Springer Spaniel dog breed
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Springer Spaniel dog breed information and advice
Loving, playful and ever so cute, the Springer Spaniel is a breed that would melt any heart. When you welcome one into your home, you welcome a dog that loves spending time with the family, that’s well-behaved, eager to learn and gets along with everyone.
If you’re looking to buy a Springer Spaniel or English Springer Spaniel as they’re also known, this dog breed guide is perfect for you. It features all the Springer Spaniel dog facts you need including weight, colours and life expectancy. As well as some good go-to dog care tips.
Springer Spaniel facts
| Lifespan | 12 - 14 years |
| How much | £650 - £1500 |
| Size | 46 - 56 cm |
| Weight | 18 - 25 kg |
| Colours | liver & white, tricolour, orange & white, black & white, red & white, brown, golden, chocolate |
| Grooming | 2 - 3 times a week |
| Temperament | affectionate, intelligent, energetic |
| Exercise | 60 minutes |
Springer Spaniel insurance
Even with the greatest care, your dog may need veterinary treatment at some point in its life. Accidents and health problems can happen to any dog and treatment may come expensive vet bills. Dog insurance for your Springer Spaniel can help you with the cost of consultations, medication and surgery if needed. How much the dog insurance costs will depend on the type and level of cover that you choose to insure your Springer Spaniel.
Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance
Sainsbury's Bank Pet Insurance can protect your Springer Spaniel puppy from 8 weeks old up to any age. If you have an older dog, you can take out a new policy up to their 8th birthday.
Our pet insurance also includes 24/7 Vet Assistance with every pet policy. So you can rest easy knowing if you ever have any concerns about your pet, our trained vet nurses are on hand to answer any of your queries.
How to care for a Springer Spaniel dog
When caring for a Springer Spaniel dog, you’ll need to consider their diet, exercise, grooming and training needs.
Feeding and nutrition
Beware, Springer Spaniel dogs are greedy and can easily become overweight. If you have your Springer from a pup, they only have small tummies, so feed them little about 3-4 times a day. Turning one, they should be on two meals of breakfast and dinner a day.
To help keep their waistline in check, it’s good to weigh out their dog food, following guidelines on the packet or vet’s advice.
Grooming
When it comes to grooming, Springer Spaniel dogs can be demanding and need a once-over 2-3 times a week. This will help to remove any fur that is shedding and prevent matting. Don’t forget to brush their ears too. While you’re there, it’s good to give their ears a check. Because of their hairy ears Springer Spaniels are prone to ear infections, so you’ll need to clean them gently with a cotton ball. A groomer or vet will be able to show you how to do this safely.
How often you need to bath your dog will depend on how dirty and smelly they are. In most cases, they only need bathing every 6-8 weeks, but you’ll need to do it more often if your dog goes swimming – they love water. You can bath them at home or take them to a groomer. They’ll also need a trim several times a year, so you could treat them to a doggy spa day every now and then.
Exercise
Springer Spaniel dogs have a playful and energetic personality, so you’ll need to exercise them for at least 60 minutes a day. This can be split into two 30-minute walks. Playing with your dog is also a great way to exercise them. They were bred as a gun dog, so are great at retrieving balls. The best thing about playing fetch is that you can encourage your dog to get lots of exercise, without having to take much time out of your day.
Springer spaniels are water dogs, if there is water nearby, your Springer spaniel will be the first to get in it. Swimming is a great form of exercise that is gentle on their joints. The downside is that you’ll have to live with that wet dog smell, or bath them regularly.
Training
Springer Spaniel dogs were originally bred to flush out and retrieve game. This translates to an athletic breed that needs lots of physical and mental stimulation. The good news is they will lap up training and will be keen to please and love human attention. Typically, they will respond best to a treat-based training regime.
As a pup, house or toilet training will hopefully be picked up quickly. Just take them to a designated area after every meal, give them a cue to go and give them the time to do their business. Once done, give them their praise and you’ll find they’ll soon get the hang of it.
If you pick up an adult rescue Springer Spaniel, it can be difficult to house train them. Don’t be mad, it’s not their fault. Just give them the time and a little bit more patience and they’ll pick it up eventually.
Temperament and behaviour
Springer Spaniels have a loving temperament that makes them an obedient breed. They’re keen to please their owner and will be on their best behaviour if you give them lots of attention.
Common health problems
Certain health issues are common in Springer Spaniels. They’re an active breed that can easily be over-exercised. On the other hand, they can quickly gain too much weight. Both factors will affect their health. Pet insurance for your springer spaniel will help give you peace of mind, in case anything happens to your pooch.
