Springer Spaniel Ultimate Guide
13.03.24 March 13, 2024 Dog Breed Guide

Springer Spaniel Ultimate Guide

Springer Spaniels are renowned for their boundless energy, friendly demeanour, and undying loyalty. If you're considering bringing home one of these delightful dogs or if you already have a Springer Spaniel as part of your family, this ultimate guide is tailored just for you. From their fascinating traits to their specific dietary needs and grooming tips, let's dive into everything you need to know about Springer Spaniels. Springer Spaniel Facts and Information The Springer Spaniel originated in England and was bred as a versatile hunting dog, particularly skilled in flushing and retrieving game birds. Springer Spaniels boast a well-balanced and athletic physique, combining strength, agility, and endurance. Their sturdy build enables them to navigate rugged terrain with ease. They have large, expressive eyes that radiate intelligence and warmth. Their pendulous ears are long and feathered, framing their face and enhancing their charming appearance. Springer Spaniel Fact File Kennel Club Breed Group Gundog Size Medium Daily Exercise 2+ hours a day Coat Type Medium length smooth coat Coat Colours Black & White, Black White & Tan, Liver & White, Liver White & Tan  Lifespan 10+ years   Springer Spaniel Personality and Traits The Springer Spaniel personality is characterised by intelligence, enthusiasm, and a strong desire to please their owners. They thrive on companionship and enjoy being an integral part of the family. Known for their outgoing nature, Springer Spaniels are great with children and other pets, making them excellent additions to households of all kinds. Their traits include a keen sense of smell, remarkable agility, and an innate ability to retrieve game. These traits make them exceptional hunting companions and adept participants in various dog sports and activities. Springer Spaniel Health Issues Like all dog breeds, Springer Spaniels may be prone to certain health issues. Among the most common concerns are hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and ear infections due to their floppy ears that can trap moisture and debris. Regular vet check-ups, proper nutrition, and maintaining a healthy weight can help mitigate these risks and ensure a long, happy life for your Springer Spaniel. Raising A Springer Spaniel Raising a Springer Spaniel requires patience, consistency, and plenty of love and attention. Early socialisation is key to helping them develop into well-rounded, confident dogs. Introduce them to various people, environments, and experiences to build their confidence and prevent shyness or fearfulness later in life. Springer Spaniel Training Springer Spaniels are highly trainable and eager to learn, making them a joy to train for both novice and experienced owners. Positive reinforcement methods work best with this breed, as they respond well to praise, treats, and playtime as rewards for good behaviour. Make sure to stock up on training treats before your Springer Spaniel comes home! Obedience training is essential for establishing boundaries and ensuring that your Springer Spaniel understands basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel. Consistent training sessions and regular mental stimulation help keep their active minds engaged and prevent boredom-induced behaviours. Interactive toys like the Nina Ottosson range are great for keeping their active minds busy! Springer Spaniel House Training and Crate Training House training a Springer Spaniel puppy requires patience and consistency. Establish a regular schedule for feeding, bathroom breaks, and playtime to help them understand when and where it's appropriate to relieve themselves. Crate training can aid in housebreaking by providing a safe and comfortable space for your puppy when unsupervised, our crate training guide has been crafted by our Pet Experts to help walk you through the crate training process! Exercise Needs of a Springer Spaniel Springer Spaniels have high energy levels and require ample exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Aim for at least an hour of physical activity each day, which can include brisk walks, jogging, interactive play sessions, and retrieving games. When looking for walking accessories why not explore our collection, we’ve hand selected our range to bring you the best of the best! Best Food for Springer Spaniels Providing a balanced diet is crucial for meeting the nutritional needs of your Springer Spaniel. Choose high-quality dog food formulated for their age, size, and activity level, we particularly love the Acana foods for Springer Spaniels as they are both rich in meat and nutrients so keep them in tip top shape! Best Toys and Accessories for Springer Spaniels When it comes to toys, Springer Spaniels enjoy a variety of options to keep them mentally stimulated and physically active. Look for interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and durable chew toys to satisfy their natural instincts and prevent boredom. Fulfil their hunting and retrieving instincts with the Nerf interactive dog toy range, we’re certain that your Springer Spaniel will love chasing after the Trackshot duck launcher! Best Bed for Springer Spaniels Choose a comfortable and supportive bed that accommodates your Springer Spaniel's size and sleeping habits. In our experience Springer Spaniels usually love a donut bed to curl up in, shop our donut beds here. Grooming your Springer Spaniel Grooming your Springer Spaniel regularly helps keep their coat healthy and free of tangles and mats. Brush them at least a few times a week to remove loose hair and prevent shedding. Pay special attention to their ears to prevent infections, and trim their nails as needed to maintain optimal foot health. If your Springer Spaniels are anything like ours they will be in every patch of water and muddy puddle on your walks so will be mucky pups, the PetPlex dirt defeater range is perfect for them! It’s formulated to clean their coat without stripping all of its natural oils and smells beautiful, perfect for freshening them up in between grooms! Conclusion In summary, Springer Spaniels are beloved for their affectionate nature, intelligence, and boundless energy. By understanding their unique traits, addressing their specific needs, and providing proper training and care, you can enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding relationship with your Springer Spaniel for years to come. Looking to treat your Springer Spaniel? Why not check out our Springer Spaniel collection? It's filled with our top picks to keep your Springer Spaniel's tail wagging, shop now!

