The Complete English springer spaniel Guide

You didn’t land on the English springer spaniel by accident. This is a breed people seek out, and for good reason. Energetic and eager, one of the most trainable sporting breeds, and devoted and enthusiastic, they’re a natural fit for active families, hunters, and experienced owners who want a capable, trainable sporting companion who want a cheerful, athletic, and deeply trainable companion who brings enthusiasm to everything they do. Let’s dig in.

What are the characteristics of a English springer spaniel?

Think you know what you’re getting into with a English springer spaniel? These scores will either confirm your suspicions or give you something to think about. Either way, good to know now.

Training

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Trainability	5 out of 5	One of the most trainable sporting breeds. English Springers are quick to learn, responsive to direction, and genuinely enjoy working with their handler
Obedience	4 out of 5	Reliable and consistent obedience when training is established. They follow cues accurately and retain them well
Focus	4 out of 5	Focused and attentive during training, though their nose can pull attention in outdoor settings
Stubbornness	2 out of 5	Rarely stubborn. Their desire to please makes them cooperative and responsive

Friendliness

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Good with family	5 out of 5	Devoted to their family and emotionally tuned in to the people around them
Good with children	5 out of 5	Playful, gentle, and patient with children. An excellent family breed
Good with strangers	4 out of 5	Friendly and welcoming with new people
Good with other dogs	4 out of 5	Gets along well with other dogs. Good for multi-pet households

Adaptability

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Apartment living	3 out of 5	Manageable in a larger apartment with adequate exercise, but they prefer space
Cold weather	3 out of 5	Handles cool weather well. Their coat provides reasonable protection
Hot weather	3 out of 5	Tolerates moderate heat, though heavy exercise should be limited in high temperatures
Routine flexibility	4 out of 5	Adapts well to different routines when core exercise and social needs are met
First time owner	4 out of 5	A good option for first-time owners who are active and committed to training

Physical needs

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Energy level	4 out of 5	High energy. They need substantial daily exercise to stay settled and balanced
Endurance	4 out of 5	Good endurance. Originally bred to work in the field all day
Exercise needs	4 out of 5	Needs at least 60 minutes of vigorous daily exercise. Field work, fetch, and dog sports work well
Mental stimulation	4 out of 5	Intelligent and genuinely motivated by purposeful work
Grooming needs	4 out of 5	Their medium-length, feathered coat is beautiful but requires regular maintenance

Personality

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Playfulness	5 out of 5	Enthusiastic and joyful. Their happiness is one of their most defining qualities
Affection	5 out of 5	Affectionate, physically warm, and emotionally expressive. One of the warmer sporting breeds
Loyalty	4 out of 5	Deeply loyal. They want to be part of whatever their family is doing
Independence	2 out of 5	Low independence. They prefer company and can develop separation anxiety
Alertness	3 out of 5	Alert and curious. They notice scents and sounds but don't tend toward reactivity

Behavior

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Barking tendency	2 out of 5	Not prone to excessive barking. They vocalize when excited or on alert
Digging tendency	1 out of 5	Not prone to digging
Chewing tendency	2 out of 5	Light chewing tendency
Prey drive	4 out of 5	High prey drive. Their bird-flushing heritage means they will enthusiastically pursue birds and small animals
Guarding instincts	2 out of 5	Alert enough to notice threats, but too friendly to be an effective guard dog

What are common health issues of a English springer spaniel?

Like all breeds, English springer spaniels are prone to certain health conditions. Here’s what to keep on your radar.

What are the recommended health tests for English springer spaniels? 

Your English springer spaniel can’t tell you when something’s off. That’s what these tests are for. Here’s what vets typically recommend for them.

• OFA hip and elbow evaluation
• CAER ophthalmologist eye exam
• DNA test for progressive retinal atrophy (prcd-PRA)
• DNA test for phosphofructokinase (PFK) deficiency

Do English springer spaniels need pet insurance?

We’ll let the numbers do the talking, but spoiler: a lot of English springer spaniel owners are really glad they had coverage.

Those numbers aren’t hypotheticals. They’re real claims from real English springer spaniel owners in 2025.

The right pet insurance means you’re making decisions based on what your dog needs, not what you can afford.

With Lemonade, you can build a plan around your Springer specifically. Start with accident and illness coverage as your base, then add on what makes sense for your dog, things like physical therapy, dental illness, or behavioral treatment, and skip what doesn’t. Coverage applies to conditions that aren’t pre-existing (AKA, a condition that occurs after your policy is active and your waiting periods have passed), and you’ll know exactly what’s included before you commit. No fine print ambushes, no surprises at claim time.