Take your dog for regular vet health checks to make sure they’re the correct weight. If they have any health problems and need additional care, it will be noticed early on.
Hip dysplasia
This is an inherited joint disease, but the severity is influenced by the dog’s weight and exercise. Hip dysplasia occurs when the ball-and-socket joint of the hip rubs together, causing damage to the surfaces of the joint. This is painful for the dog and eventually leads to arthritis. An overweight or over-exercised dog is more likely to cause damage to the joint. Affected dogs will appear stiff or lame. Controlling your dog’s weight and restricting exercise will help relieve the symptoms. Severe conditions may need surgery to repair or replace the joint. Arthritic pain can be controlled with pain relief medication, giving the dog a reasonable quality of life.
Generalised progressive retinal atrophy (GPRA)
GPRA is a group of inherited eye diseases. It’s a progressive condition that leads to blindness within months or years. This can’t be prevented as the condition is untreatable. However, most dogs learn to adapt to being blind and can live happy lives. Affected dogs will start with poor vision at night and loss of peripheral vision. In some cases, cataracts may develop causing the eye to look cloudy. These signs are also common in other eye conditions, so you should speak to your vet if you notice any of them.
Retina dysplasia
Retina dysplasia refers to an abnormal growth of the retina that causes folds, rosettes or retinal detachment. It can affect one or both eyes. It’s usually inherited and can be detected within the first 6 months of a puppy’s life. Affected dogs may have impaired vision or blindness. There’s no treatment available, but your vet will advise you on how you and your dog can live with the disease. A blind dog can still have a good quality of life.
So, is a Springer Spaniel dog right for you?
This affectionate breed would be well suited to you if you’re an active household. Their ideal day would involve going for a long walk, maybe a quick swim and then cuddling up on the sofa in the evening. If that sounds perfect to you then a Springer Spaniel will fit in well with your family.
How long do Springer Spaniel’s live?
Springer Spaniel’s have a life expectancy of 12-14 years. There are some health issues linked to this breed that may shorten their lifespan, but most conditions can be managed. With the right pet insurance, your dog can live a long and happy life.
Do Springer Spaniels shed?
The Springer Spaniel coat will shed all year, more so during Spring and Autumn. Grooming your dog weekly will help to remove some of the excess fur, but shedding can’t be prevented. Springers grow extra hair on the ears, chest and the rear of their legs. This fur will need to be brushed and trimmed regularly to stop it from matting.
How to train a Springer Spaniel
Springer Spaniels are often used as working dogs because they’re obedient and easy to train. Training is a great way to give them the mental and physical stimulation that they need. When training, positively reward your dog with a toy or treat. They will learn quicker this way.
When do Springer Spaniels reach full size?
Most Springer Spaniels will be fully grown by 18 months. How big they will get varies, but it’ll be between 46-56cm in height and 18-25kg. You will need to control their weight through diet and exercise. Springer Spaniels are greedy and can easily become overweight.
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References
Content provided from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Canis - www.vetstream.com/treat/canis 
Webster J & Llewellyn-Zaidi A (online) English Springer Spaniel. In: Vetlexicon Canis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://vetstream.com/treat/canis/breeds-pages/english-springer-spaniel
Harari J & Langley-Hobbs S (online) Hip: dysplasia. In: Vetlexicon Canis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://vetstream.com/clinical-reference/canis/diseases/Hip-dysplasia
Vetstream Ltd (online) Hip dysplasia Owner Factsheet. In: Vetlexicon Canis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://vetstream.com/clinical-reference/canis/owner-factsheets/hip-dysplasia
Brokos D E, Williams D L & Gould D (online) Retina: generalized progressive retinal atrophy. In: Vetlexicon Canis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://vetstream.com/clinical-reference/canis/diseases/retina-generalized-progressive-retinal-atrophy
Vetstream Ltd (online) Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Owner Factsheet. In: Vetlexicon Canis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://vetstream.com/clinical-reference/canis/owner-factsheets/progessive-retinal-atrophy-(pra)
Braund K, Cuddon P & Garosi L (online) Storage disease. In: Vetlexicon Canis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://vetstream.com/clinical-reference/canis/diseases/storage-disease
Vetstream Ltd (online) Storage disease in your dog Owner Factsheet. In: Vetlexicon Canis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://vetstream.com/treat/canis/owner-factsheets/storage-diseases-in-your-dog-owner-factsheet
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