English Springer Spaniels: Yay or Nay?

When we first started seriously considering getting a dog, we hadn’t initially thought about getting an English Springer Spaniel.

The idea emerged after carefully evaluating all the advantages and disadvantages of each breed we were interested in.

However, now that we have a dog of this breed named Molly, we can confidently say that, in our opinion, some of the traits commonly regarded as weaknesses are not that negative from our perspective.

Although some may view these traits as inconveniences, we believe they often provide an opportunity to strengthen the bond with your dog.

Overview of English Springer Spaniels.

After weeks of researching various dog breeds, we continually found ourselves drawn to the English Springer Spaniel.

These dogs are well-known for their intelligence, friendliness, and impressive stamina.

We realized that having a member of this breed would be an excellent motivator for us to get back in shape and lead a more active lifestyle.

Their energetic nature would inspire us to embark on new adventures, explore new places, and make lasting memories together, like Molly’s recent first birthday party 🙂

We believe that this breeds endearing qualities make it an ideal companion for those seeking a loyal, active, and loving furry friend.

Exploring Springer Spaniels Pros and Cons.

Now that our Springer Spaniel, Molly, is almost two years old, we believe we have gained enough experience and insight to discuss the pros and cons of this breed.

We will share our personal observations and provide valuable information for those considering a Springer Spaniel as a family pet.

Keep in mind, though, that we personally don’t view many of the cons described below as significant issues after experiencing them with our dog.

However, we wanted to include them in the cons category, as they may be decisive factors for our readers when deciding whether to get a dog of this breed.

Our goal is to offer a balanced perspective to help you make an informed decision.

Below is the summary of all the Pros and Cons of English Springer Spaniels we think should be included here.

Continue reading to get a detailed description of each trait and our insight into it, where we describe it from our perspective as the owners of this amazing breed.

The Yays: Pros of English Springer Spaniels.

Friendly and loyal.

Growing up surrounded by five dogs that my parents owned, I can now recognize the behavioral differences between them, especially now that I have a dog of my own.

Springer Spaniels are known to be friendly, but this behavior develops over time. It involves socialization, exposing a puppy to new places and experiences.

Our dog, Molly is undoubtedly a friendly dog; however, since she was a puppy, she hasn’t been particularly drawn to people she doesn’t know.

Even now, at just over a year old, she is still cautious about being stroked by strangers.

As for loyalty, I believe most dogs are attached to their owners. However, some breeds have been specifically developed to work closely with humans, resulting in stronger bonds and loyalty.

Loyalty is influenced by factors like genetics, socialization, and the relationship between the dog and its owner.

Springer Spaniels thrive on human companionship, constantly seeking attention.

They are affectionate and friendly dogs.

Thanks to these traits, Springer Spaniels have become a popular breed for families, appreciated for their outgoing nature and strong attachment to their human companions.

Easy to train.

Spaniels of this type are incredibly easy to train.

Before we had Molly, I was skeptical and concerned about how long it would take to teach her basic commands like sit, lie down, and stay.

To my surprise, she learned most of these commands in just one afternoon.

I was amazed by how simple it was to teach her the basics, and she loved learning new things.

It’s important to remember that the best time to train your dog is after exercise, particularly with this breed.

We always train Molly after a long walk or intensive playtime, allowing her to expend her excess energy.

This ensures that she can focus and pay attention more easily during training sessions.

Obedient.

Springer Spaniels are very intelligent and eager to please dogs.

This breed was specifically designed as gundogs for hunting and retrieving games.

All this has shaped them to be responsive to commands and adaptable to different situations.

You may think that as a super active breed, these dogs will find it hard to pay attention to you, especially on the walks.

But I find this not to be true.

In fact, our dog, Molly, has been amazing when it comes to paying attention and listening to commands on the walks.

Often during our walks in the local woods, we come across path junctions; Molly stops and waits for me patiently to show her the way we will continue the walk.

She does that every time, and recently I even started teaching her words like straight, left, or right so she doesn’t have to wait for me every time when I approach the intersection.

We put a lot of effort into training Molly to be obedient and pay attention to us.

To ensure a Springer Spaniel becomes obedient, it’s important to start training early, use positive reinforcement techniques, and be consistent with your expectations.