And when you do need to file? You can do it in the app in minutes. No paperwork, no hold music, no waiting around.

English springer spaniels are worth protecting with proper coverage. Here’s how to do it right.

How much does pet insurance cost?

The cost of your premium is personal. It depends on your Springers age, your location, and what you add to your plan. That said, here’s a realistic look at what other English springer spaniel owners pay with Lemonade:

Age	Average monthly premium
1 year old	$50-$55
2 years old	$45-$50
3 years old	$45-$50
4 years old	$50-$55
5 years old	$60-$65
6 years old	$70-$75
7 years old	$75-$80

Not sure if Lemonade is the right fit for your Springer?

See how we stack up. Compare pet insurance options side by side and find the coverage that fits your English springer spaniel and your budget.

History of the English springer spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel is one of the oldest sporting dog breeds, with spaniel-type dogs documented in England as early as the 1600s. The name springer refers to the dog's function of flushing, or springing, game birds from cover for hunters. Before specialized sporting breeds were common, spaniel litters often contained dogs that would become setters, pointers, or spaniels depending on their size, and the English Springer was one of the first consistently recognized types. The AKC recognized the breed in 1910, and it has remained one of the most popular hunting and field trial dogs in North America and the United Kingdom. Two distinct breeding lines emerged over time: field-bred Springers optimized for hunting performance, and bench-bred Springers developed for the show ring. These two lines differ significantly in appearance, energy level, and drive.

Caring for a English springer spaniel

Training

Training a English springer spaniel is straightforward, but it’s worth the effort. They are eager to please, energetic, and highly food motivated, which means training is usually enjoyable and productive when sessions are kept active and reward-based. Positive reinforcement with treats and play, keeping sessions brisk and engaging tends to work best, and getting started early makes a real difference.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or leveling up, these are worth the read.

Grooming

English springer spaniels have a medium-length, silky coat that requires moderate grooming. Brush 2 to 3 times per week to prevent tangles and manage feathering, and the occasional trim keeps them looking their best. Professional grooming every 8 to 10 weeks helps keep the ears, paws, and feathering tidy.

From nail trims to professional care, here’s everything you need to keep your Springer looking (and feeling) their best.

Exercise and mental stimulation

English springer spaniels have high energy levels and need 60 to 90 minutes of exercise each day to stay happy and healthy. Fetch, swimming, and trail hiking are all great ways to burn through that energy. But physical exercise is only half the picture. English springer spaniels are highly intelligent dogs, and mental stimulation is just as important as the miles you put in. Without it, they become hyperactive, destructive, and extremely difficult to settle indoors. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and scent work are all solid ways to keep their brain engaged between walks.

Here’s how to build an exercise routine your English springer spaniel will actually love.

Nutrition

English springer spaniels are medium dogs with high energy, so they need a diet to match. Most adults do well on around 1,000 to 1,300 calories a day, spread across two meals. Depending on what you’re feeding them, expect to spend around $45 to $70 a month on food. Not the cheapest line item, but not the most expensive either.

What goes in the bowl is your call, and your vet’s. Kibble, raw, fresh, or a combination: there’s no single right answer. Focus on quality ingredients, the right portions for your dog’s age and activity level, and you’re most of the way there.

Get the full picture on feeding a English springer spaniel here.

English springer spaniel costs and adoption

What does it cost to bring home a English springer spaniel?

Before your English springer spaniel even sets a paw in your home, there are some one-time costs worth planning for. Here’s what to expect upfront.

Category	Cost Range	Details
Adoption (Reputable breeder)	$800-$2,500	Health testing, vaccinations, early socialization, pedigree
Adoption (Rescue/shelter)	$50-$300	Basic veterinary care, spay/neuter, temperament evaluation
Initial veterinary care	$300-$600	Exam, vaccinations, spay/neuter if needed, microchip
Essential supplies	$200-$400	Crate, bed, leash, collar, food bowls, toys
Training classes	$150-$300	Basic obedience, puppy socialization

Unexpected costs have a way of showing up in year one more than any other. A starter emergency fund alongside a solid pet insurance plan is the best way to make sure they don’t catch you off guard.

What does it cost to own a English springer spaniel each year?

