Good care starts with getting to know your dog.

Know your dog · Pedigree breed

English Springer Spaniel care guide.

A working spaniel with a weather-resistant coat and a busy mind. Learn the difference between exercise, feeding and maintaining feathering.

General education · See individual source dates below

Original editorial illustration of an adult English Springer Spaniel
Original editorial illustration. An illustrative example. Not a breed identification or health assessment.

The dog that springs game

English Springers share ancestry with other land spaniels. Their name reflects flushing game from cover, first towards nets and later for shooting. Their working history helps explain why searching outdoors can be so engaging.

Read the evidence: Sporting breed standards — Canadian Kennel Club

Friendly is a breed ideal

The standard describes a happy, responsive companion. That is a general ideal, not a promise that every Springer welcomes every dog or child. Learn your own dog’s signals and allow space when they need it.

Read the evidence: English Springer Spaniel breed standard — Royal Kennel Club

Two layers and longer feathering

The Springer has a double coat, with an undercoat beneath the outer hair. The outer coat is close and weather resistant, with longer feathering around ears, legs and body. These longer areas need checking rather than brushing only the back.

Read the evidence: Sporting breed standards — Canadian Kennel Club · English Springer Spaniel breed standard — Royal Kennel Club

Practise useful field-to-home skills

Reward returning, giving up a toy and settling. Use short, achievable sessions; enthusiasm is not a reason to use punishment.

Read the evidence: Reward-based training — Australian Veterinary Association

Food and portions

Choose complete life-stage food. Review portions, body condition and treats with your vet.

Read the evidence: Nutrition — Virginia Tech Veterinary Teaching Hospital

An active breed, an individual plan

Springers sit in a high exercise category in breed guidance. Mix appropriate walks with opportunities to sniff and learn, rather than copying adult targets for puppies. Age, injury and fitness can change what is comfortable.

Read the evidence: English Springer Spaniel breed background — Royal Kennel Club

As your dog grows older

Growing puppies need growth-appropriate food; older dogs need individual dietary review, especially with illness.

Read the evidence: Nutrition — Virginia Tech Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Joints, eyes and ears

Hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and ear infections are among PDSA’s cautions. Discuss current screening with your vet and breeder. Limping, vision changes or painful ears deserve attention, not an assumption that they are normal for spaniels.

Read the evidence: English Springer Spaniel — PDSA

Check feathering calmly

Work gently around ears, collars and armpits. Ask a professional to tackle tight mats rather than pulling or cutting them out.

Read the evidence: Coat Care: Preventing Matted Hair — USDA APHIS

Bathing is separate from brushing

Use lukewarm water and suitable dog shampoo, then rinse thoroughly. Keep water and shampoo away from eyes and ears.

Read the evidence: Dog grooming tips — ASPCA

Comfort comes first

Avoid cotton buds. Pain, redness or unusual ear odour needs veterinary advice rather than more cleaning.

Read the evidence: How to clean your dog’s ears — Cornell University

Sources & scope

Source retrieval dates are recorded individually below. Written as general owner education by Good Dog; not clinically reviewed or endorsed by the organisations linked below. Breed standards describe ideals, not guarantees. Screening advice can change. These are selected considerations, not a complete list of conditions.