By Megan Willis

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Springer Spaniels are renowned for their boundless energy, friendly demeanour, and undying loyalty. If you're considering bringing home one of these delightful dogs or if you already have a Springer Spaniel as part of your family, this ultimate guide is tailored just for you. From their fascinating traits to their specific dietary needs and grooming tips, let's dive into everything you need to know about Springer Spaniels.

Springer Spaniel Facts and Information

The Springer Spaniel originated in England and was bred as a versatile hunting dog, particularly skilled in flushing and retrieving game birds. Springer Spaniels boast a well-balanced and athletic physique, combining strength, agility, and endurance.

Their sturdy build enables them to navigate rugged terrain with ease. They have large, expressive eyes that radiate intelligence and warmth. Their pendulous ears are long and feathered, framing their face and enhancing their charming appearance.

Springer Spaniel Fact File

Kennel Club Breed Group Gundog
Size Medium
Daily Exercise 2+ hours a day
Coat Type Medium length smooth coat
Coat Colours Black & White, Black White & Tan, Liver & White, Liver White & Tan
 Lifespan 10+ years

 

Springer Spaniel Personality and Traits

Springer spaniel on a walk

The Springer Spaniel personality is characterised by intelligence, enthusiasm, and a strong desire to please their owners. They thrive on companionship and enjoy being an integral part of the family. Known for their outgoing nature, Springer Spaniels are great with children and other pets, making them excellent additions to households of all kinds.

Their traits include a keen sense of smell, remarkable agility, and an innate ability to retrieve game. These traits make them exceptional hunting companions and adept participants in various dog sports and activities.

Springer Spaniel Health Issues

Like all dog breeds, Springer Spaniels may be prone to certain health issues. Among the most common concerns are hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and ear infections due to their floppy ears that can trap moisture and debris. Regular vet check-ups, proper nutrition, and maintaining a healthy weight can help mitigate these risks and ensure a long, happy life for your Springer Spaniel.

Raising A Springer Spaniel

Raising a Springer Spaniel requires patience, consistency, and plenty of love and attention. Early socialisation is key to helping them develop into well-rounded, confident dogs. Introduce them to various people, environments, and experiences to build their confidence and prevent shyness or fearfulness later in life.

Springer Spaniel Training

Springer Spaniels are highly trainable and eager to learn, making them a joy to train for both novice and experienced owners. Positive reinforcement methods work best with this breed, as they respond well to praise, treats, and playtime as rewards for good behaviour. Make sure to stock up on training treats before your Springer Spaniel comes home!

Obedience training is essential for establishing boundaries and ensuring that your Springer Spaniel understands basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel. Consistent training sessions and regular mental stimulation help keep their active minds engaged and prevent boredom-induced behaviours. Interactive toys like the Nina Ottosson range are great for keeping their active minds busy!

