All about your English Springer Spaniel
English Springer Spaniels are cheerful, energetic and loving, making the perfect addition to the family. Discover this endearing and alert breed, and get tips on a range of topics from exercise, grooming and behaviour, to what you can do to keep your dog healthy and happy.
Breed information & advice
The lively English Springer Spaniel is part of the gundog breed group and is highly trainable and eager to please. They love people but need to be socialised as a puppy so they get used to being around other dogs. Here's more you should know:
- They're well-suited to living in a town or the countryside but need a decent garden space to exploreThey're well-suited to living in a town or the countryside but need a decent garden space to explore
- Their medium-length coat needs grooming a few times a weekTheir medium-length coat needs grooming a few times a week
- They typically weigh between 18kg and 25kg when fully grownThey typically weigh between 18kg and 25kg when fully grown
- A healthy English Springer Spaniel can usually live for 9 to 15 yearsA healthy English Springer Spaniel can usually live for 9 to 15 years
Typical size of an English Springer Spaniel: Medium: 46cm - 56cm
Recommended exercise & nutrition
Because English Springer Spaniels were bred to spend long periods of time hunting birds, your dog will need plenty of exercise, and to run every day. However, while they have plenty of energy to burn off, this breed is an intelligent one, so their mind also needs to be challenged. They'll appreciate ball games and tracking activities.
A protein-packed diet is important for your Springer. Quantities may vary depending on age, size and exercise levels so make sure to read the back of the food packet. Try to divide each daily ration of food into two or more meals to avoid problems with obesity.
More than two hours of exercise a day
Springers love human companionship, and separation anxiety is a common trait, so plenty of exercise together eases this.
Common health problems & illnesses
English Springer Spaniels need all of the usual vaccinations, flea and tick control, and dental checks to go on to lead a healthy life, but it’s worth being aware of some of the more specific ailments which can affect this breed, so you can look out for any symptoms.
Hip dysplasia is where the ball and socket of the dog’s hip do not fit properly leading to the deterioration of the bone and loss of function of the joint. This damage causes swelling, pain and arthritis so it’s vital to identify the disease as early as possible to be able to manage or avoid discomfort for your dog.
Unlike in hip dysplasia, where the main problem is the joint’s instability, the abnormalities associated with elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. While mild cases can do well with medical treatment only, surgery is the treatment of choice for most dogs.
IOHC is a congenital condition in which there's a weakness in the humeral condyle (part of the elbow). It's most commonly seen in Spaniels, especially Springer Spaniels in the UK. This condition predisposes to fractures of the humeral condyle and can also cause lameness without fracture. Some dogs show no signs, so you may not know your dog has the condition. There may be a genetic basis to the condition. Diagnosis has to be achieved prior to providing any treatment. Please speak to your vet if you have any questions or concerns.
Epilepsy in English Springer Spaniels is typically diagnosed between 6 months and 6 years of age. Inherited idiopathic epilepsy is the most common type seen and is caused by over-activity in the brain, resulting in twitching, seizures and fits. The effects of epilepsy can vary between animals and the condition can be controlled through treatment and medication.
Dog name popularity
If you’re struggling to think of a name for your English Springer Spaniel, take a look at the most popular ones at Tesco Pet Insurance for inspiration.
Bella
Poppy
Bailey
Luna
Charlie
Average treatment costs
Wondering whether pet insurance for your English Springer Spaniel is worth it? We’ve put together the top five conditions claimed for by Tesco Pet Insurance customers in 2021. To give you an idea of how much vet bills can vary, we’ve shown both the average cost and the top 10% most expensive costs for each condition.
Top five conditions and average costs
|
Condition |
Average cost |
10% most expensive |
|---|---|---|
|
Lameness |
£787 |
£1,595 |
|
Wound |
£594 |
£778 |
|
Arthritis/DJD |
£649 |
£1,531 |
|
Cruciate rupture |
£2,579 |
£4,115 |
|
Foreign body - gastric |
£1,673 |
£3,060 |
Tesco Pet Insurance claims data from paid treatments including excesses from 01/01/21 to 31/12/21.
Considering English Springer Spaniel insurance?
We know your dog is an important member of the family, so give them the protection they deserve with Tesco Pet Insurance.
Tesco Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd.
Grooming advice
English Springer Spaniels have two layers to their coat – an insulating undercoat and a medium-length wavy topcoat – which means this breed is practically weatherproof. Your dog will need to be brushed at least three times a week to be kept looking their glossy best and to avoid the fur becoming tangled. You might want to take them to be professionally groomed every two or three months.
Be sure to check and clean their long, floppy ears as part of your grooming routine – this means any ear infections can be caught early on and you can spot any wax build-up or redness.
Like all dogs, English Springer Spaniels need to have their nails kept in good condition – if you can hear them scratching on the floor when your dog is walking, it’s probably about time to trim them.
Fun & interesting facts
- A Springer Spaniel named Bob was the ‘Monster Raving Loony Barking Mad Dog Party’ candidate and he actually stood for Parliament in 1982 (although he was not elected!).
- Chat show host Oprah Winfrey added to her massive doggy brood in 2010 by adopting two Springers called Sunny and Lauren. They were gifted to her on her 56th birthday.
- English Springer Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels were the only spaniel breeds until the early 20th century. It wasn’t until 1902 that the breeds were officially separated into two.
- The English Springer Spaniel has one of the best senses of smell of all dogs, so the breed is in high demand among police and military forces.
- Scottish hero William Wallace is thought to have owned an English Springer Spaniel called Merlin MacDonald, who it’s said was alongside him at the Battle of Stirling Bridge.
Important information
The content on this page aims to offer an informative introduction to pet breeds, but does not constitute expert veterinary advice. If your dog or cat falls ill or has an injury, contact your vet immediately. Tesco Pet Insurance has a partnership with vetfone™ which means that as a customer, you can benefit from their advice as part of your policy.
Tesco Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd. The vetfone™ service is provided by VetsDirect Ltd.
All facts and figures were correct at date of publication and were compiled using a range of sources.
Vetfone™ is a 24/7 unlimited, free telephone or video call service that provides expert advice from vets or vet nurses qualified with the RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons). If your pet has a medical emergency, or you need advice on health, grooming, feeding or behaviour Vetfone™ is there to help.
As a Tesco Pet Insurance customer, you can access friendly, expert advice from qualified Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons as a standard benefit with your policy, and the service is provided at no additional cost. A quick telephone call or video call could answer any questions you have about your pet, give you peace of mind and could even save you a trip to the vet.
Tesco Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd. The vetfone™ service is provided by VetsDirect Ltd.
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