If dogs came with an “energy rating,” the English Springer Spaniel would be an A+++ appliance that never switches off. Bred as gundogs, these spring-loaded spaniels live to run, sniff, splash, and generally fling themselves into chaos. They’re joyful, affectionate, and oh-so-loyal — but they’ll also redecorate your home with mud and brambles if you don’t give them enough to do.
Owner insight: “Springers are active, outdoor dogs, with lovely friendly natures. They are loving, loyal, gentle, people pleasers.”
Thinking of one? Take the Which Dog Breed is Best for Me? Quiz to see if you can keep up.
Great Names for a Springer
With their bouncy charm and muddy paws, Springers suit names that are playful, rustic, or just plain daft. For more inspo, try our Dog Name Generator.
- Country vibes: Bramble, Clover, Fern, Moss, Willow
- Playful picks: Zippy, Bounce, Puddle, Tigger, Chaos
- Classic: Bella, Max, Daisy, Charlie, Holly
- Mischievous: Rascal, Bandit, Zoom, Pickle
Pickles’ Aside: “Call one Puddle and your carpets won’t stand a chance.”
Exercise
A quick trot round the block? Forget it. Springers need proper outings — the longer, muddier, and more chaotic, the better.
They need:
- 1.5–2 hours a day of exercise.
- Off-lead adventures in safe spaces (recall is vital).
- Games like fetch, agility, or scent work to satisfy their busy brains.
Owner insight: “You can’t say the word car [or walk or food] without it resulting in zoomies.”
Spaniel Energy Warning
Springers are working gundogs. If you don’t give them a job, they’ll invent one — usually involving mud, holes, or shredding something you love.
Pickles’ Aside: “Springers don’t walk. They spring. Everywhere.”
Working Gundog Warning
Breeds like Springers, Cockers, and Labradors weren’t just bred to look cute — they were bred to work all day in the field. Even in family homes, those instincts remain strong.
What this means for you:
- High drive — they’ll hunt, fetch, and carry whether you want them to or not.
- Training needs — without structure, their energy spills over into chaos.
- Mental stimulation — scent games, fetch, and puzzle toys are essential.
- Not “set-and-forget” dogs — they thrive with jobs and engagement.
Pickles’ Aside: “No job? No problem — they’ll invent one. Usually involving mud.”
Temperament
Springers are big-hearted goofs with endless affection to give. They’ll cuddle as hard as they play, just be ready for muddy pawprints on your lap.
- Affectionate and people-loving.
- Playful and clownish indoors.
- Can be clingy — they hate being left alone.
Owner insight: “Home is happy, but muddy … sudden ‘flash’ zooms round the edge of the lawn.”
Training
Springers are clever, but that cleverness comes wired to turbo mode. They thrive with training — if you can hold their attention.
- Positive reinforcement works best.
- Keep sessions short and fun or they’ll switch off.
- Channel their energy with structured games.
Need a hand? The World’s First AI Dog Trainer can help you outwit those spaniel smarts.
Strangers & Watchdog Potential
Think of Springers as enthusiastic hosts. They’ll bark at newcomers, then immediately wag themselves into friendship.
- Alert barkers but not intimidating.
- Friendly with strangers once welcomed.
Other Animals
Springers are social butterflies. They’re generally great with other dogs, but their chasing instinct can make life tricky with cats or small pets.
- Dog-friendly with good socialisation.
- Cats? Possible if raised together, but many will chase.
- Small animals are usually seen as toys.
Grooming
Springers come with a silky coat that loves collecting souvenirs from the countryside — burrs, mud, twigs, you name it.
- Brushing several times a week to tackle tangles.
- Regular ear cleaning — their floppy ears are infection magnets.
- Trim feathers around legs and belly to cut down on burrs.
Owner insight: “I spend quite a bit of time pulling sticky weed and seeds out of them … Even in summer it can seem strange to come home with a clean dry dog!”
Health
Springers are generally robust but can inherit some health issues.
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Ear infections (chronic in some lines)
- Eye conditions (PRA, cataracts, glaucoma)
- Autoimmune diseases (rare but present)
- Skin allergies
Average lifespan: 12–14 years. Ask breeders for health test certificates — our Best in Breeder Guide shows what to request.
Cost of Ownership (UK)
Springers won’t bankrupt you to buy, but their energy and grooming needs add up.
- Puppy price: £800–£1,500
- Food: £30–£60/month
- Insurance: £25–£50/month
- Routine vet care: ~£300–£500/year
- Grooming gear & training classes: a must for sanity
Famous Owners & Moments
Springers have long been favourites of country households and working handlers. They’ve also graced royal households — Prince William and Kate had a Springer named Lupo, who became a media star in his own right.
Myth-Busting
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| Springers are hyper all the time | They can settle indoors if well-exercised. |
| They’re low-maintenance | High exercise and grooming needs. |
| They’re just like Cockers | Related, yes — but usually bigger and more intense. |
| They’re only working dogs | Brilliant family companions in active homes. |
Springer FAQs
- Do they shed? Yes — moderately all year.
- Good with kids? Yes, loving family dogs.
- Can they live in a flat? Possible, but tough — they need space and exercise.
- How long do they live? 12–14 years.
- Are they easy to train? Yes, if you can keep up with their energy.
Thinking of Bringing Home a Springer?
If you dream of a dog who’ll leap into lakes, charge through woods, then curl up at your feet with muddy paws, the English Springer Spaniel might be your soulmate. They’re affectionate, enthusiastic, and endlessly entertaining — but they’re also a full-time project.
Before you decide, get organised with our New Puppy Paw-rent Planner. And once your Springer’s muddy pawprints are all over your life, treat yourself to a Custom Cartoon Pet Portrait.
Pickles’ Aside: “Mud is their favourite accessory. Carpets beware.”
Breed Stats
- Origin: England
- Weight: 18–25 kg
- Height: 48–51 cm
- Lifespan: 12–14 years
- Best Trait: Affectionate, loyal, energetic
- Challenging Trait: Tireless energy, grooming demands