While they are typically an obedient breed, individual temperaments can vary, and some dogs may require more patience and effort during training.

Love to please.

Springer Spaniels are known for their love to please, making them a popular choice for families and working dogs.

They are intelligent, affectionate, and friendly dogs, and their eagerness to make their owners happy contributes to their trainability and overall obedience.

Their history as gundogs for hunting and retrieving games required them to have a strong bond with their handlers and be responsive to commands, contributing to their desire to please.

This trait makes them well-suited for various dog sports and activities, such as obedience training, agility, or scent work.

Perfect size.

The size of a dog was one of the most important aspects when we started searching for our perfect dog.

We immediately ruled out smaller breeds like Dachshunds and Yorkshire Terriers, as we knew we wanted a medium-sized dog.

The Springer Spaniel quickly caught our attention, fitting the bill perfectly.

In particular, females appealed to us, as they are slightly smaller (around 19 inches tall) than their male counterparts.

With their less muscular and more delicate build, female Springer Spaniels seemed like the ideal choice for our family.

When considering the pros and cons of owning a Springer Spaniel, it’s worth noting that female dogs don’t lift their leg when peeing. This may seem like a small detail, but trust me, as someone whose parents only had male dogs, it can make a big difference in the upkeep of your garden.

Male dogs can easily destroy flowers and small bushes in their quest to mark their territory. With female dogs, however, you’ll only have to worry about yellow spots on your lawn.

If you value your garden and want to minimize damage, this is definitely something to consider when choosing the perfect size and gender of dog for your home and lifestyle.

Funny personalities.

There’s no denying it – Springer Spaniels have funny personalities.

As intelligent dogs, they often engage in amusing antics and seem to enjoy outsmarting their owners.

This is evident with our dog, Molly, who loves to play with toys.

When we take a toy away and place it on the table, she will do everything in her power to convince us to return it to her or find a way to retrieve it herself.

This usually involves a hilarious game of trying to get our attention, using her charm and cleverness to convince us to give her toy back.

The unique combination of intelligence and playfulness in Springer Spaniels makes them a delightful addition to any household.

Family-friendly.

Although we brought Molly into our family when our son was already 20 years old, I can confidently say that Springer Spaniels are family-friendly dogs.

She loves cuddles and is always eager to play with anyone in the house, whether it’s fetching a ball or engaging in a game of tug-of-war.

Molly is gentle, and she’s very aware of her teeth.

She takes great care when playing with small toys to ensure she doesn’t accidentally grab anyone’s finger.

This breed is known for its affectionate and gentle nature, making them a wonderful addition to families with members of all ages.

Cat friendly.

Like other dog breeds, Springer Spaniels can get along well with cats, especially if introduced as puppies.

Future owners of this specific Spaniel variety should pay more attention to how their adult cat will react rather than worrying about the puppy.

While some initial separation might be necessary, our puppy, Molly, quickly became friends with our cat Bolt.

Now they’re inseparable and often nap together on the couch, as you can see in the image below.

We’ve never seen Molly try to scare or hurt Bolt.

However, Bolt (thirteen years old now) wasn’t always so comfortable with Molly.

During the first few months, he was cautious and sometimes showed his dominance by gently hitting her face when she came too close.

Thankfully, Bolt didn’t intend to hurt her since he kept his (already trimmed) claws tucked in. As time passed, their bond grew stronger, and they now live together peacefully in our home.

Affectionate and adventurous.

Springer Spaniels are affectionate and adventurous dogs, making them ideal companions for those who appreciate a loving and spirited pet.

Their warm-hearted nature means they form strong bonds with their owners, and they enjoy being a part of all family activities.

Their adventurous spirit leads them to explore new environments with enthusiasm and curiosity.

They love outdoor activities like hiking, running, or playing games, making them perfect for active individuals or families.

This combination of affection and adventure ensures that life with a Springer Spaniel is full of joy, excitement, and memorable experiences, as they bring both love and energy to their human companions’ lives.

Built-in alarm system.

Members of this breed are not guard dogs.

If you are looking for a dog to protect you or your home, you may need to consider a different breed.

However, that doesn’t mean Springer Spaniels don’t have a keen sense of hearing that can alert you to suspicious noises around your house.

