Springer Spaniel insurance
Is the Springer Spaniel the right dog breed for you?
Our guide to living with a English Springer Spaniel
Don't Springer Spaniel puppies have the cutest faces? Being a very loyal breed, they’ll do anything for their human, and they’ll always be by your side. Springer Spaniels are neither too small or too big - the perfect size. Especially for a cuddle, which they’re a master of!
Springer Spaniel quick facts
- Origin: England
- Lifespan: 12-14 years
- Size: Springers measure about 48-56cm at the shoulder (19-20”), with males being slightly larger and heavier than females
- Weight: 18-25kg
Thanks to their affectionate and friendly temperaments, in the right home, a Springer Spaniel can be a great family dog. Plus they excel as a gundog – the role they were originally bred for.
Where does the Springer Spaniel come from?
The breed has been registered with The Kennel Club since 1903 and has a loyal and enthusiastic following. There are two main types – English Springer Spaniel and Welsh Springer Spaniels.
Springers were bred as hunting dogs, flushing out game birds by ‘springing’ into the undergrowth, sending the birds into the air.
Springer Spaniels have a fantastic sense of smell, are easily trainable, and love to work. This is why they’re a favoured breed for the police, working as detection dogs. For the same reasons, they’re also one of the popular breeds used by life-saving charity Medical Detection Dogs.
Springer Spaniel temperament
Energetic
Springers are highly energetic, requiring plenty of physical exercise. They enjoy activities like running, fetching and swimming.
Friendly
They have a friendly and sociable nature, and get along well with people, children and pets. They’re affectionate and enjoy being part of family activities.
Intelligent
They’re highly intelligent and quick to learn. They respond well to training and enjoy mental stimulation.
Loyal
Springer Spaniels are deeply loyal to their families and form strong bonds with their owners.
Playful
Springers have a playful and fun-loving disposition. They love playtime! Who doesn’t?
Alert
With their background as hunting dogs, Springer Spaniels are naturally alert and attentive. As such, they make good watchdogs.
Do Springer Spaniels bark a lot?
Springers aren’t known for excessive barking. They may bark occasionally to say they’re ready to play, or to greet humans or other dogs.
As with all dogs, good socialisation should help to avoid excessive barking in future.
Are Springer Spaniels good family dogs?
Springer Spaniels are great with children and other pets. So if they can be given the significant exercise and stimulation they need to be happy, they’ll make an excellent, active family member!
Can Springer Spaniels be left alone?
Springers don’t like being left alone. The longest time you should leave a healthy adult Springer alone is a couple of hours. But of course – as with all dogs – this will depend on your dog’s needs, health and temperament.
As loyal dogs, Springers can be prone to separation anxiety. As such, they can get stressed or possibly frightened if left alone. It’s possible to work on this, but small steps and patience are required.
If you leave your Springer alone for any length of time, make sure that they have:
- Access to fresh water
- Toys for mental stimulation
- Comforts, such as favourite blanket or toy
- Somewhere nice and comfortable to sleep
Springer Spaniel size & appearance
Springer Spaniels are medium-sized dogs with a sturdy, athletic build. They have long, floppy ears and expressive eyes that give them a friendly expression.
They also have a double-layered coat, which is typically wavy or curly. They come in a few colour combinations - usually white with either black, brown, or deep red-coloured patches.
They get to around 43-48 cm in height, with a medium-length double-coat. They tend to weigh between 16-23 kg when fully grown.
Thinking of getting a Springer Spaniel puppy?
What to expect week-by-week from your first year
We've laid out what to expect from your first year with your new puppy with a series of videos and helpful guides, so you can stay on top of your training, keep your pup healthy, and help them settle in to their new life.
Springer Spaniel grooming
Springers have silky coats, and need regular grooming - about two or three times a week. This helps their coat to look healthy, avoiding tangling and matting. But they do love to get dirty. Hunting in the undergrowth is one of their favourite pastimes, so be prepared for lots of bathing and brushing afterwards.
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** Agria is a Which? Best Buy for our Lifetime, Lifetime Plus and Lifetime Premium dog insurance products*. Which? policy score ratings are based on an analysis of policy cover levels conducted in November 2024. Best Buy providers have a high policy score and a good track record for paying claims. Read the Which? article.
Training a Springer Spaniel
- 1
Channel their energy
Springer Spaniels are very intelligent and enjoy learning. Without training, they can become boisterous and bouncy, particularly when they’re puppies. Channel their energy correctly with lots of exercise and training, and you’ll have a loyal and well-behaved dog.
- 2
Teach 'calm'
They’re very good with children if they are introduced to them from a young age. You’ll need to teach them to be calm around kids, and equally teach the kids to be calm around your Springer.
- 3
Practice recall
Teaching recall to all puppies is important. With Springers, teaching them this vital skill so it can be relied upon at all times is essential. This will enable you to remain in safe control. Otherwise, your Springer Spaniel may develop a tendency to run wild when you’re out walking – driven by their incredible nose and instinct to hunt. Luckily, since they’re easy to train, learning good recall shouldn’t be difficult.
