Are Springer Spaniels Good Family Dogs?

Spring A Spaniel. A Loyal and Energetic Companion. The English Springer Spaniel is a friendly, intelligent, and highly energetic breed known for its boundless enthusiasm and affectionate nature. Originally bred as a hunting dog to flush out game, this breed has since become a beloved companion in households around the world. With their keen intelligence and eagerness to please, English Springer Spaniels make excellent family pets. In this article, we will explore their best health and wellness care, including nutrition, training, vet visits, and grooming, while also sharing fun facts about this wonderful breed.

Health and Wellness Care

Nutrition for Optimal Health

Proper nutrition is essential for keeping an English Springer Spaniel healthy and full of energy. A high-quality diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins supports their active lifestyle. Since they are prone to weight gain, portion control is crucial. Feeding them two balanced meals a day with lean proteins like chicken, turkey, or fish helps maintain a healthy weight. Incorporating vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids into their diet supports their skin, coat, and joint health. Additionally, fresh water should always be available to keep them hydrated, especially after playtime or exercise.

Exercise and Mental Stimulation

As a highly active breed, English Springer Spaniels require plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. Daily walks, runs, or engaging play sessions help prevent obesity and keep their muscles strong. They also excel in dog sports like agility, obedience trials, and dock diving. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise, so puzzle toys, training exercises, and interactive games help keep their sharp minds engaged. Without sufficient activity, they can become bored and may develop destructive behaviors.

Regular Vet Visits

Routine veterinary check-ups are crucial to monitor the health of an English Springer Spaniel. Common health issues in the breed include hip dysplasia, ear infections, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Regular screenings for these conditions can aid in early detection and management. Since their long, floppy ears are prone to infections, cleaning them weekly with a vet-approved solution reduces the risk of bacterial buildup. Annual dental cleanings and vaccinations also contribute to their overall well-being.

Training and Socialization

English Springer Spaniels are eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement training. Early training and socialization help them develop into well-mannered companions. Basic obedience commands like sit, stay, and recall are essential, especially since they have a natural instinct to chase.

Socialization from a young age ensures they become comfortable around other animals, people, and new environments. Exposing them to different experiences helps prevent fearfulness or anxiety. Because of their high intelligence and desire to work, dog training sessions should be engaging and rewarding to keep them motivated. Consistency and patience are key to raising a well-behaved English Springer Spaniel.

“Start with the ‘easy’ stuff (low distraction, high control…like at home and on-lead) and then build from there as they get better.” – Hannah Antrobus, known as ‘The Spaniel Guru’.

“Frenzied lunatics” – Clinical Canine Behaviorist Will Atherton.

Grooming and Coat Maintenance

The English Springer Spaniel has a beautiful, medium-length coat that requires regular grooming. Their coat can become tangled and matted, so brushing them at least three times a week helps keep it smooth and free from debris. Since they are prone to shedding, frequent brushing also helps control loose fur around the home.

Bathing them every few weeks, or as needed, keeps their coat clean and healthy. After outdoor adventures, checking for burrs and dirt caught in their fur is essential. Their nails should be trimmed regularly to prevent discomfort, and dental hygiene should not be overlooked…brushing their teeth a few times a week helps prevent tartar buildup and gum disease.

Spring A Spaniel – Why They Make Great Family Pets

Loving and Loyal Temperament

One of the biggest reasons English Springer Spaniels are cherished as family pets is their affectionate and loving nature. They thrive on companionship and enjoy being part of family activities. Whether playing in the backyard, going for a hike, or snuggling on the couch, they want to be included in everything.

Great with Children and Other Pets

English Springer Spaniels are known for their gentle and friendly disposition, making them excellent companions for children. They are patient and playful, creating strong bonds with kids. Additionally, they generally get along well with other pets, especially when socialized from an early age. Their sociable and adaptable nature makes them a great fit for multi-pet households.

Highly Trainable and Intelligent

With their high intelligence and eagerness to learn, English Springer Spaniels excel in obedience training. They enjoy learning new tricks and commands, making them an ideal breed for active families who want a trainable and cooperative pet. Their working background also means they enjoy having a job to do, whether it’s retrieving a toy, participating in agility courses, or even helping with simple household tasks.