We’ve noticed this with our dog Molly many times.

As our 21-year-old son often returns home late when we’re already in bed, Molly can hear him approaching the house long before he inserts the keys into the door.

She can also recognize that it’s our son, not a stranger, trying to open the door. As a result, she starts wagging her tail in anticipation even before seeing him.

While Springer Spaniels may not be well-suited for guard duty, their sensitive hearing and ability to recognize familiar people make them an effective, albeit informal, alarm system for the home.

Enjoys walks and outdoor activities.

As mentioned earlier, we usually walk about 6 miles (9 km) with Molly each day, or two to two and a half hours, according to the data from my Google Fit Journal. (An update to this is on the way – please take a look at our new article where I have adjusted the daily walking distance with Molly).

She loves going for walks and gets really excited when she sees her harness.

Molly also enjoys spending time with us in the garden.

Since my wife and I are avid gardeners, Molly participates in almost every activity, bringing laughter along the way.

She often steals my wife’s garden gloves, retrieves leave from the waste basket, and comes up with all sorts of amusing ideas that make our time together enjoyable for both her and us.

Springer Spaniels, with their energetic and playful nature, thrive in outdoor settings and love engaging in various activities with their owners.

This makes them perfect companions for those who enjoy spending time outside and staying active.

Gets along with other animals.

It’s difficult for me to say that Springer Spaniels are universally friendly with other animals, as their hunting instincts and breed-specific traits for game retrieval can sometimes create challenges.

However, I believe that their ability to get along with other animals largely depends on their training and socialization during their early days.

I’ve had plenty of experiences with Molly where we’ve encountered a Muntjac, commonly known as Barking Deer, in our local woods, and upon hearing the “Leave it” command, she would simply sit next to me while the deer calmly walked away.

Luckily, I have recorded the encounter, and you can watch it below.

It was evident that she would have loved to chase the deer if allowed, but teaching her commands like “stay,” “leave it,” and “recall” has paid off, ensuring she doesn’t pursue wild animals without permission.

That being said, Molly still loves to chase squirrels, although she has never caught one so far, and I hope she never will; it is difficult for us to recall her every time she sees a squirrel.

Just recently, she found a baby fawn in our local woods.

She didn’t harm it and immediately returned to my wife to show her what she had discovered.

We captured this amazing encounter in the video below. We left the baby fawn alone and alerted local dog walkers to keep their dogs away from the spot.

Thankfully, the next day the fawn was gone, presumably reunited with its mother and taken to a safer location.

Ultimately, a well-trained Springer Spaniel can generally get along with other animals, but it’s essential to invest time and effort in training and socialization from a young age to ensure harmonious interactions with various creatures.

The Nays: Cons of English Springer Spaniels.

Requires mental stimulation.

I’ve included mental stimulation as a con only because it requires some time and dedication that some people may not have, and as such, they might consider this a disadvantage.

Personally, though, I think the games you play with your Springer Spaniel to stimulate them mentally are among the best ways to establish a bond and get to know your dog even better.

Most of the games designed for mental stimulation are fun for both the dog and the owner.

I will be writing a separate article about the mental exercise games we play with Molly, but for now, it’s up to you to decide if this is something you’d enjoy when considering a Springer Spaniel.

It’s important to remember that providing mental stimulation for your dog can greatly enhance their overall well-being and happiness while also helping to prevent behavioral issues that can arise from boredom or lack of mental engagement.

Needs a task to focus on.

Members of this breed are highly intelligent and energetic dogs that thrive when given a task or activity to focus on.

These dogs were originally bred for hunting and retrieving games, which required them to be both physically and mentally engaged.

As a result, they have a natural inclination to work and stay focused on a particular task.

In modern times, you don’t necessarily need to involve your Springer Spaniel in hunting activities to keep them engaged.

Instead, you can provide them with other tasks or activities that suit their natural instincts and abilities.

This could include activities such as agility training, obedience training, or even participating in scent work or even search-and-rescue exercises.

By giving your Springer Spaniel a task to focus on, you’re not only keeping their mind occupied but also helping them feel fulfilled and content.

It’s also essential to provide your dog with regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and potential behavioral issues.