Dog playing with an interactive dog toy

Springer Spaniel House Training and Crate Training

House training a Springer Spaniel puppy requires patience and consistency. Establish a regular schedule for feeding, bathroom breaks, and playtime to help them understand when and where it's appropriate to relieve themselves. Crate training can aid in housebreaking by providing a safe and comfortable space for your puppy when unsupervised, our crate training guide has been crafted by our Pet Experts to help walk you through the crate training process!

Exercise Needs of a Springer Spaniel

Springer Spaniels have high energy levels and require ample exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Aim for at least an hour of physical activity each day, which can include brisk walks, jogging, interactive play sessions, and retrieving games. When looking for walking accessories why not explore our collection, we’ve hand selected our range to bring you the best of the best!

Best Food for Springer Spaniels

Providing a balanced diet is crucial for meeting the nutritional needs of your Springer Spaniel. Choose high-quality dog food formulated for their age, size, and activity level, we particularly love the Acana foods for Springer Spaniels as they are both rich in meat and nutrients so keep them in tip top shape!

Best Toys and Accessories for Springer Spaniels

When it comes to toys, Springer Spaniels enjoy a variety of options to keep them mentally stimulated and physically active. Look for interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and durable chew toys to satisfy their natural instincts and prevent boredom. Fulfil their hunting and retrieving instincts with the Nerf interactive dog toy range, we’re certain that your Springer Spaniel will love chasing after the Trackshot duck launcher!

Labrador playing with a blue bird shaped toy

Best Bed for Springer Spaniels

Choose a comfortable and supportive bed that accommodates your Springer Spaniel's size and sleeping habits. In our experience Springer Spaniels usually love a donut bed to curl up in, shop our donut beds here.

Grooming your Springer Spaniel

Grooming your Springer Spaniel regularly helps keep their coat healthy and free of tangles and mats. Brush them at least a few times a week to remove loose hair and prevent shedding. Pay special attention to their ears to prevent infections, and trim their nails as needed to maintain optimal foot health.

If your Springer Spaniels are anything like ours they will be in every patch of water and muddy puddle on your walks so will be mucky pups, the PetPlex dirt defeater range is perfect for them! It’s formulated to clean their coat without stripping all of its natural oils and smells beautiful, perfect for freshening them up in between grooms!

Conclusion

In summary, Springer Spaniels are beloved for their affectionate nature, intelligence, and boundless energy. By understanding their unique traits, addressing their specific needs, and providing proper training and care, you can enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding relationship with your Springer Spaniel for years to come.

Looking to treat your Springer Spaniel? Why not check out our Springer Spaniel collection? It's filled with our top picks to keep your Springer Spaniel's tail wagging, shop now!

