English Springer Spaniel Breed Information and Advice

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If you’ve ever watched a Springer Spaniel in full flight — ears streaming, nose locked on a scent, tail a blur of pure joy — you’ll understand why this breed is so beloved. English Springer Spaniels are exuberant, warm-hearted, and endlessly energetic. They are dogs that commit completely: to their families, to their work, and to whatever game, walk, or adventure is happening.

That commitment is one of the great pleasures of living with a Springer — but it also means they come with real needs. They require substantial daily exercise, consistent training, regular grooming, and, often — because of several health conditions the breed is prone to — ongoing veterinary care. For most owners, English Springer Spaniel insurance isn’t an optional extra: it’s part of responsible ownership.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the English Springer Spaniel: the breed’s history, personality, health vulnerabilities, care requirements, and how Muddy Paws can help you protect your Springer from day one.

English Springer Spaniel facts

The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized gundog with a history stretching back several centuries. The breed takes its name from the job it was originally bred to do: ‘springing’ game birds from dense cover, flushing them into the air for the waiting gun. The Kennel Club officially recognised the English Springer Spaniel as a distinct breed in 1902, though spaniels of this type had been working alongside hunters long before that.

Today the Springer is as popular as a family companion and working dog as it has ever been. They’re widely used as detection dogs by police and border forces — a testament to their extraordinary nose and their tireless desire to work. The charity Medical Detection Dogs also uses the breed extensively, training Springers to detect diseases including cancer and diabetes from scent alone.

There are two distinct types of English Springer Spaniel: Show (or Bench) Springers, bred primarily as companions for humans, and Working (or Field Trial) Springers, which are leaner, faster, and driven by an especially intense hunting instinct. Both types share the same essential character, but working-line Springers in particular need an enormous amount of physical and mental stimulation to thrive.

It’s worth noting that the Welsh Springer Spaniel is a separate, distinct breed — slightly smaller, always red and white in colour, and with its own separate health profile. This guide focuses entirely on the English Springer Spaniel.

Quick English Springer Spaniel facts

  • Temperament: Energetic, loyal, affectionate, intelligent, alert
  • Lifespan: 12-14 years
  • Price: £800–£2,000+ depending on lines and breeder
  • Size: Males: 51cm / Females: slightly smaller
  • Weight: 18-25kg
  • Coat: Medium-length, silky, flat or wavy; feathering on ears, chest, legs and belly
  • Colours: Liver and white, black and white, tricolour; with or without ticking or roan
  • Grooming: 2–3 times per week brushing; professional trim every 8–12 weeks
  • Exercise needs: Minimum 2 hours per day
  • Good with children? Yes — enthusiastic and gentle
  • Good with other pets? Generally yes, with socialisation
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Why choose Muddy Paws for English Springer Spaniel insurance?

At Muddy Paws, we understand that your English Springer Spaniel isn’t just a pet: they’re an irreplaceable part of your daily life. And, if something goes wrong, the last thing you want to be worrying about is whether you can afford the treatment they need.

English Springer Spaniels are a breed with well-documented health vulnerabilities. Joint conditions, ear problems, allergic skin disease, and certain inherited disorders can all require ongoing, sometimes costly veterinary care. A good insurance policy means you never have to make a decision about your dog’s health based on what you can afford that week.

With Muddy Paws English Springer Spaniel insurance, you get:

  • Lifetime and 12-month cover, so you can choose what’s right for your circumstances
  • Up to £10,000 in vet fees per year
  • Complementary therapy cover, including hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, acupuncture and osteopathy — particularly valuable for a breed prone to joint conditions
  • Third party liability cover
  • Pet travel insurance
  • Emergency boarding kennel cover, if you’re unexpectedly hospitalised
  • Up to £750 if your pet is lost or stolen
  • Death benefit cover
  • A dedicated claims line
  • Direct payment to your vet, so you’re not out of pocket while you wait
  • Monthly payment option, so you can spread the cost
  • Multi-pet discount offering

We can insure your English Springer Spaniel from as young as 5 weeks old. Provided you renew your policy each year, we’ll be there with you throughout every chapter of their life.

