| Height | 20 inches (male), 19 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 12–14+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Friendly / Playful / Obedient [1] |
| AKC group | Sporting Group [1] |
| Origin | England [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 27 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
While they are happiest living indoors with their human family, English Springer Spaniels enjoy outdoor activities and make great companions on long walks or hikes. With proper exercise the breed can be suitable for owners living in a small house or apartment, although a home having a large, fenced yard where the dog can run or engage in play-sessions with his people is probably ideal. Daily exercise will help keep the Springer healthy and happy. [1]
Grooming
Weekly brushing will help to remove dirt and loose hair and keep the Springer's coat healthy, shining, and free of mats. Any tangles can be worked out with a slicker brush or metal dog comb. The Springer can be trimmed by the owner or taken to a professional groomer for clipping and neatening-up of the coat, particularly the feet, the areas around the head and neck, and under the tail. [1]
Health issues to budget for
English Springer Spaniels are generally healthy dogs, but there are there are several health and genetic screening considerations specific to the breed. Conditions sometimes seen in the breed include elbow and hip dysplasia and eye conditions. Responsible breeders will screen their stock for conditions the breed can be prone to. The Springer's ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection, and the teeth should be brushed often, using a toothpaste designed for dogs. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Cone-Rod Dystrophy 4 (crd4/cord1) (PRA-crd4/cord1) - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a medium dog (median $482) | $239 – $1,107 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, medium dog | $589 – $1,571 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, medium dog | $264 – $2,106 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the English Springer Spaniel in 1910. [1]
- It ranked No. 27 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Springer.” [1]
- The AKC lists England as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 4 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 4/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 5/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 4/5)
Common questions
How long do English Springer Spaniels live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12-14 years.
How big does a English Springer Spaniel get?
AKC breed information lists height 20 inches (male), 19 inches (female) and weight 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a English Springer Spaniel?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs like the English Springer Spaniel, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.