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Everything becomes fair game: furniture corners, skirting boards, your favourite jumper. Alongside this, you might notice your puppy dribbling more than usual or pawing at their mouth. If you gently lift their lip, look for gums that appear a little red or puffy, especially around the spots where new teeth are starting to push through. Nipping tends to increase too, and it can feel more frantic than playful. This is not your puppy being difficult or defiant. Their gums are genuinely uncomfortable, and chewing brings relief. Giving them appropriate things to gnaw on, like textured puppy toys designed with teething in mind, makes a real difference at this stage. A fussier mood is also completely normal. Some puppies go off their food for a day or two, sleep more restlessly, or simply seem a little flat compared to their usual bouncy selves. It will pass. Spotting these puppy teething signs for what they actually are helps you respond with patience rather than frustration. 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This is when puppy teething signs tend to become most noticeable, with chewing and drooling ramping up noticeably. 4 to 6 months — Adult teeth continue replacing baby teeth. Don’t be surprised if you find a tiny tooth on the kitchen floor. 6 to 7 months — The full set of 42 adult teeth is usually in place. Worth knowing: Most puppies have all 42 adult teeth by 6 to 7 months. That’s the finish line, and it will arrive. How long puppies teethe and how intensely they feel it does vary. Larger breeds sometimes experience more pronounced discomfort, and some puppies are just more sensitive than others. If your pup seems particularly restless or chew-obsessed, that’s usually why. Getting the right supplies together early makes the whole stage far more manageable. Lords & Labradors’ puppy collection is a great starting point if you’re building your teething toolkit. Why teething makes puppies chew, bite, and act out If your puppy seems to be chewing everything in sight, nipping at your hands, or waking you up at odd hours, take a breath — this is not a sign that you’ve got a troublesome pup on your hands. These are classic puppy teething symptoms, and they’re almost always your puppy’s way of telling you their mouth is uncomfortable. During teething, the gums become inflamed as adult teeth push through the tissue. That pressure and sensitivity is genuinely uncomfortable, and chewing provides just enough counter-pressure to bring some relief. Think of it like a human baby reaching for anything they can gnaw on. Your puppy isn’t acting out — they’re coping. The most common behavioural signs linked to teething discomfort include: Chewing furniture, skirting boards, and shoes — anything firm that creates that satisfying counter-pressure Destroying bedding or soft furnishings, which tends to ramp up at night when there’s nothing else to redirect their attention to Mouthing or grabbing hands during play, often more persistently than usual Eating more slowly or briefly going off food because chewing feels sore Drooling more than normal, thanks to increased saliva production during teething Seeming restless or unsettled at bedtime, especially during the most intense teething weeks All of this is temporary. Once you understand it’s physical discomfort driving the behaviour rather than wilfulness, it becomes a lot easier to respond with patience and redirect your puppy calmly. How to soothe sore gums at home Once you’ve started recognising the puppy teething symptoms your pup is showing, the focus naturally shifts from spotting the signs to actually making them feel better. The good news? There’s plenty you can do at home, and most of it is simple. Offer puppy-safe chew toys designed with teething in mind. Softer rubber or nylon options give sore gums something satisfying to work on without causing damage. It’s worth having a few different styles on the go — browse puppy-safe chew toys to find options suited to your pup’s size and chew strength. Try a briefly chilled damp flannel. Wet a cloth, pop it in the fridge for 20 minutes, then let your puppy gnaw on it. The gentle coolness soothes inflamed gums without the risks that come with frozen items. Rotate toys regularly. Puppies lose interest quickly, so swapping things out every day or two keeps chewing directed at the right targets rather than your skirting boards. Stay nearby during chewing sessions. Supervising means you can calmly redirect your pup the moment they switch from their toy to your favourite chair leg — and they will try. Redirect rather than just remove. When your puppy goes for something off-limits, swap it straight away with an appropriate toy. A firm “no” on its own rarely gets the message across at this age. What to avoid: Hard bones or antlers, which can crack sensitive puppy teeth Frozen solid items like ice cubes, which are too harsh on sore gums Small objects that could become a choking hazard Human teething gels, particularly anything containing xylitol, which is toxic to dogs With the right puppy teething remedies to hand and a little consistency, this phase is genuinely manageable — for your puppy and for your home. When puppy teething symptoms need a vet check Most puppy teething symptoms are completely normal, and the vast majority of what you’ll see at home doesn’t need anything more than patience and a good chew toy. A little blood on a toy? Perfectly expected. The odd wobbly or missing tooth? All part of it. Mild drooling, pink-tinged gums, and a puppy who’s grumpier than usual during peak teething weeks are nothing to panic about. That said, a few signs are worth watching more closely: Gums that look very swollen, deeply red, or are bleeding heavily and not settling A baby tooth that hasn’t fallen out after the adult tooth has already come through Persistent refusal to eat, even soft or wet food Breath that smells genuinely foul — not just normal puppy breath, but sharp or rotten Lethargy, a fever, or anything else that makes your puppy seem off in a general way If one of these pops up, give it a day and see whether things settle. If they don’t, trust your gut and call your vet. You know your puppy better than anyone. For everything else, the right support and a few good chews will carry you both through. Just getting started with a new pup? Our guide to bringing a puppy home covers those early weeks brilliantly.