Engaging in interactive games, puzzle toys, or teaching them new tricks can all contribute to their overall well-being and happiness.

Springer Spaniels are a breed that truly benefits from having a task or activity to focus on.

By providing them with suitable tasks and regular mental stimulation, you’ll have a happier, more well-adjusted dog that forms a strong bond with you as their owner.

It needs plenty of exercises.

If you prefer to spend most of your time sitting on the sofa and watching TV, Spaniels of this type may not be the ideal breed for you.

As I’ve mentioned before, we typically take Molly for a walk three times a day, with two of the walks lasting an hour or longer.

However, that’s not all.

In addition to these outdoor activities, we often engage in playtime with her at home.

Whether it’s a game of tug-of-war or activities designed to mentally stimulate her, our daily schedule goes beyond just her physical exercise.

Springer Spaniels are an energetic and active breed that requires a significant amount of exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being.

If you’re considering getting a member of this energetic breed, it’s important to be prepared for this commitment and ensure you have the time and energy to provide them with the level of activity they need.

In return, you’ll have a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted companion that will love joining you in all sorts of adventures and activities.

Barking excessively.

While our Molly doesn’t bark excessively, she does tend to bark when someone knocks on the door.

We’ve started training her to sit, wait, and be quiet when opening the door to a stranger, but we still have some progress to make. Apart from this, she rarely barks.

We have never heard Molly barking at other dogs or animals. It’s unclear whether this is specific to her personality or if it’s a trait shared by the entire breed, but when it comes to barking, we’ve encountered dogs that bark far more than Molly.

Prone to ear infections.

While I can’t definitively say if Springer Spaniels are prone to ear infections in the long term, I must admit that Molly had a severe ear infection as a puppy when we brought her home.

Thankfully, the infection was quickly treated following our vet’s advice, and it hasn’t returned now that Molly is over a year old.

We suspect that the ear infection she had as a young puppy was more likely due to the unhygienic conditions she was living in with her siblings and mother.

It’s not entirely the breeder’s fault, as it’s often challenging for them to maintain a spotless environment while caring for multiple puppies during their first few weeks.

Nevertheless, we do take precautions to prevent ear infections in the future. We clean Molly’s ears at least twice a week and occasionally use a prescribed ear cleaner that helps prevent infections from recurring.

It’s essential for Springer Spaniel owners to be aware of their breed’s potential susceptibility to ear infections and to take the necessary steps to keep their dog’s ears clean and healthy.

Regular ear check-ups and cleanings can go a long way in ensuring your Springer Spaniel remains comfortable and free from ear-related health issues.

High prey drive.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone considering a Springer Spaniel that this breed often has a high prey drive.

Molly is no exception, and during our walks in the local woods, we frequently see her chasing squirrels or trying to flush rabbits or birds hiding in the grassy fields.

She loves pursuing smaller animals, and if this is something you would prefer your dog not to do, you may need to consider a different breed.

While high prey drive is a natural instinct for members of this breed, it’s important to remember that training and early socialization can help manage this behavior.

Consistent and positive reinforcement training can teach your dog to focus on you and respond to commands, even in the presence of distractions.

Additionally, providing plenty of physical and mental stimulation can help satisfy their drive to hunt and reduce the likelihood of them chasing after smaller animals.

However, it’s essential to understand that high prey drive is a characteristic of the breed and may always be present to some extent.

Water obsessed.

Personally, I don’t think that the obsession Springer Spaniels have with water is a bad thing.

Yes, you may need to bathe your dog after each walk if they had the chance to swim in the first muddy water pool, but the fun they have while doing this far outweighs the disadvantage.

Thanks to the effort we’ve put into training Molly, we can recall her at any time when she tries to enter the water.

For that reason, I believe training is the most important thing you can do with your Springer Spaniel.

This will ensure that they will listen to you and follow your commands, including avoiding muddy pools if that’s something you don’t want them to do.

Due to their natural love for the water, it is also easy to keep them cool during the summer months.

From the early days, Molly has loved to play with water in the garden during the summer months, keeping her cool and making us laugh.

This water play can be a great bonding experience for you and your dog while providing additional physical and mental stimulation.