Once you’re past year one, ownership costs settle into a more predictable rhythm. Here’s what most English springer spaniel owners spend annually, though keep in mind these numbers can vary quite a bit depending on where you live, your dog’s individual health needs, and the choices you make along the way.

Category	Annual cost	Details
Food and treats	$600-$1,000	Based on the recommended portion for your English springer spaniel
Routine Veterinary Care	$500-$1,000	Wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care
Professional Grooming	$300-$600	Every Every 8 to 10 weeks, Feathered coat requires regular professional grooming; at-home brushing prevents matting between appointments.
Toys and Supplies	$200-$400	Replacement items, mental stimulation toys

What are popular English springer spaniel names?

We’ve crunched the numbers, and found the top 10 most popular names for English springer spaniel we see at Lemonade.

More names where those came from. If none of these are clicking, we’ve done the digging for you. Go find the one that sticks.

English springer spaniel puppies

Puppy veterinary needs

The first year matters a lot. What happens between 8 weeks and 12 months shapes who this dog becomes. Here’s what to focus on.

The first few months are the most important window for your puppy’s health. Core vaccines start at 6–8 weeks and continue through 16 weeks. After that, its annual boosters and routine screening as they grow into adults.

It’s a lot to keep track of. That’s why we made it easy.

Puppy socialization

English springer spaniel puppies are enthusiastic, emotionally warm, and always ready for whatever comes next. That a joyful energy and trainability that makes them outstanding companions for active owners is part of what makes them an affectionate, capable sporting companion for owners who can match their energy and appreciate their enthusiasm, and it’s also why early socialization matters so much.

Between 8 and 16 weeks, get them in front of as much variety as possible. Different people, animals, sounds, surfaces, and locations. Keep every experience positive. Puppy classes are great for this: supervised, controlled, and full of exactly the kind of novelty a English springer spaniel brain needs to learn that the world is mostly fine.

Where are English springer spaniel’s most popular in the United States?

Based on Lemonade’s own policyholder data, English springer spaniels are most popular in these five states. We’ve also thrown in a few things local pet owners should keep an eye on, so your pup can get out there and explore safely.

1. California

Foxtail grass is one of the sneakiest hazards for California dogs. The barbed seeds can embed in paws, ears, and noses from late spring through early fall, so check your dog after any outdoor time. Wildfire smoke is also a real seasonal concern; when air quality alerts are in effect, it's best to keep walks short and stay indoors as much as possible.

2. Texas

Texas heat is intense and sets in early. Hot pavement can burn paws from late spring through early fall, and heatstroke risk is high during midday walks in cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Rattlesnakes, scorpions, and fire ants are also common hazards, particularly in suburban and rural areas.

3. Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is one of the highest-risk states for Lyme disease in the US, with ticks active across the state's forests, parks, and suburban green spaces. Copperhead snakes are also found in wooded and rocky areas, particularly in the central and eastern parts of the state, so watching where your dog explores is worth the habit.

4. New York

In New York City, street hazards are the main thing to watch. Dropped food, discarded gum containing xylitol, and litter are common ingestion risks on sidewalks and in parks. Upstate and in Long Island, the story shifts to ticks: New York is a Lyme disease hotspot, and black-legged ticks are active from early spring through late fall.

5. Washington

Western Washington's wet, mild climate creates near-perfect conditions for fleas year-round, and slugs in the Pacific Northwest can carry lungworm, a parasite dogs can pick up by sniffing or eating them. Eastern Washington and the Cascades bring different risks, including rattlesnakes and wildlife encounters on trails, so knowing which side of the mountains you're on matters.

Breed comparison

Already leaning toward a English springer spaniel? These breeds often get compared, here’s a quick snapshot of how they stack up.

Is a English springer spaniel right for you?

English springer spaniels reward the right owner with a joyful, athletic energy that makes outdoor activities with them genuinely exciting and a warmth and trainability that makes everyday life easier and more enjoyable. They just need vigorous daily exercise, regular ear cleaning, consistent coat maintenance, and a handler who enjoys training in return. If you’re ready for that, you’re ready for a English springer spaniel. Make sure they’re protected from day one.

A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC. The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.

Insurance claim data is based on Lemonade pet insurance claims that were settled and paid in 2025.
Average insurance premium data is based on Lemonade’s internal data and reflects the average premium over the last 12 complete months, accurate as of June 2026.
Top pet names are sourced from Lemonade’s database of pet names associated with submitted quotes and purchased policies.
Top states for each breed are based on the number of active Lemonade pet insurance policies for that breed in each state as of June 2026.