As with its smaller cousin, the Cocker Spaniel, the English Springer was prominent during the Tudor reign of Henry VIII, being widely utilised as a versatile gun dog over difficult terrain. The Renaissance saw an increase in the prevalence of the breed, with many aristocratic figures owning an English Springer as a companion dog. The breed derives its name from its early usage as a game flusher, 'springing' furred and feathered game from the bush in order for the hunter to shoot it. Able to work tirelessly in a variety of working fulfillments, the English Springer Spaniel falls within the 'gun dog' branch of canines, sharing its classification with the Pointers and Setters, Retrievers and Spaniels.
With a proportioned body, the English Springer Spaniel is an athletic-looking breed possessing large, pendant ears, dark ovular eyes, a moderate-length muzzle and a deep chest for enhanced lung capacity and thus, enhanced stamina. The coat of the English Springer Spaniel is typically wavy and feathered, common in colours of white and liver, usually with black, liver or tan markings. Despite being an illegal practice in most countries across Europe, tail 'docking' is commonly observed in the breed. The Springer Spaniel loves water and is enthusiastic in exercise and play, especially if mud and wet land is involved.
Often described as the ideal family dog, the English Springer Spaniel possesses an amiable and relaxed temperament, displaying affection and loyalty towards its family, whilst acting fearlessly to safeguard it in the presence of potential threat. Engaging well with children, the English Springer is well suited to the domestic setting, making a great addition to active family life. Generally, a healthy, fully mature Springer will weigh 18-25 kg depending on its gender, with a life expectancy of 12-14 years when cared for accordingly.
Susceptible to various health complaints that are partly genetic, the English Springer Spaniel has been known to suffer from optical disorders including glaucoma and cataracts, as well as issues relating to hips and elbows. More serious conditions specific to the breed are cardiac weakness, epilepsy and liver disease, whilst deafness is common in the breed due to the ears hanging low against the ground. Additionally, the Springer Spaniel is prone to easy weight gain, so feeding human foods is not encouraged as even the smallest amount of fat can be detrimental to the general health of the dog.
![[REDACTED] [REDACTED]'s English Springer Spaniel - Flint "steinway Gunlock"](http://static1.viovet.co.uk/opt/s=kr/petphotos/5333_20f28c950566211e70f33db1c11f2950.jpg)
From Kent, United Kingdom
Springers are wonderful dogs! Full of fun, intelligence, wiggle and spring!
From Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
My 2 Girls are Sisters and are 1 year old next week !
They are wiggly and springy with such separate personalities.
Ones an Angel and Ones Always getting in to trouble LOL .
They are the best of breeds
From Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
My Girls Pip and Dot are sisters who are 1 year old next week .
They are wiggly and springy and can be very naughty when digging in the garden LOL but they are the best of dogs !!
From Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom
I grew up with Springer spaniels and my husband and I have had four ourselves over the 35 years we've been married. I would never have any other breed because they are so lovable - Ozzy especially, as he practically talks to us in his own way. Ozzy is a short eared working breed and there are times when he gives us a certain look or sits in a certain way that it's as if our sadly missed little friend Kashi is back in the room. Kashi was a working breed Springer and it's almost as if Ozzy has inherited his mannerisms, as at the end of the day, Ozzy came into our lives to take Kashi's place. All Springers have their little differences and that's why we love them.
From Greater London, United Kingdom
Lots of hard work and training... but the most pleasurable and fun dogs ever! Very very affectionate and energetic dogs. Helps you forget your problems.
From Berkshire, United Kingdom
My girls are sisters, Connie and Tess, now 2 years old. They are so very different in some ways, but very alike in others. Both want lots of play and lots of exercise, love to run and chase the ball on the common and are very sociable. Tess is a real foodie but Connie sometimes has to be persuaded to eat. Tess is big and bouncy and Connie is petite and dances a lot. We have now owned five ESSs and love their loyalty, intelligence, need to please and sense of fun which makes them easy to train either as working dogs or very goods family pets. They make sure I take an hours walk every day, so very good for me too!
From Somerset, United Kingdom
My springer Tigger is 20 months old, my first one. He's such a lovable and loving boy, and very intelligent and easy to train (but suffers from 'selective deafness' when he wants to!). I just love him to bits !!
From United Kingdom
My springer (my 1st have had other breeds) Alfie is 6years old now and is a fantastic pal loveable, faithful, loyal,funny,tail doesn't stop wagging full body wag. loves to play catch, fetch, all day long if he could.very energetic, intelligent loves learning. Loves interactive games and can do puzzles quickly I don't need to show him he just does them. loves water especially muddy puddles. Tennis balls are favourite but loves all toys. Couldn't have a better dog one in a million love him to bits.
From Cornwall, United Kingdom
We have a English Springer Spaniel well its my daughters really. We cant recommend them enough they are such lovely characters full of life and endless wiggly bottoms also great bed companions. Loyal loving and affectionate what more can you ask for. Our daughters is 10 months old and we have had no problems with training him in any shape or form. Simply the best!!
