English Springer Spaniel characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | 33% of breeds |
| Energy level | Very High | — |
| Trainability | Very High | 11% of breeds |
| Friendliness | Very High | 22% of breeds |
| Good with children | Very High | — |
| Grooming needs | Medium | 26% of breeds |
| Shedding | Medium | 40% of breeds |
| Barking | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Adaptability | High | 31% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 13 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the English Springer Spaniel right for you?
The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized dog that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. In terms of temperament, it is famously gentle and patient with children and is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly. Day to day, the English Springer Spaniel is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The English Springer Spaniel is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. With very high energy and very high athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the English Springer Spaniel to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The English Springer Spaniel needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The English Springer Spaniel is highly intelligent and learns new commands remarkably fast and gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it. It prefers company and copes only with short periods alone, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the English Springer Spaniel
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the English Springer Spaniel genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Trainability: Very high — the English Springer Spaniel is among the most trainable breeds we score. Only 11% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Friendliness: Very high — the English Springer Spaniel is among the most sociable breeds we score. Only 22% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Independence: Low — the English Springer Spaniel wants more company than most breeds. Only 22% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a English Springer Spaniel actually costs you
| Exercise | Two or more hours of real exercise a day, most days, plus something that occupies its mind. This is the single commitment that decides whether the match works. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Weekly brushing keeps the coat in reasonable order. |
| Time alone | Wants company. Long days alone are where the problems start. |
| Noise | Average for a dog — it will bark at the door and at things it dislikes. |
Where the English Springer Spaniel fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Depends | Possible only if the daily exercise genuinely happens, whatever the weather. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | Very high child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Depends | Manageable for a committed beginner who takes training seriously from week one. |
| Homes with cats | Depends | High prey drive. Introductions need managing, and a bolting cat triggers exactly the instinct this breed was selected for. |
| Long working days | Depends | Low independence — this breed wants company and shows it when it does not get any. |
| Allergy households | Depends | No low-allergen coat recorded, though shedding is not extreme. |
Guides the English Springer Spaniel is ranked in
The English Springer Spaniel earns a place on 5 of our lifestyle shortlists:
Perfect for
- Active families
- Hunters
- Agility enthusiasts
- Rural living
Things to consider
- High exercise needs
- Can be destructive if bored
- Moderate grooming needs
Not sure which breed is right for you?
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the English Springer Spaniel good with children?
- Yes — the English Springer Spaniel is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the English Springer Spaniel shed a lot?
- The English Springer Spaniel has medium shedding.
- How much exercise does the English Springer Spaniel need?
- With very high energy, the English Springer Spaniel needs plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation — long walks, runs or active play.
- How long does the English Springer Spaniel live?
- The English Springer Spaniel typically lives around 13 years.
- Can the English Springer Spaniel live in an apartment?
- The English Springer Spaniel can live in an apartment provided it gets enough daily exercise and mental stimulation.
- Is the English Springer Spaniel easy to train?
- The English Springer Spaniel is highly intelligent and learns new commands remarkably fast. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the English Springer Spaniel be left alone during the day?
- The English Springer Spaniel prefers company and copes only with short periods alone. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.