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The cost of owning a English Springer Spaniel

Before bringing a Springer into your life, it’s worth thinking clearly about the full financial picture. These are not expensive dogs to buy relative to some other breeds, but they are genuinely active dogs with real ongoing needs.

Initial costs

Ongoing costs
  • Purchase price from a reputable breeder: £800–£2,000+
  • Alternatively, rehoming from a rescue: typically £150–£400, often including vaccinations, microchipping and neutering
  • Initial vaccinations, microchipping, and neutering (if not done)
  • Beds, crate, leads, collar, grooming tools, food bowls and toys
  • High-quality food
  • Routine veterinary care: annual vaccinations, flea and worming prevention, dental checks
  • Professional grooming every 8–12 weeks
  • Pet sitters, daycare or boarding when needed
  • Pet insurance


Pet insurance is arguably the most important financial decision you’ll make as a Springer owner. The breed’s predisposition to joint conditions (often requiring surgery and long-term management), seizure disorders (requiring lifelong medication), IOHC, allergic skin disease, and ear problems means ongoing vet costs are a realistic part of life with a Springer, rather than a remote possibility. Preparing for the unexpected costs of pet ownership is something every new owner should think about before they bring their dog home.

A lifetime policy — which refreshes the vet fee limit each year and continues to cover conditions as they recur — is generally the most appropriate cover for English Springer Spaniels. A time-limited policy, which only covers each condition for 12 months from when it first presents, frequently leaves owners without cover for exactly the chronic conditions Springers are most likely to develop.

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Common health conditions in English Springer Spaniels

English Springer Spaniels are generally considered a robust and healthy breed, and their typical 12–14 year lifespan reflects that. But like all pedigree dogs, they have a number of health conditions they’re genetically predisposed to, as well as lifestyle-related vulnerabilities that owners should understand.

Many of the conditions below are chronic, progressive, or require specialist care, rather than a one-off fix. This is one of the key reasons why a lifetime insurance policy is usually the most appropriate choice for Springer Spaniel owners — a time-limited policy, which only covers a condition for the first 12 months, can leave you without cover for exactly the kinds of ongoing conditions Springers are prone to.

These developmental joint conditions are among the most well-known health concerns in Springer Spaniels. Both involve abnormal development of the joint — the hip or elbow respectively — which leads to poor fit between the bones, abnormal wear, pain, and eventually osteoarthritis.

Mild cases can often be managed conservatively with weight control, pain relief, physiotherapy, and hydrotherapy. More severe cases may require surgery. Because the resulting arthritis is typically a lifelong condition, long-term management costs can be significant. The Kennel Club recommends that breeding dogs are hip- and elbow-scored. Always ask a breeder for both parents’ scores.

As one of the most commonly claimed-for conditions in Springer Spaniels, osteoarthritis deserves particular attention. It can arise as a consequence of hip or elbow dysplasia, cruciate ligament disease, IOHC, or as simple age-related wear and tear. Symptoms — stiffness after rest, reluctance to exercise, difficulty on stairs or getting in and out of the car — often develop gradually and can be easy to overlook at first.

There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but it can be managed effectively. Treatment typically involves a combination of pain medication, weight management, and physical therapies including hydrotherapy and physiotherapy, all of which may require ongoing vet involvement.

IOHC is a developmental abnormality of the elbow joint in which the humeral condyle — the rounded end of the upper arm bone — fails to fully ossify (harden from cartilage into bone) during development. This leaves a fissure or crack in the bone that makes it vulnerable to fracture, sometimes with very little trauma.

Affected dogs may present with sudden severe lameness, sometimes following a minor incident, or with a longer history of low-grade elbow discomfort. Treatment is surgical, and the condition can affect both elbows. DNA testing for IOHC is available and recommended for breeding dogs — always ask a breeder to provide evidence of testing.