From Norfolk, United Kingdom
Suzie our 2yr old spaniel is a cross show/worker and has a beautiful temperament, such a wonderful dog to own, the combination of both types of spaniel I would definitely recommend, Sally Woodard
From Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom
This is my Charlie 11 years old and NOT slowing down lol. Charlie is mixed Cocker/ Springa Rescued charlie from R.S.P.C.A got him 6months old. He deffo has A.D.H.D but would not have him any other way. Obsessed with a tennis ball, loves digging, could walk 10miles if I could keep going. Full of love, cant get enough cuddles and kisses, don't go many places with out him. He is my best friend I love him dearly my life would be empty with out him he is just amazing.
My girl is 6 years old the most pleasurable dog I've ever owned can be cheeky ex nosing down the bin, I rescued her and she is my life
Not my first dog, but first springer. What a bundle of joy he is! Ten years old with epilepsy and spondylosis, but to see him jump and bound you'd never know. Easiest dog to exercise because they do it all themselves, just give them a playground. You don't know what you're missing!
Yep do I MMMmmm the ''Little sht'' He is gorgeous tail wags all time , cant sit still , runs my Aussie out of his Mind , wears my Borz out, hunts with my cross Douge x Sharpe . then sleep's with my next to be 13 year old Great Dane/ English Mastiff and then is Liked to death by my 11 year old ''Coton De Tulear '' Happy Family Bless You all for reading x
My Oh My Goodness es his tail (though partly Dcked) Never ever stops waging ever, mmmmbi worried cos might effect his hips?
From Surrey, United Kingdom
We have a show type English Springer, he is slightly bigger and much calmer than his working cousins! A brilliant family pet, lots of energy for big walks and loves fetching balls and swimming. Very happy to settle down at home and rest for hours after his walk.
From West Midlands, United Kingdom
Milo is a Springer Spaniel 8 months old, he is my baby he is very adorable and spoilt, he gets on with any other dogs providing they are friendly otherwise he just comes and sits by me. He loves to please me and loves cuddles, love playing chase.
The downside to a Springer is they can be very disruptive if not occupied, they are very intelligent dogs and need plenty of exercise. I have had 5 Springers before Milo so i do no the good and bad about this breed, If you have the time and energy I would recommend this breed you will get so much out of the dog. Fantastic with children any age.
From West Midlands, United Kingdom
Perfect family dog, quiet,playful,affectionate.
Bought as a working dog she is now our very loving pet.
From Sir Ceredigion, United Kingdom
Lottie is my rescue springer spaniel who's a failed gundog that I had at 2yrs old she came as a foster and never left. Love her to bits but she is on the one hand frightened of noises and sudden movements indoors and then outdoors is a mental ball mad springer who can play and swim for hours. She is a total ball thief and needs alot of work and exercise, these dogs need long stimulating walks. She has the sweetest lovable nature and loves a cwtch aswell.
From Suffolk, United Kingdom
I have had dogs all my life but Harry is our first springer. Springers are an amazing breed, they are so affectionate, funny and very intelligent . Harry is so loyal and gets on really well with our two cats and also the grandchildren.
From East Riding of Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Love my boy he is completely spoilt ..he thinks he is a working dog but he isn't but he naturally wants to flush pheasants and any birds . Wonderful funny happy character
Don't chose a springer though unless you love walking and exercise ..they need lots and lots of exercise X
From Merthyr Tydfil, United Kingdom
My boy Oliver is 12 and a half he is so loving and fantastic with other dogs and children he suffers with arthritis And spondylitis but he doesn’t let that stop him being active x
From North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
My current springer is our sixth who lives alongside our fifth beautiful black and white who is getting on in years now, bless her. They are brilliant lively affectionate dogs, who keep on going until they can't go any further.
From Staffordshire, United Kingdom
Have a lovely 13 year old boy Springer who still thinks he's a pup a lot of the time!! Bought brother and sister originally but, sadly, lost the sister very early in life. Such a shame - she was lovely too & was a 'smiler' when she was greeting you -anyone who's had one will know what I mean. Have now also got a cocker and a goldendoodle (must be nuts!!)
From Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
My Springer Brandy is 12 and still has so much energy. He was hit by a car nearly four weeks ago. He is doing well and it’s his front leg that took the brunt. It’s sad watching him unable to run like he did. However, he is so kern to play he does not care! We care more than him and have to stop him, for now, doing anything but his physio exercise. We all love him so much and he worships us. However, he does have the odd temper tantrum but with a little coaxing he soon comes round.
From West Midlands, United Kingdom
I’d had a springer before & it took me 2 & a half years to be ready again, but there was never any doubt that I would have another. They’re a crazy breed, they can be hyper, but they love to learn, are sweet natured & there’s no other breed like them. My boy Rufus is 9.5 months old now & while my friends have other more “fashionable” breeds, there is nothing to me like a springer.