- 4
Start early
Start as soon as you have them – constantly training them with the same positivity and happiness they project – and they’ll quickly master it.
- 5
Socialise them young
As with any dog, it’s a good idea to take them to puppy classes when they’re young to socialise them with other dogs. They do have a hunting instinct, so may find other pets in the household exciting - particularly birds and cats. Again, by introducing them to all different types of animals when they’re puppies, you can train them not to chase.
- 6
Spend time with them
If kept as working dogs, Springers may live in outside kennels. While they can be happy with this situation, Springer Spaniels do love being with their family. They’re really sociable dogs so will appreciate a comfortable home environment. Becoming very attached to their humans is part of their nature, so they cannot be left for long periods of time as they’ll find it very stressful.
Springer Spaniel health issues
Springer Spaniels are generally healthy, but can be prone to common health issues and certain conditions.
Hip or elbow dysplasia
This is a genetic condition where the hip or elbow joint doesn't develop properly. This can lead to arthritis, and can be painful. Signs of joint conditions such as these include stiffness - particularly after lying down - and reluctance to use stairs or exercise.
Ear infections
While the Springer’s long, floppy ears are delightful, they can cause problems. For instance, Springer Spaniels are prone to ear infections, with parasites or irritants getting into the ear canal. This can lead to inflammation called otitis. Regular ear cleaning and grooming can help prevent this.
To reduce the chances of your Springer developing certain conditions, make sure the parents of your puppy have had all the relevant health screening. Seek advice from respected breeders, clubs or vets for more information.
Health tips for your Springer Spaniel
Springer Spaniel training
Springer Spaniels are intelligent and eager to please. This is a good combination when it comes to training, meaning Springers are receptive and learn quickly. Having high energy levels means they can become boisterous unless you channel it into training and exercise from a young age. Good recall is important too, as the hunting instinct in a Springer is strong!
Springer Spaniel feeding
It’s important to give your Springer Spaniel a balanced diet, keeping filler to a minimum. A raw food diet is a good bet, as this will give them consistent energy throughout the day, and there will be no processed food. But their exact diet will be down to their individual needs. It’s best to keep them from getting overweight though, as this increases the risk of conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia.
Springer Spaniel exercise
Springers are a very active breed, and lead at least two hours of exercise a day - ideally over two or more walks. Springer Spaniels are best suited to life in the country, or at least have a large garden to run around and play in.
“English Springer Spaniels are loyal and energetic. This boundless energy can result in joint injuries and we see a lot of elbow problems that may require long-term treatment. Only a lifetime insurance policy will help with the costs for as long as necessary. ”
Robin Hargreaves
Agria Vet Panel Lead, Veterinary Surgeon for 30 years and former British Veterinary Association President.
What we love most about a Springer Spaniel
They’re full of beans
Energetic and playful, Springer Spaniels are full of energy. They love outdoor activities, making them perfect companions for active people or families.
Top of the class
Springers are quick learners who are eager to please, They’re intelligent and eminently trainable, excelling in obedience training and agility. This also makes them ideal for working roles such as gundog or search and rescue.
They’re great pals
Springers are known for their cheerful and affectionate nature. They’re also super loyal, forming strong bonds with their families. Plus they’re good with children and other pets.
Things to consider before getting a Springer Spaniel
Before committing to getting a Springer, there are a few things worth knowing.
- 1
High exercise needs
Springer Spaniels need a lot of daily physical and mental stimulation. Without it, they can become bored and destructive.
- 2
Regular grooming
Their medium-length coat needs frequent brushing to prevent tangles and the build-up of gunk, especially around their ears and legs.
- 3
Can be strong-willed
While intelligent and eager to please, they can also be headstrong. You’ll need to be consistent and set boundaries from an early age.
Springer Spaniel insurance with Agria
With Agria, it's lifetime, every time
At Agria, we believe pet insurance should last your pet’s lifetime. Our policies provide lifelong vet’s fees cover for illnesses and injuries. This means that, provided your policy is renewed each year, your maximum benefit will be refreshed, providing cover for ongoing conditions.
So, whatever happens throughout your Springer Spaniel's life, we’ll always be there for you and your dog!
Up to £20,000 towards vet bills every year
So your dog can get the care they need.
We pay 98% of claims*
And we can pay your vet directly, so you can focus on your dog.
No increase in your premiums when you claim
So you don’t have to worry about the cost of insurance when you go to the vet.
Free vet video calls, 24/7
Which means help is always on hand if you’re worried.
Dotty about dogs? Get a 5% multi-pet discount when you insure more than one pet with us.
*Based on all Agria Pet Insurance claims received between November 2023 and May 2024.
Want to know about our insurance policies? From multi-pet coverage to pre-existing conditions, we have lifetime insurance options for cats, rabbits, horses, and dogs, including older dogs.
Springer Spaniel FAQs
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