The gradual degeneration and eventual failure of the cranial cruciate ligament in the knee is another commonly claimed-for condition in Springers, due to their high activity level and athleticism. Once the ligament fails, the knee becomes unstable, causing significant pain and lameness. Treatment is almost always surgical, and recovery is lengthy. The affected joint is also prone to developing arthritis over time, meaning long-term management is often required alongside the initial surgery.

Epilepsy in dogs can be idiopathic (of unknown cause) or secondary to another condition. In many cases it can be managed with medication, allowing affected dogs to live good quality lives, but this typically requires lifelong treatment and regular veterinary monitoring to adjust doses as needed.

If your Springer has a seizure, always contact your vet promptly. Keeping a record of each episode — its duration, character, and what happened before and after — will be invaluable to your vet in determining the appropriate course of treatment.

Springer Spaniels’ long, pendulous ears are one of their most appealing features — and one of their greatest health vulnerabilities. The heavy ear flaps restrict airflow into the canal, creating a warm, moist environment in which bacteria and yeast thrive. Ear infections are very common in the breed and, in many dogs, become a recurring problem requiring repeat treatment.

After swimming or bathing, drying the ears gently is important. Weekly cleaning and regular inspection should be part of every Springer owner’s routine, and early signs of infection — head shaking, scratching at the ear, odour, or discharge — should always be checked by a vet promptly.

Hypersensitivity skin disorders affect a notable proportion of Springer Spaniels. Environmental allergens (pollen, grass, dust mites) and food ingredients are the most common triggers. The condition typically manifests as persistent itching, redness, skin thickening, recurrent hot spots, and — often — accompanying ear problems. Allergic skin disease is frequently a condition that requires long-term management rather than a one-off course of treatment, and it can involve prescription diets, ongoing medication, and regular vet input. Pet insurance can help significantly with the ongoing costs of allergy management.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) causes the retina to degenerate progressively over time, leading first to reduced vision in low light and eventually to complete blindness. DNA testing is available and recommended for all breeding dogs — responsible breeders will be able to provide test results for both parents.

Other eye conditions, including hereditary cataracts, can also occur in the breed. The Kennel Club’s health testing recommendations for English Springer Spaniels include eye testing, so this is something to ask any breeder about.

Springers love food — which makes them highly trainable and enormous fun to work with, but also means they can gain weight easily if their diet isn’t carefully managed. For a breed already predisposed to joint conditions, even modest excess weight puts additional strain on hips, elbows, and knees, and can meaningfully worsen symptoms. Keeping your Springer lean throughout their life is one of the most impactful things you can do for their long-term health and wellbeing.

English Springer Spaniel temperament

There’s a word that comes up again and again when people describe life with a Springer Spaniel: “full”. Full of energy. Full of love. Full of enthusiasm for everything — the walk, the swim, the game of fetch, the warm spot on the sofa, the person who’s just walked through the door. Springers are dogs who show up for life completely, and that quality is at the heart of what makes them so special.

Here’s what to expect from the breed’s character:

