Frequently Asked Questions About Springer Spaniels
Springer Spaniel ownership raises many questions for both prospective and current owners. These intelligent, energetic dogs have specific needs that differ from other breeds, and understanding their characteristics helps ensure successful long-term relationships. Below are detailed answers to the most common questions about English and Welsh Springer Spaniels.
The information provided draws from veterinary research, breed club standards, and decades of breeder experience. Whether you're deciding between breeds or troubleshooting care issues with your current Springer, these answers provide practical guidance based on the breed's documented traits and requirements.
How big do springer spaniels get?
English Springer Spaniels typically weigh 40-50 pounds and stand 19-20 inches tall at the shoulder, making them medium-sized dogs with sturdy, athletic builds. Males generally fall at the higher end of this range (45-50 pounds), while females tend toward the lower end (40-45 pounds). Welsh Springer Spaniels are slightly smaller at 35-45 pounds and 17-19 inches tall. Field-bred English Springers often weigh 5-10 pounds less than bench lines due to selective breeding for working ability rather than show appearance. Growth occurs rapidly during the first 6-8 months, with dogs reaching full height by 12 months and filling out muscularly until 18-24 months of age.
Are springer spaniels good family dogs?
Yes, Springer Spaniels make excellent family pets due to their friendly, gentle nature and natural affinity for children. They rank among the most people-oriented sporting breeds, thriving on human companionship and family involvement in activities. Their patient temperament tolerates the unpredictable behavior of young children better than many breeds, though supervision remains important with any dog-child interaction. Springers bond strongly with all family members rather than becoming one-person dogs. However, their high energy levels require active families who can provide adequate exercise and mental stimulation. Families with sedentary lifestyles or very young children who cannot participate in daily exercise may find the breed overwhelming. Proper socialization during puppyhood (8-16 weeks) establishes the foundation for good family behavior throughout life.
How much exercise does a springer spaniel need?
Springer Spaniels need at least 1-2 hours of daily exercise including walks, runs, swimming, or active play sessions to maintain physical and mental health. These are high-energy hunting dogs bred for stamina and endurance in field conditions, not casual companion animals. A simple walk around the block fails to satisfy their exercise requirements. Ideal exercise combines cardiovascular activity (running, retrieving, swimming) with mental stimulation (training, scent work, puzzle toys). Field-bred lines typically require more exercise than bench lines, sometimes needing 2-3 hours daily. Without adequate exercise, Springers develop destructive behaviors including excessive barking, digging, chewing furniture, and hyperactivity. Dog sports like agility, dock diving, hunt tests, and flyball provide excellent outlets for their energy while strengthening the human-dog bond.
Do springer spaniels shed a lot?
Yes, Springer Spaniels are moderate to heavy shedders year-round with increased shedding during spring and fall coat changes. Their double coat consists of a protective outer layer and insulating undercoat that sheds continuously. Regular brushing 2-3 times weekly removes loose hair before it lands on furniture and clothing, while also distributing skin oils for coat health. During seasonal sheds (typically March-April and September-October), daily brushing becomes necessary to manage the volume of loose fur. Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks helps maintain coat condition and reduces shedding through thorough de-shedding treatments. Bench-bred Springers with longer, more profuse coats generally shed more noticeably than field-bred dogs with shorter coats. No Springer variety qualifies as hypoallergenic or low-shedding, making them unsuitable for people with dog allergies.
What is the difference between English and Welsh Springer Spaniels?
English and Welsh Springer Spaniels differ significantly despite their shared name and hunting heritage. Size represents the primary distinction - English Springers weigh 40-50 pounds and stand 19-20 inches tall, while Welsh Springers are smaller at 35-45 pounds and 17-19 inches. Color provides instant visual identification: English Springers come in black and white, liver and white, or tricolor combinations, while Welsh Springers only appear in red and white. Temperamentally, Welsh Springers tend toward more reserved personalities with strangers and stronger one-family loyalty, whereas English Springers typically show friendliness to everyone. Welsh Springers generally require slightly less exercise than English Springers and mature more slowly, sometimes taking 3 years to reach full mental maturity compared to 2 years for English Springers. Both breeds share similar lifespans (12-15 years) and grooming needs, though Welsh Springers have slightly less feathering to maintain.
How long do Springer Spaniels live?
Springer spaniel life expectancy averages 12-14 years for English Springers and 12-15 years for Welsh Springers, with many individuals living beyond these ranges when provided excellent care. Lifespan varies based on multiple factors including genetics, diet, exercise, preventive veterinary care, and whether the dog comes from health-tested breeding stock. Field-bred English Springers sometimes live slightly longer than bench lines, possibly due to less extreme physical features and maintained working ability. Common age-related conditions affecting senior Springers include arthritis, dental disease, cataracts, and cognitive decline. Dogs from parents with documented longevity (living to 14+ years) show increased likelihood of extended lifespans themselves. Maintaining lean body condition throughout life significantly impacts longevity, as obesity accelerates joint problems and organ stress. Regular veterinary checkups twice yearly after age 7 catch developing health issues early when most treatable, as recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Are Springer Spaniels easy to train?
Springer Spaniels are highly trainable due to their intelligence, eagerness to please, and strong work ethic, ranking among the most biddable sporting breeds. They excel in obedience, hunt tests, agility, and other dog sports when training uses positive reinforcement training methods that reward desired behaviors. However, their intelligence means they also learn bad habits quickly if allowed, and their independent hunting heritage sometimes manifests as selective listening when distracted by scents or wildlife. Training succeeds best when started early (8 weeks), kept short and engaging (10-15 minute sessions), and focused on consistency across all family members. Springers respond poorly to harsh corrections, which damage their sensitive temperaments and erode the trust necessary for effective training. Field-bred lines may show more independence and require more patience than bench-bred dogs during training. Mental stimulation through training prevents boredom-related behavior problems in this intelligent breed. Most Springers master basic obedience commands within 2-3 months and can learn complex behaviors throughout their lives.
What health problems do Springer Spaniels have?
Springer Spaniels face several breed-specific health concerns that responsible breeders screen for before breeding. Hip dysplasia affects 12-15% of English Springers according to OFA data, causing arthritis and mobility issues. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) leads to gradual vision loss and eventual blindness, with genetic testing available to identify carriers. Phosphofructokinase (PFK) deficiency causes exercise intolerance and anemia in affected dogs. Ear infections occur frequently due to their long, pendulous ears that trap moisture and reduce air circulation - weekly ear cleaning prevents many infections. English Springer Rage Syndrome, a rare form of sudden-onset aggression, appears primarily in solid-colored show lines and remains poorly understood. Elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and various eye conditions (cataracts, retinal dysplasia, entropion) also occur with increased frequency. Purchasing from health-tested parents significantly reduces but doesn't eliminate risk of inherited conditions. Pet insurance costs $40-80 monthly for Springers due to their predisposition to these conditions. Our main page provides detailed information about health screening protocols and breed characteristics.
| Age | Training Focus | Expected Skills | Time Investment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8-12 weeks | Socialization, house training, name recognition | Comfortable with handling, basic potty training | 30-45 min daily |
| 3-6 months | Basic obedience (sit, stay, come, down) | Reliable response to basic commands in low distraction | 20-30 min daily |
| 6-12 months | Leash manners, impulse control, recall | Walking without pulling, leave it, reliable recall | 15-25 min daily |
| 1-2 years | Advanced training, sport foundations | Off-leash reliability, sport-specific skills | 20-30 min daily |
| 2+ years | Maintenance, new skill development | Consistent obedience, continued learning | 15-20 min daily |
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