English Springer Spaniel Temperament: Energetic, Loyal and Loving

Warm, quick and people-focused, the English Springer Spaniel is an energetic companion with an affectionate heart. Expect a devoted family dog that is playful, bright, and keen to join in with everything you do.

Key takeaways

• Springer's have a cheerful temperament with an affectionate disposition and an “always ready” attitude.

• Very high energy levels. Plan varied exercise and mental enrichment every day.

• Easy to train, quick to learn, and eager to please when you use rewards and games.

• Sensitive to being left alone. Manage separation anxiety with routine and training.

• Keep a proactive health plan for ears and joints, including hip dysplasia screening and regular Springer Spaniel grooming

For deeper guidance on personality, care and training, see our helpful English Springer Spaniel breed guide.

To put it succinctly, this intelligent breed is lively, people-oriented, and gentle at home. Springer Spaniels are known for their soft eyes, wagging tails, and love of the outdoors. They are a classic breed of dog for active homes that enjoy walks, games and dog sports.

Yes. They are often good family dogs and many people agree that they make a wonderful family pet. With good socialisation, most get along well with children and manage life with other dogs and cats too.

Remember to always supervise dogs and children, and teach calm handling and gentle care. If you would like to learn more about keeping your children safe around dogs, read our guide on Introducing Your Dog To Your Baby.

These are very loving dogs with an affectionate nature, but a Springer Spaniel may become vocal or chewy if under-exercised.

• They dislike long periods left alone and can develop separation anxiety.

• A routine rich in games and calm rest periods helps to prevent a bored Springer from their typical mischief.

• You should also know that their love of water is real. Plan safe swims and rinse after muddy splashes.

• To build confident manners early, read our guide on socialising your puppy.
  

Yes. They are easy to train, quick to learn, and eager to please. Pair short sessions with toys, scent games and food rewards for plenty of mental stimulation. These lively dogs thrive when training is fun and fair.

• Practical tip: work on their focus around distractions with this step-by-step article on how to train your dog to ignore other dogs.
  

The Springer is an active dog and needs to burn a lot of energy. The typical exercise per day for adult Springers is a minimum of one hour of walking, plus free running where safe, and brain games at home.

It's important to mix varied activities such as:

• Scent trails, fetch, recall games and supervised swims.

• Low-impact hill walks and hide-and-seek for joint-friendly variety.

• Short training bursts spread through the day keep high energy levels balanced.
  

Springers were developed as working dogs and hunting dogs. Many pet Springers still show the “field Springer” drive to search hedgerows and water. Keep a long line handy while recall is still growing.

Springer puppy months

Curious and busy. Prioritise gentle social time, naps, and short training games. Scent play and food puzzles provide age-appropriate exercise and mental work. Good introductions build a responsible dog for life.

Adulthood

Springer's reach their full adult height around 46–51 cm, depending on line and sex. Keep a steady schedule of enrichment or a bored Springer will find “jobs” you may not like.

Senior dogs

In later years, adjust distance and pace but keep brains busy. Low-impact swims and short sniff walks are ideal. Older Springers will still remain affectionate and keen for routine.

• Springers descend from historic land that Spaniels used to “spring” game.

• Over time, Cocker and Springer were recognised as separate breeds by major clubs.

• You may hear about bench, show and field lines. The field Springer typically has lighter coats and intense stamina.

• At shows like the Westminster Kennel Club, Springers have made their mark while still ranking among popular dog breeds for active homes.

Remember, many Springers are happiest with a job, even if it is daily scent games or household “find it” tasks. That work ethic explains why they are such loving dogs and naturally community-minded.

If you enjoy Spaniel working drive and want a comparison, read our explainer on the Working Cocker Spaniel. It links well with the Springer’s hill-to-hedgerow enthusiasm.

• Rotate habitats. City park on Monday, woodland on Wednesday, beach on Saturday. Novelty curbs over-arousal. A Springer Spaniel may settle better at home after varied experiences.

• Use scent-led feeding. Scatter feeding or simple indoor tracking turns mealtimes into mental stimulation for their energetic brain.

• Ears and coat check after every wet day. Springers with feather cut legs collect burrs. Quick combs prevent mats and ear inspections help dogs with long ears keep clean and infection free.

• Sports sampler. Try rally, mantrailing or agility-lite. These dog sports suit their nature and deliver joint-friendly fitness.

• Recall insurance. A 10–15 m long line preserves freedom without risk while you polish focus around birds and squirrels. This helps to keep your pup happy and safe.

At Waggel, we’re here to help you raise a confident, happy Springer. With the right balance of movement, rest, and connection, your Springer will be a quality dog and a brilliant partner in everyday life.

When protecting your dog's health for their lifetime why not choose Waggel pet insurance? See our Springer Insurance page here for more info and here's to many years of adventures with your furry friend.