Dog Training and Dog Care advice from UK Professionals

English Springer Spaniel Dog Breed Profile

The English Springer Spaniel was the lapdog of Mary, Queen of Scots.

Other Names: Springer, ESS.

K9Obedience Breed Profile

Origin: England

Breed Purpose: To spring ‘flush’ gaming birds.

Kennel Club Dog Group: Gundog

Height: Bitch 46-51cm., Dog 48-56cm.

Weight: Bitch 18-23kg., Dog 20-25kg.

Lifespan: 12-15 years

Exercise Needs: This is an outdoor, hard working dog that will take as much exercise as it is given. Long romps off lead, retrieving a ball or a Frisbee and lots of swimming will keep the Springer healthy. The English Springer Spaniel does extremely well at agility and obedience competitions.

Feeding Needs: If the Springer is used for hunting they require a high protein diet. As a family pet the dog they are easy to feed as long as the recommended amounts are adhered to.

Common Ailments: The Springer is generally a robust, healthy dog but its pendulous ears are prone to infection and should be kept clean and dry. They can also suffer from skin conditions.

Physical Description: The Springer Spaniel is a strongly built dog with muscular legs and chest. The head is medium sized with a deep groove between the eyes rising to a broad forehead. The eyes are soft, almond shaped and are dark hazel in colour. The muzzle is square and the jaws are strong. The tail is traditionally docked and is set low. The Springer has a dense, weather resistant coat with moderate fringing on the ears, body and legs. Black/white, liver/white or either of these with tan markings are the coat colours. Overall the appearance of the Springer is of a lively, compact, working dog.

English Springer Spaniel K9 Obedience Dog Breed Summary:

This is a wonderful, happy dog to live with. They are gentle and live to please their owners with love and devotion.

However English Springers are not suited to the more sedate family as they are true working dogs.

They are usually easy to train but do not respond to harsh treatment which can make them over submissive and shy.

Sometimes it is like having a tornado in the home as they bound around with energy and vitality.

The English Springer Spaniel is well-suited to being outdoors all day but still enjoy being with their family in the evenings.

Given enough exercise, this dog is a joy to own, one that loves children and has a natural affinity with the outdoors.

For a fun-loving, out and about family, the English Springer Spaniel is the perfect family pet.