor vision in dim light, dilated pupils, and optic nerve atrophy. Most dogs become night blind first, followed by loss of daytime vision. Breeding dogs should be eye screened annually. There is no treatment once PRA develops, but many dogs adapt well to vision loss using their other senses.

Ear Infections

The Springer’s floppy ears and hairy inner ear canal make them prone to developing ear infections. Moisture, wax, debris, and allergies in the ear can allow bacterial and yeast overgrowth leading to infection. Symptoms of an ear infection include head shaking, scratching, pain, and a bad smell coming from the ear.

Chronic or recurring ear infections should be looked at by a veterinary specialist. Treatment involves cleaning the ears, medication, and addressing any underlying factors. Regular at-home ear cleaning and drying after swimming can help prevent infection in Springers.

Paying attention to these symptoms and acting quickly when issues arise will serve to keep Springers happy and healthy.

How long do Springer Spaniels live?

The average life expectancy for a healthy Springer Spaniel is 12-15 years. Providing proper exercise, nutrition, veterinary care, and safety precautions can help ensure your Springer lives longer within this range.

Are Springer Spaniels good with children?

Yes, when properly socialised and supervised, Springer Spaniels tend to do very well with children. Their playful, friendly nature makes them ideal dog playmates for families with kids of young age. However, small children should never be left unsupervised with any dog, including the Springer.

A Springer’s high energy level can also be a bit much for toddlers and smaller children to handle. Another consideration is that Springers may instinctually exhibit behaviours like mouthing, nipping, and bumping when playing. Children need guidance on proper interactions to avoid over-exciting the dog. With preparation and supervision, families find great joy in raising Springers alongside kids and other dogs.

Are Springer Spaniels aggressive?

While some working field lines have retained more protective instincts, by nature Springer Spaniels are not usually aggressive dogs when bred responsibly and well socialised. Standard temperament testing should always be performed on parent dogs before breeding, as a genetic tendency towards aggression has been identified. Well-socialised Springers from stable lines are friendly with strangers and easy-going in public.

Their energetic nature means they’re quite bouncy dogs, which leads to jumping up and nipping when not properly trained. Correct training helps establish wanted behaviours. Occasional resource guarding of food or toys may need to be worked on as well. But overall, human-directed aggression is very rare with the Springer breed. Their loyal, gentle temperament makes them ideal family companions when given proper structure, training, and outlets for energy.

Can Springer Spaniels be left alone?

Springer Spaniels form extremely strong bonds with their people. More so than many other breeds, they truly crave constant human interaction and companionship. For this reason, Springers may develop separation anxiety when frequently left alone for long periods of time. Destructive behaviours like chewing, barking, pacing, or toileting in the house can indicate anxiety.

If you’ll be leaving your dog alone for six or more hours a day, the Springer may not be the ideal choice. Providing attention, exercise, proper confinement, and distraction items like food puzzles can help them better tolerate time by themselves.

Most important things to know before considering a Springer

In summary, before choosing a Springer Spaniel, prospective owners should be prepared for:

  • Very high exercise needs – at least 60 and ideally over 120 minutes daily
  • Requirement for substantial daily mental stimulation and enrichment
  • Greater grooming needs than short-haired breeds
  • Possibility of seasonal heavier shedding with their medium coat
  • Need for consistent training and structure
  • Tendency toward separation anxiety if left alone frequently
  • Strong desire to actively participate in all family happenings
  • Better suited for homes without very young children

So, do Springer Spaniels make good pets?

If you can provide consistent exercise, training, companionship, and care to this highly energetic breed, you’ll find the loyal Springer Spaniel to be an absolute joy. Their versatility and enthusiasm makes them a top choice for many active owners. We hope this overview has helped shed light on whether this distinct breed would be the right fit for your household. 

Further reading:

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