English Springer Spaniel Puppies & Breeders

English Springer Spaniels are one of the original sporting breeds, developed centuries ago to flush (or 'spring') game birds from dense cover. Today they remain among the most versatile gun dogs in the field while simultaneously excelling as devoted family companions. Their medium size, trainable nature, and boundless enthusiasm make them a perennial favorite for active households.

There is a meaningful difference between field-bred and show-bred Springer Spaniels, and understanding this distinction will save you frustration. Field Springers are leaner, faster, and more intensely driven — bred to work all day in rough cover. Show Springers are heavier-boned with longer coats and a calmer baseline energy. Both types share the breed's trademark friendliness, but a field Springer in a low-activity home will be restless, while a show Springer may lack the stamina for all-day hunting.

Springer Spaniel puppies are exuberant and mouthy. Channel that energy into retrieving games, puppy obedience classes, and scent work from the start. Springers are natural retrievers and take to fetch instantly. They are also one of the most food-motivated sporting breeds, which makes training straightforward but means you need to monitor weight closely.

Health testing for Springer Spaniels should include OFA hip and elbow evaluations, an annual eye exam by a board-certified ophthalmologist, and DNA tests for PRA and PFK deficiency. A reputable breeder provides documentation for all of these and will explain the results. Expect to pay $1,000 to $2,000 for a well-bred puppy from health-tested parents, with field-trial lines sometimes exceeding $2,500.

Exercise is non-negotiable with this breed. Plan on 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous activity daily — running, swimming, hiking, or field training. Springers who do not get enough exercise develop nuisance behaviors: excessive barking, digging, and counter-surfing. A tired Springer is a happy Springer, and a tired Springer owner is a happy owner.

Grooming requires moderate effort. Brush the medium-length coat two to three times per week to prevent mats, paying special attention to the feathering on the ears, chest, and legs. Many owners keep their Springers in a shorter 'puppy clip' for easier maintenance. Clean the long, floppy ears weekly — moisture-related ear infections are the breed's most common health complaint. Professional grooming every 8 to 10 weeks keeps the coat manageable.

Springer Spaniels are excellent with children, generally good with other dogs, and adaptable to most living situations as long as their exercise needs are met. They are not suited to being left alone for long periods — they thrive on human interaction and will let you know when they feel neglected.