Springers 101

Sporting group

To an English Springer Spaniel, there’s no dictionary entry for “stranger” – just family and friends. They are an superb family dog of moderate size, and they love children – any children, but especially their own.

Springers have split into working and show lines, but there’s little divide in personality. Show-line Springers have more coat and sharply defined areas of white and color. Both types are intelligent, easy to train and eager to please. As with most hunting dogs, they do best with active families, but may be fine with more moderate activity.

What we love about Springers

Happy spaniel has the floppiest, softest ears.

While shorter-coated field-line spaniels can do with regular brushing alone, the coats of show-line dogs require more maintenance and may be kept clipped to keep from matting.

Energy level

100% energy level

Energy level: 100% (Very high)

Bark level

  • Very vocal
  • As needed

Bark level: Talkative. This breed vocalizes regularly but not excessively

Size

19 to 29 inches tall
Medium breed size

Size: 19 to 29 inches tall. This is a Medium sized Dog.

Lifespan

12 to 14 years

Lifespan: 12 to 14 years average

Weight

40 to 50 lbs

Weight: 40 to 50 lbs typical range

Energy level
Very high (100%)
Bark level
Talkative
Height
19 to 29 inches
Lifespan
12 to 14 years
Weight
40 to 50 lbs

The English Springer Spaniel stands 19 to 29 inches tall and weighs 40 to 50 lbs. English Springer Spaniels have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. They are known for a very high (100%) energy level and a talkative bark.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do English Springer Spaniels get?
English Springer Spaniels stand 19 to 29 inches tall and typically weigh between 40 and 50 pounds.
How long do English Springer Spaniels live?
The average lifespan of a English Springer Spaniel is 12 to 14 years.
Are English Springer Spaniels good for first-time dog owners?
English Springer Spaniels are intelligent but have high energy. They do best with experienced owners who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Do English Springer Spaniels bark a lot?
English Springer Spaniels are considered talkative — they bark more than average but are not excessively vocal.

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My pet’s health plannerSM

This English Springer Spaniel health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.

Mature adult Springer

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common Springer conditions

Mid-life English Springer Spaniels should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Cruciate ligament tear (knee) and Ear infection are at moderate risk.

60% on risk scale
Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
Moderate Risk
60% on risk scale
Ear infection
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Skin allergies
Above Average Risk

Senior Springer

9+ years

Risk level for common Springer conditions

Senior English Springer Spaniels face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Vestibular syndrome and Arthritis pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Vestibular syndrome
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Arthritis
Very High Risk
60% on risk scale
Intervertebral disc disease
Moderate Risk

Springer puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common Springer conditions

English Springer Spaniel puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Ear infection and Urinary tract infection pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Ear infection
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Urinary tract infection
Very High Risk
60% on risk scale
Gastritis
Moderate Risk

Young adult Springer

10 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Springer conditions

As English Springer Spaniels grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Foreign body ingestion and Ear infection are at moderate risk.

60% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
Moderate Risk
60% on risk scale
Ear infection
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Urinary tract infection
Above Average Risk

Mature adult Springer

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common Springer conditions

Mid-life English Springer Spaniels should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Cruciate ligament tear (knee) and Ear infection are at moderate risk.

60% on risk scale
Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
Moderate Risk
60% on risk scale
Ear infection
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Skin allergies
Above Average Risk

Senior Springer

9+ years

Risk level for common Springer conditions

Senior English Springer Spaniels face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Vestibular syndrome and Arthritis pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Vestibular syndrome
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Arthritis
Very High Risk
60% on risk scale
Intervertebral disc disease
Moderate Risk

Springer puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common Springer conditions

English Springer Spaniel puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Ear infection and Urinary tract infection pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Ear infection
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Urinary tract infection
Very High Risk
60% on risk scale
Gastritis
Moderate Risk

Young adult Springer

10 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Springer conditions

As English Springer Spaniels grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Foreign body ingestion and Ear infection are at moderate risk.

60% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
Moderate Risk
60% on risk scale
Ear infection
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Urinary tract infection
Above Average Risk
English springer spaniel standing — health planner for puppies through senior dogs

Nationwide can help you save on your English Springer Spaniel's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.

Puppy (0 to 9 months)
Ear infection: Very High Risk, Urinary tract infection: Very High Risk, Gastritis: Moderate Risk
Young Adult (10 months to 4 years)
Foreign body ingestion: Moderate Risk, Ear infection: Moderate Risk, Urinary tract infection: Above Average Risk
Mature Adult (5 years to 8 years)
Cruciate ligament tear (knee): Moderate Risk, Ear infection: Moderate Risk, Skin allergies: Above Average Risk
Senior (9+ years)
Vestibular syndrome: Very High Risk, Arthritis: Very High Risk, Intervertebral disc disease: Moderate Risk
3-Fun fact-English springer spaniel GettyImages-483338610

Pres. George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush filled their White House with their family dogs, none more famous than Mildred "Millie" Kerr Bush, an English Springer Spaniel. Millie, who was named after a family friend, famously delivered a litter of puppies, one of whom, Ranger, later lived in the White House with Pres. George W. Bush. In Houston, a dog park is named for Millie.

English Springer Spaniel coat care and colors

The English Springer Spaniel has split into two types, requiring different approaches to grooming. The show Springer has a longer coat than the hunting Springer. Hunt-line dogs do fine with an occasional bath and weekly combing and brushing, but show-line dogs are often kept clipped short. As with other long-eared dogs, Springers may be prone to ear infections. A veterinary-approved cleaner can help to prevent issues. Additionally, acclimating puppies to having their feet handled will make a lifetime of nail trims easier.

Springer exercise & training

Exercise level

Exercise level

The English Springer Spaniel wants to do what family is doing. While not as high-energy as other hunting breeds, Springers will do best with brisk walks, fetch and play.

Trainability

Trainability

Spaniels tend to be people-pleasers, and the English Springer is no exception. Praise is the Springer’s best motivator, but tiny treats are appreciated, too.

Springer fun facts

Top girl names for Springers

100%

of Springers are female

0%

of Springers are male

Top boy names for Springers

Nationwide loves English Springer Spaniels of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

English Springer Spaniel gender distribution
GenderPercentage
Male0%
Female100%

Among English Springer Spaniels insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.

English Springer Spaniel statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.

Other breeds like Springers

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