Versatile Companions

These dogs are incredibly versatile and adaptable. Whether living in a suburban home with a yard or a more rural environment, they adjust well as long as they receive plenty of exercise and attention. Their outgoing personality and friendly demeanor also make them wonderful therapy dogs, bringing comfort to people in hospitals and nursing homes.

Fun Facts About the English Springer Spaniel

• A History in Hunting: The breed’s name comes from its ability to “spring” game birds into the air for hunters.
• Famous in the Show Ring: English Springer Spaniels have won multiple Best in Show titles at prestigious competitions like the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
• Royal Connection: The breed has been favored by British royalty, including Prince William and Kate Middleton, who own a Springer Spaniel named Lupo.
• Water Lovers: They are natural swimmers and love playing in the water, making them great companions for families who enjoy beach or lake outings.
• Excellent Scent Detectors: Due to their incredible sense of smell, English Springer Spaniels are often used as search-and-rescue or detection dogs.

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The Deets

The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized sporting dog, compact and well-proportioned. Its moderately long coat features feathering on legs, ears, chest, and brisket. Pendulous ears, a gentle expression, sturdy build, and friendly wagging tail mark it as a Spaniel. Balanced throughout, its carriage is proud and upstanding, with a deep body and strong, muscular legs. The Springer suggests power, endurance, and agility, looking capable of working under difficult hunting conditions. At its best, it combines style, symmetry, balance, enthusiasm, and distinct spaniel character.

Built for covering rough ground with agility and speed, the Springer should be of medium size. Ideal height at the shoulder is 20 inches for dogs and 19 for bitches; deviations of more than one inch are faulted. A 20-inch dog weighs approximately 50 pounds, a 19-inch bitch about 40. Body length is slightly greater than height. A body too long or short is undesirable. The Springer should appear well-knit and sturdy, never coarse.

“English Springer Spaniels embody the perfect balance of energy and empathy. Born to move and explore, they remain deeply attuned to the people they love. Their exuberant spirit inspires us daily, showing that life shines brightest in joyful companionship. Spring A Spaniel!” – Kevin Kinyon, Co‑Founder, Petworks.

Top

The head is impressive, balancing strength and refinement. Its size and proportion must harmonize with the body. In profile, the head blends with the body and is roughly the same length as the neck. The stop, eyebrows, and chiseling around the eye sockets contribute to the Springer’s alert, kindly, and trusting expression. Medium-sized, oval eyes, set well apart, are key to the Springer’s appeal. Iris color harmonizes with the coat (dark hazel in liver/white, black/brown in black/white).

Eyerims are fully pigmented. Small, round, protruding, or yellow eyes are undesirable. Long, fairly wide ears hang close to the cheeks, set level with the eyes. The skull is medium-length, fairly broad, flat on top, and slightly rounded at the sides and back. The moderate stop is emphasized by a groove and well-developed eyebrows. The muzzle, approximately half the skull’s width and the same length, has a straight nasal bone. Cheeks are flat, and the face is well-chiseled. Jaws are strong and square. Lips are full but not pendulous. The nose is fully pigmented (liver or black). Teeth are strong, clean, and meet in a scissors bite.

Neck

The moderately long, muscular neck blends smoothly into sloping shoulders. The topline slopes gently from withers to tail. The body is short-coupled, strong, and compact. The deep chest reaches the elbows. Ribs are fairly long. The back is straight and level. Loins are strong and short. The hips curve smoothly into the hind legs. The croup slopes gently to the tail, which the dog carries horizontally or slightly elevated, displaying lively action.

Proper forequarter assembly is essential for efficient movement. Shoulder blades are flat and close together. Ideally, the shoulder blade and upper arm are of equal length, forming a near 90-degree angle. Elbows lie close to the body. Forelegs are straight, with strong bone. Pasterns are short and slightly sloping. Feet are round or slightly oval, compact, and well-arched.

