Picking the right dog for you and your lifestyle is never an easy decision. If you’re seeking an energetic, intelligent companion, consider the English Springer Spaniel. A member of the Sporting Group, this bird dog took home first place for its group during the 2025 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
The English Springer Spaniel’s Temperament
The English Springer Spaniel is an extremely loyal, loving, and people-oriented breed. They are smart, obedient workers, eager to please their owners. The English Springer Spaniel is a dutiful companion and would be excited to join in on family activities. Before purchasing a dog, be sure to work with a breeder to research the temperament produced by their lines. This will allow you to ensure that the puppy you bring home will be a good fit for your particular household.
Physical Traits and Grooming Needs
A born hunter, the English Springer Spaniel is a tough, muscular breed built for long days in the field. They stand at 19 to 20 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 50 pounds. Their double coat comes in several colors and patterns, including liver and white or black and white — with or without tan markings. Their coats may also have some ticking in the white. Their long ears and kind eyes are a hallmark of the breed.
English Springer Spaniels require routine grooming. Weekly brushing helps ensure the breed’s coat remains healthy and free of dirt and debris. The Springer can be trimmed by the owner or taken to a professional groomer to keep the areas around their feet, head, neck, and undertail looking sharp. Their nails should be trimmed regularly.
How Much Training Does an English Springer Spaniel Need?
Like with any breed, early socialization and puppy training courses are key to ensuring your English Springer Spaniel grows into a well-behaved adult. Springers are highly intelligent and eager to please, but owners should utilize gentle, continued training methods. Because English Springer Spaniels are a social, active breed, leaving them alone for long periods of time can result in undesirable behaviors.
The Springer’s intelligent, obedient nature allows them to excel at dog sports. The breed has found particular success in activities such as obedience, tracking, agility, and AKC Rally.
Are English Springer Spaniels a Good Fit for Families?
Springers were bred to work closely with humans, so they can make for great family dogs. An English Springer Spaniel would be happiest with a family eager to include their new dog on their outings. Springers should not be left alone for long periods of time, and require regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. A more active household would be the best fit for an English Springer Spaniel.
How Social Are English Springer Spaniels?
Springers crave company and thrive off of interacting with their humans. In addition to making loyal family companions, they tend to get along well with other dogs and animals.