Just remember to provide fresh water for them to drink as well, ensuring they stay hydrated and healthy during those warm months.

Shedding.

I will simply say – almost every animal you will have at home sheds their fur to some extent, and Springer Spaniels are no exception.

While their shedding may not be as intense as some other breeds, it is still something to consider if you’re planning to bring one into your home.

This breed has a medium-length, double coat that typically requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and tangle-free.

The shedding might be more noticeable during seasonal changes, especially in the spring and fall when they are transitioning to a new coat.

To manage shedding, it is a good idea to brush your Springer Spaniel at least once or twice a week.

This will help remove loose hair and distribute natural oils throughout its coat, which will keep it looking shiny and healthy.

In addition to grooming, regular baths can also help minimize shedding and keep their coat in good condition.

Just be sure not to bathe them too frequently, as this can strip their skin of essential oils and cause irritation.

If you’re concerned about shedding, investing in a good vacuum cleaner and lint roller will help you manage pet hair around your home.

Additionally, providing a designated sleeping area for your dog with a washable bed cover can help contain shedding to a specific area and make cleanup easier.

While Springer Spaniels do shed, it can be managed with regular grooming, baths, and a few helpful tools to keep your home clean.

The companionship and love that these dogs bring to your life will likely make the little extra effort well worth it.

Hair maintenance.

Springer Spaniels have a beautiful coat that needs to be maintained regularly.

Although this requires time, we have found that with a bit of training, it’s actually enjoyable for both us and our dog Molly.

Depending on the weather, we typically clean and brush Molly’s hair once to twice a week, occasionally grooming it as well.

You don’t need to pay for a professional groomer – you can find countless video tutorials on the internet explaining in detail how to groom your dog.

Our first attempt may not have been very successful, but with each subsequent session, we quickly became experts.

Moreover, regular grooming sessions can be a great bonding experience for you and your Springer Spaniel, and it helps to keep their coat looking its best.

Sloppy when drinking water.

I completely agree with this.

Molly makes quite a mess when drinking water.

We now keep a small towel next to her water bowl so we can wipe the floor every time she drinks. It’s not a big deal, but Springer Spaniels are definitely sloppy when it comes to drinking water.

One way to minimize the mess is to invest in a specialized water bowl designed to reduce splashing and spills.

There are various options available on the market, such as bowls with a floating disk or a slow-release mechanism that can help keep the surrounding area cleaner.

Another solution is to place a large, absorbent mat under the water bowl to catch any spills and make cleanup easier.

Despite this minor inconvenience, the affection and companionship Springer Spaniels provide far outweigh any drawbacks.

It’s essential to remember that every dog breed has its quirks, and finding ways to manage them can help create a more harmonious living environment for both you and your furry friend.

Dislike being walked on a lead.

Although we put a lot of effort into training Molly to walk on the lead, we still have a long way to go.

I can share a small anecdote from when we signed up Molly for our local Dog School.

Just before the lead walking training session started, the trainer gathered everyone around, looked at the dogs, and wished everyone who owns a Spaniel good luck.

It just proves that due to the curious nature of Springer Spaniels, they are notorious for pulling on the lead, especially if they know that they are going for a walk to their favorite spot.

We experience this with Molly a lot.

Every time we go for a walk to our local woods, she knows this and can’t wait to get there, pulling on the lead.

Although we’re still trying to train her with treats, she often ignores them completely, knowing that the woods are just around the corner.

I’m not sure if this is the case with all members of this breed, but Molly is not food-driven.

She loves dog treats, and we have used them successfully in training her, but on occasion, she pays no attention to them.

Muddy winter walks.

I’m still trying to figure out why other dogs we see on our winter walks appear so clean compared to Molly 🙂

She seems to always be muddier than any other dog. I believe this is due to their energy levels.

She rarely walks but constantly runs when we are on a walk.

Additionally, as Springer Spaniels are known for their love of water, she won’t miss the opportunity to get into every muddy puddle she finds on a walk.

As I mentioned earlier, we have trained Molly not to enter the water if we don’t want her to, but during winter, it is nearly impossible to stop her from plunging into every single muddy puddle we encounter on a walk.

We have come up with a few techniques that help us clean her quickly after a walk, but that’s a story for another time.

