The Springer Spaniel: thinking of getting a Springer Spaniel?

Place of origin: Norfolk

Life Expectancy of Springer Spaniels: 12 – 14 years

How big do Springer Spaniels get? 46 – 56cm

How heavy are Springer Spaniels? 18 – 25kg

Types of Springer Spaniels: English Springer Spaniel, Welsh Springer Spaniel

Colour: Liver & White, Tri-Colour, Black & White, Red & White, Lemon & White, Orange & White

Please note: A dog’s exercise, training/stimulation and grooming requirements can depend on several factors such as age and health. The same goes for ongoing costs of ownership. For advice on one specific dog, we always advise chatting with a vet.

How much exercise does a Springer Spaniel need?

Springer Spaniels are highly active and will need 2 long walks every day to stay fit, healthy and stimulated. They’re also strong swimmers… so prepare to get wet!

If you and your family are keen outdoors explorers and would like a furry friend to come with you on your adventures, a Springer Spaniel may be just the breed for you.

Springer Spaniels can be quite excitable, so keep them on the lead until you reach a secure area.

Training: how to train a Springer Spaniel

Springer Spaniels are friendly, curious-natured and very eager to please, so you should find training to be a relatively simple task.

One thing to be mindful of, however, is that Springer Spaniels are very intelligent and need a fair amount of mental stimulation. Be sure not to get too comfy with one routine; keep things different, fun and exciting and your Springer should stay engaged with their training.

As with all breeds, use positive reinforcement and reward-based training with your Springer Spaniel.

Grooming: do Springer Spaniels shed?

Springer Spaniels are something of a triple threat in the grooming department. They moult, their long coats are prone to tangling and they love to swim, so will need regular bathing!

Brush your Springer briefly every day, and more thoroughly every other day. This – along with regular trips to the groomers – should suffice to keep their coat in tip-top condition. Bathe them regularly, especially after they’ve been swimming, with a special dog shampoo.

And then there’s the hoovering! Grooming is a great way of spending one-on-one time with your pet but if it’s not to your liking, a Springer Spaniel might not be the breed for you.

Complete your Springer Spaniel's grooming routine with regular tooth brushing, nail clips and ear checks.

Springer Spaniel temperament, socialising and ideal home environment

Springer Spaniels love nothing more than their owners’ company. They’re gentle-natured, friendly and love to go for adventures, making them the perfect companion for young, active families.

Springers benefit most in spacious houses, especially those with large gardens. That said, providing your pet is well exercised, they’ll be comfortable enough in a smaller space – Springers do love cuddles, after all.

Springers typically get along very well with children and like most breeds, the more people and other pets you expose them to from a young age, the more sociable they’ll grow up to become.

Cost of owning a Springer Spaniel

When considering the lifetime cost of owning a Springer Spaniel, remember to take into account:

• Springer Spaniel nutritional needs
• Veterinary care
• Pet insurance
• Kennels or dog sitters
• Springer Spaniel grooming costs
• Toys and equipment

As a rough guide, allow between £80 and £90 a month to cover the ongoing costs of owning a springer spaniel.

Need more info?

For more info on finding the best dog breed for you and your lifestyle, have a chat with your vet.

Find your nearest vet using our Find a Vet page, or speak to a vet online using Online Vets.