  • Boundless energy: English Springer Spaniels were bred to work all day in the field without tiring. That stamina doesn’t switch off just because they’re living as family dogs. A Springer that doesn’t get enough physical exercise will find its own outlet — usually something creative and destructive. Meeting their exercise needs isn’t optional; it’s the foundation of a happy, well-behaved dog.
  • Deeply loyal and people-focused: Springers form intense bonds with their families and genuinely need human company to thrive. They are not well-suited to being left alone for long stretches of the day. Separation anxiety is a real risk in the breed — it’s something to think carefully about before getting a Springer if you work full-time and away from home.
  • Intelligent and quick to learn: These dogs have a remarkable capacity for learning, which is exactly why they excel as detection dogs, assistance dogs, and agility competitors, as well as in their original role as working gundogs. That intelligence is a pleasure to engage with through positive reward-based training.
  • Alert and driven by their nose: Springer Spaniels have an extraordinary sense of smell and a powerful hunting instinct. Off-lead, that nose can take them a long way in a very short time if recall isn’t rock-solid. Starting recall training early and practising it consistently is essential. It’s not a nice-to-have with this breed, it’s a safety priority.
  • Sociable and good with children: Well-socialised Springers are typically wonderful with children and friendly with other dogs. Their enthusiasm can be a lot for very small children, though: a bouncing Springer means well, but can easily knock a toddler over. With appropriate supervision and early socialisation, they’re an excellent family breed.
  • Can be strong-willed: Springer Spaniels are eager to please, but they also have opinions. Without clear, consistent guidance from puppyhood, they can become boisterous, headstrong, or difficult to manage. They respond poorly to harsh handling; patience and positive reinforcement bring out the very best in them.
  • Vocal: Most Springers will announce visitors or express excitement with a bark. They’re not typically nuisance barkers, but they’re not silent dogs, either.

English Springer Spaniel care guide

The English Springer Spaniel’s silky, medium-length coat is beautiful — and requires genuine commitment to keep it that way. Without regular attention, the feathering on the ears, belly, legs and chest will tangle and mat, which can be uncomfortable for the dog and difficult to address once established.

At home: Brush thoroughly two to three times per week. Pay particular attention to the areas most prone to matting — behind the ears, under the arms, and around the collar. A slicker brush and a metal comb are both useful. Your dog’s coat can also be a useful indicator of their wider health — changes in condition, texture, or shine are worth noting and mentioning to your vet.

Professionally: Most Springer owners visit a professional groomer every eight-to-twelve weeks for a trim, tidy, and clip around the ears and feet. For an expert view on what good grooming involves, our podcast episode with groomer Lucia Carne is well worth listening to.

Ears: Weekly cleaning is essential. After every swim or bath, dry the ears carefully and check for signs of redness, smell, or discharge. Prompt attention to any early signs of infection can prevent a minor issue from becoming a persistent one.

Teeth: Establish a tooth-brushing routine from puppyhood.

Nails: Check monthly and trim as needed, or ask your groomer or vet to do this for you.

Feed a complete, high-quality dog food appropriate to your Springer’s life stage and activity level. Because of this breed’s significant daily energy expenditure, an active adult Springer will need a food with sufficient caloric content to fuel their exercise — but portion control still matters. Springers will eat enthusiastically regardless of whether they actually need more food, and obesity is a real risk if feeding isn’t carefully managed.

Weigh food accurately, account for training treats in the daily total, and have your vet check your dog’s body condition score at routine appointments.

Puppies typically need three to four meals a day; adults are usually fed twice. Fresh water should always be freely available.

Two hours of exercise every day is the baseline for an adult English Springer Spaniel, and for working-line dogs, even that may not be quite enough. Ideally, exercise should be split across two or more outings rather than one single long walk, and should include off-lead time in safe areas where your Springer can follow their nose, splash in water, and really stretch their legs.

Variety is important. Springers are intelligent dogs who quickly become bored by the same route every day. Walks in new environments, retrieving games, swimming, and activities like agility or scent work all tap into the breed’s natural drives and make for a happier, more settled dog.

As puppies, exercise should be carefully managed to protect developing joints. Follow the guideline of five minutes per month of age, twice daily — so a four-month-old puppy has two 20-minute walks per day. As your Springer ages and joint conditions may develop, exercise should be tailored to their individual comfort and mobility; shorter, more frequent outings often suit older dogs better than one long session.

Start training the moment your Springer puppy arrives home. These are bright, responsive dogs that learn quickly and positively — but without clear, consistent guidance from an early age, they can develop into boisterous, headstrong, and difficult-to-manage adults. Positive reinforcement methods work brilliantly with the breed; they’re sensitive dogs who thrive on reward and praise.