Hindquarters should be muscular, suggesting strength and driving power. Thighs are broad and muscular. Stifle joints are strong. Hindquarter angulation should be similar to the forequarter. Hock joints are somewhat rounded. Rear pasterns are short and strong. Feet are similar to the front but smaller.

The Coat

The Springer has a medium-length, flat or wavy outer coat and a short, soft undercoat. Feathering is moderate on ears, chest, legs, and belly. The head and front legs have short, fine hair. The coat should have a healthy, glossy appearance. Trimming is acceptable to enhance a smart, functional look. Over-trimming is penalized. Coat quality and condition are paramount.

Acceptable colors include black or liver with white markings, blue or liver roan, and tricolor (black/white or liver/white with tan markings). Any white portion may be flecked. Off-colors are not acceptable.

Balanced front and rear assemblies are crucial for smooth movement. The Springer exhibits a long, ground-covering stride and carries a firm back. Legs swing forward freely. Rear legs reach well under the body. Movement faults include high-stepping, short stride, crabbing, and wide movement.

The Springer is friendly, eager to please, quick to learn, and willing to obey. It should exhibit poise and attentiveness in the show ring. Aggression is unacceptable.

“Spring A Spaniel” is an Exceptional Breed

The English Springer Spaniel is an exceptional breed, combining intelligence, energy, and affection into one delightful companion. With proper nutrition, exercise, grooming, and training, they thrive as loyal and loving family pets. Their friendly nature, adaptability, and enthusiasm for life make them a joy to have in any home. Whether playing fetch, snuggling with their favorite humans, or excelling in dog sports, these wonderful dogs bring endless love and companionship to their families. Spring A Spaniel!

Are Springer Spaniels Good Family Dogs?

Yes, Springer Spaniels are generally excellent family dogs, but with some important considerations.

Springer Spaniels are friendly, loyal, and affectionate, making them excellent family dogs for active households. They love being part of family life and enjoy interactive play, games, and companionship with children. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make training straightforward, especially with positive reinforcement methods.

These energetic dogs require daily exercise and mental stimulation. Long walks, fetch, and playtime help prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Early socialization ensures they get along well with other pets and strangers.

Springer Spaniel FAQ: Temperament & Family Suitability

Q: Are Springer Spaniels good with children?
A: Yes, they are typically affectionate, gentle, and playful, making them great companions for kids when properly socialized.

Q: What is their general temperament?
A: Springer Spaniels are energetic, friendly, intelligent, and eager to please. They thrive on companionship and enjoy being part of family activities.

Q: Do they get along with other pets?
A: Usually yes. They are social dogs, but early socialization helps ensure they coexist peacefully with other pets.

Q: Are they high-energy dogs?
A: Yes. They need daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved.

Q: Are Springer Spaniels easy to train?
A: Generally, yes. They are intelligent and responsive to positive reinforcement, making them one of the more trainable breeds.

Q: And why do people sometimes call it Spring A Spaniel?

The nickname “Spring A Spaniel” is actually a playful nod to the breed’s lively, springy movement. Historically, Springer Spaniels were bred as hunting dogs that would “spring” or flush game, like birds, out of the bushes so that hunters could catch them.

Bottom line: If your family can provide love, attention, and plenty of activity, a Springer Spaniel will be a playful, devoted, and joyful companion. So Spring A Spaniel!

About Petworks

In 2021, Dr. Marty Goldstein DVM joined the pet care platform Petworks as an advisor in its Animal Nutrition care division. Dr Marty Nature’s Blend is on a mission to help your pets live their healthiest lives possible. Dr. Marty’s pet nutrition expertise and guidance has helped Petworks evolve and become the preeminent animal and pet nutrition consultation service for pet parents in North America.

In 2022, Blue Buffalo Founder Bill Bishop Jr. joined Petworks as Senior Advisor in our Animal Nutrition Care Division. Bill brings his extensive expertise in pet food innovation and business leadership. His guidance helps Petworks enhance our pet nutrition service offerings, helping to ensure that pet parents throughout the world receive trusted, science-backed nutritional support for their dogs, cats, and animals.