Health Hurdles to Consider.

In the world of canine companions, English Springer Spaniels have long been a popular choice for dog lovers due to their boundless energy, intelligence, and affectionate nature.

However, it’s essential to consider the potential health challenges these dogs may face before deciding if they’re the right fit for your household.

You might also consider the costs of dog ownership, such as insurance and potential vet visits, which can be considerable in the UK.

Like many purebred dogs, English Springer Spaniels are prone to specific health problems such as hip dysplasia, retinal dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy.

Additionally, as I have already mentioned, they may be susceptible to ear infections due to their long, floppy ears, which can trap moisture and create an ideal environment for bacteria and yeast.

Another concern for potential owners is a unique condition called ‘Springer Rage Syndrome,’ a rare form of aggression that can develop in some English Springer Spaniels.

While these health issues may not deter everyone, it’s crucial to be aware of them and weigh the potential risks when considering this lovable breed as your new furry friend.

When we decided to get a Springer Spaniel, we were initially unaware of the breed’s potential health problems.

We knew we wanted to purchase a dog from a reputable breeder registered with the Kennel Club, and we had a general idea that the puppy and both parents should have been screened for specific health problems that affect this breed.

Luckily for us, the breeder has registered and DNA-tested Molly for the most common health issues that we were able to check on the TheKennelClub website.

For future Springer Spaniel owners, I would suggest using the Health Test Results Finder on the TheKennelClub website.

This tool allows you to search for any dog registered with the Kennel Club and view available health information. This way, you can ensure that your chosen breeder takes the necessary precautions to reduce the likelihood of such problems in your future companion.

The most common diseases affecting this breed include Hip Dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, as well as Fucosidosis, and Phosphofructokinase deficiency, among others.

Although we discovered after the fact that Molly hadn’t been screened for all of these diseases, we are happy that she underwent tests for the most common ones that I have mentioned above.

It’s crucial to educate yourself on these potential health risks and make informed decisions when selecting a breeder and a specific puppy to bring into your home.

Balancing the Pros and Cons.

When considering whether a Springer Spaniel is the right dog breed for you, it’s essential to weigh the benefits and drawbacks while keeping in mind that many of the drawbacks are not unique to this breed and can be found in others as well.

On the positive side, Springer Spaniels are friendly, loyal, easy to train, and obedient.

They have a love for pleasing their owners, possess a perfect size for most households, and showcase their funny personalities.

Additionally, they are family and cat-friendly, affectionate, adventurous, and enjoy walks and outdoor activities.

Their built-in alarm system and ability to get along with other animals make them versatile companions.

While there are a few drawbacks to consider, it’s worth noting that many of these cons are not particularly bothersome to us and can be managed with proper care and training.

Springer Spaniels require mental stimulation, tasks to focus on, and plenty of exercises.

They can be prone to ear infections, have a high prey drive, and can be water-obsessed.

Shedding and hair maintenance can be challenging, as well as their sloppy drinking habits.

Furthermore, they may dislike being walked on a lead and are prone to getting muddy during winter walks.

Deciding if an English Springer Spaniel is right for you.

The most significant factor to consider when selecting a Springer Spaniel is its high exercise requirement, which is greater than many other breeds.

This could be a deciding factor for potential owners, especially if you have limited time for daily walks and activities.

It’s crucial to balance these pros and cons when deciding if a Springer Spaniel is the right fit for your lifestyle and preferences.

If you can provide the necessary exercise and mental stimulation and are willing to manage their unique quirks, a Springer Spaniel can make an excellent, loving, and enjoyable companion.

What about the cost of owning a Springer Spaniel?

Like with any pet ownership, you have to consider expenses related to owning a dog. The Springer Spaniels, especially females are considered medium size dogs and as such are not overly costly to have.

Now, that Molly is almost two years old, and with a bit more experience and data to share, I wrote an article about the costs of owning a Springer Spaniel that may help you to decide if you want a Springer Spaniel in your live.

Before you go…

Before you go, don’t miss my other blog post, where I wrote about our Springer Spaniel Molly’s first birthday celebration, capturing the fun and excitement of the day.

From a dog-friendly cake to toy unwrapping, you’ll enjoy seeing how we celebrated Molly’s milestones.