Recall training deserves particular emphasis. A Springer’s nose and hunting instinct mean that, off-lead and on a scent, they can cover a lot of ground in a short time. Solid, reliable recall — established early, practised constantly, and never taken for granted — is a genuine safety essential.

Beyond basic obedience, mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for a Springer Spaniel. Scent work, retrieving games, agility, hide-and-seek with food, and formal gundog training are all brilliant outlets for the breed’s natural intelligence and drive. A mentally stimulated Springer is a calmer, better-behaved Springer.

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Frequently asked questions about English Springer Spaniels and insurance

With the right level of exercise and training, absolutely. Springers are warm, playful, and devoted to their families. They’re good with children, generally sociable with other dogs, and adaptable enough to fit into many different household setups — provided their significant exercise and mental stimulation needs are properly met.

As early as possible — ideally from the moment you bring them home and before any health conditions have a chance to develop. Conditions that exist before you take out a policy are typically excluded. The earlier you insure, the broader your cover is likely to be throughout your dog’s life.

A lifetime policy. Because many of the conditions Springers are most prone to — joint disease, epilepsy, allergic skin disease — are ongoing or recurring rather than one-off, a time-limited policy may leave you without cover when you most need it. A lifetime policy refreshes the vet fee limit each year, so conditions continue to be covered year after year.

Premiums vary based on your dog’s age, your location, the level of cover you choose, and the insurer. Getting a quote with Muddy Paws is free and only takes a few minutes.

From a reputable breeder, expect to pay between £800 and £2,000, or more, depending on whether the puppy is from show or working lines. Rehoming a Springer from a breed rescue typically costs £150–£400. Never buy a puppy without seeing them with their mother, and always ask to see health test results for both parents.

Choose a breeder who follows the Kennel Club’s health testing recommendations for the breed. Both parents should have hip and elbow scores, and eye testing results. A responsible breeder will be transparent about all of this, will let you meet the mother, and will ask you plenty of questions about your lifestyle and home.

Typically 12–14 years, which makes them one of the longer-lived medium-sized breeds. Good nutrition, appropriate exercise, preventive healthcare, and prompt treatment of any health conditions all contribute to a longer, healthier life.

Not comfortably for extended periods. Springers are deeply social dogs who form strong bonds with their families, and separation anxiety is a genuine risk in the breed. If you work full-time and away from home, a dog walker, daycare, or companion animal is worth planning for before you get your Springer.

They can be, but with some important caveats. Springers are trainable, affectionate, and not naturally aggressive. But their exercise requirements are significant, their hunting instinct is strong, and they need consistent training from day one. A first-time owner who’s prepared to put in the time and effort — and ideally take the dog to training classes — can absolutely make a success of a Springer. Someone wanting a low-maintenance companion should look elsewhere.

It depends on the individual dog and how early they were socialised with cats. Springers have a strong prey drive, which can make them unreliable around smaller animals. Many Springers live happily alongside cats, particularly when introduced from puppyhood — but it’s not guaranteed, and introductions should always be managed carefully.

Yes. Cruciate ligament treatment — including surgery — is covered under Muddy Paws policies, subject to your annual vet fee limit and policy terms. Please refer to your policy documentation for full details.

Yes, ongoing medical management of conditions including epilepsy is covered under a Muddy Paws lifetime policy, provided the condition first develops after the policy start date and the policy is renewed each year. Please see your policy documents for full terms and conditions.

Yes. Monthly payments are available, making it straightforward to budget for your Springer’s insurance without a large upfront cost.

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Ready to protect your English Springer Spaniel?

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Whether you’ve just brought home a bouncy puppy or you’re looking for better cover for your adult dog, Muddy Paws is here to help. We’re not just an insurance company: we’re fellow dog lovers who understand exactly what your Springer means to you.

Get a free, no-obligation quote today and see how affordable great cover can be.

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