The English Springer Spaniel is a wonderfully versatile companion – capable of hunting, doing highly competitive obedience work, as well as being a terrific family pet. English Springers compete in agility, work as service dogs, and some even work in law enforcement! Prospective owners should know that there can be a divide in the breed. This means some bloodlines are more suited to being hunting dogs while other lines are more apt at different talents. While many reputable breeders are working on bridging this gap, they generally advise new owners to do their homework before bringing home a puppy. For example, while Most English Springers will have a hunting instinct… but some will be stronger than others. If this is a desired quality, obtain a dog from a kennel that breeds for hunting traits (field lines) or you may be disappointed.
The English Springer is a natural when it comes to training. Generally easy to teach, they can often reach the highest levels when brought to the competitive obedience ring. Every Springer needs to have training, however – whether or not the owner wants to compete. An untrained dog can quickly turn into a nightmare, especially active intelligent ones bred for working purposes (like the Springer). General destructiveness, as well as excessive barking are typical problems in the breed if they do not have clear and consistent training. At worst, some Springers can become aggressive if not given this all-important structure.
Friendly and affectionate with everyone, the English Springer remains playful throughout his years. He bonds very strongly to his owner and prefers to be in a home where he is not left alone all day. Although a hard worker and devoted companion (many will do almost anything you ask them to do, provided you give them training), he still enjoys coming home and relaxing on the couch. Ever alert, however – even after he has settled down for the night – he will still bark to alert if someone comes creeping around the house.
This breed is known to be active and require moderate to high amounts of exercise! Unfortunately, many English Springers sitting in rescue organizations lost their homes because their previous owners didn’t realize how much energy they have. Daily exercise is a necessity – jogging, swimming and retrieving are favorite activities but anything that will get them out and moving (quickly) will do. The good news is that they are not a “bouncing off the walls” breed inside the house as long as they have been allowed to burn off steam regularly. The bad news is that many households don’t allow their dogs to exercise and burn off this steam. Potential owners should take a good look at their lives and decide realistically if they are active enough to own a Springer.
For the most part, the English Springer gets along amiably with other dogs. His sweet disposition and patient nature also makes him a great companion for children. He may not be the best buddy to a home with birds, however – which is understandable as he was bred to hunt fowl! When it comes to meeting new people, this breed is normally quite friendly. They don’t make the greatest guard dogs for this reason, although they can make decent watch dogs as they will bark when people come to the door.
The English Springer Spaniel does require regular grooming and should only be owned by those who have the time and energy to keep up with these needs. The coat will need to be brushed at least 3-4 times a week (sometimes more for show lines) and bathed 1-2 times a month. The long ears must be cleaned weekly. Trimming and scissoring is also required for this breed, meaning that the owner must learn how to do it themselves or be prepared to bring the dog to a groomer regularly. It also should be noted that the English Springer does shed!