    By Adele Busby

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  • Why Do Puppies Bite So Much
    24.06.26 June 24, 2026 Getting A Puppy

    Why Do Puppies Bite So Much

    If you have ever looked down at your hands after a play session and wondered why puppies bite so much, the good news is that you are dealing with one of the most normal things a puppy can do. In this article we cover the real reasons behind all that mouthing and nipping, how to teach your puppy to be gentler, and the simplest ways to redirect their energy to something more appropriate. We also help you recognise the moments when a little extra support from a vet or trainer might be worth reaching for. Why puppies bite so much in the first place If your puppy seems to bite everything and everyone in sight, you are not alone — and your puppy is not broken. Biting and mouthing are completely normal parts of early development, and once you understand why it happens, the whole thing feels a lot less stressful. The simplest way to think about it: a puppy’s mouth is their hands. Before they can explore, play, or communicate in any other way, they use their teeth. That table leg, your favourite jumper, your fingers at 7am before you’ve even had a coffee. All completely fair game as far as they’re concerned. A few things drive all that mouthing. Teething is a big one. Between roughly three and six months old, puppies are cutting new teeth, and chewing brings real relief from the discomfort. Then there’s play. Puppies learn how to interact through rough and tumble with their littermates, and they naturally bring that same energy into life with you. They’re also figuring out how hard they can actually bite, a process known as bite inhibition. When a sibling yelps and backs away, a puppy learns that biting too hard ends the fun. It’s a genuinely important life skill, and they need the chance to practise it. It’s also worth saying plainly: a puppy who bites a lot is not naughty or aggressive. They’re being a puppy, doing exactly what puppies are built to do at this stage. Understanding that is half the battle. The other half is making sure they have the right things to chew, play with, and explore from the very beginning. Teething, play, and overstimulation: the most common triggers Most owners asking why puppies bite so much will find the answer sitting in one of three places: teething discomfort, play instinct, or a puppy who has simply had too much going on. Once you know which trigger you’re dealing with, the behaviour starts to make a lot more sense. Common triggers to watch for: Evening zoomies followed by frantic nipping — an overtired puppy loses self-control fast, just like a toddler past their bedtime Mouthing during tug or fetch games — play drive kicks in and your hands become part of the fun Nibbling after a busy socialisation session — too much stimulation leaves puppies wired and struggling to settle Chewing fingers and furniture around 12 to 20 weeks — incoming adult teeth cause real discomfort, and puppies chew to relieve it Nipping when you reach down to stroke them — excitement and touch combine into a grabby, mouthy moment Biting during training sessions that run too long — concentration runs out and frustration takes over Worth knowing: Puppies start losing their baby teeth from around 12 weeks, with most adult teeth coming through between 12 and 24 weeks. This is one of the most intense periods for puppy teething, and it often explains why your puppy seems to be nipping constantly at this stage. Recognising these trigger moments is genuinely half the battle when it comes to how to stop puppy biting. The behaviour is completely normal at this age and usually peaks before gradually fading as your puppy matures. Keeping a good selection of puppy toys within easy reach means you can redirect quickly the moment you spot a trigger building — before teeth find your hands instead. How to teach bite inhibition without upsetting your puppy Bite inhibition sounds technical, but it really just means teaching your puppy that human skin is off-limits — and it is absolutely something they can learn. Understanding why puppies bite so much makes this easier, because you know it is not bad behaviour, just communication. Calm, consistent training works brilliantly here, with no raised voices or startled pups required. Stop play the moment teeth touch skin. Go completely still and quiet. Avoid pulling your hand away sharply, as that can actually make the whole thing more exciting for your puppy. Use a simple, neutral cue like “ouch” or “too much” in a calm, flat tone. You are not telling them off, just letting them know the fun has paused. Redirect to a chew toy within a few seconds. Offer it calmly and let your puppy settle into it. This gives them something appropriate to sink their teeth into. Reward gentle mouthing or soft contact with quiet praise or a small treat. You are reinforcing what you do want, not just reacting to what you do not. Keep it consistent across the whole household. Every person, every time. A quick note on consistency: Mixed signals from different family members are one of the most common reasons puppy biting stages feel like they drag on. If one person lets the puppy mouth their hands during a play session, the lesson starts to unravel. Everyone needs to follow the same approach. The goal is never punishment. It is clear, kind communication. When you understand why puppies bite, you can respond in a way that works with how they naturally learn — and that makes the whole process faster and far less stressful for everyone involved. What to do instead: redirecting to toys and setting your puppy up for success Once you understand why puppies bite so much, the solution gets a lot clearer: they need something better to sink their teeth into. Redirection is one of the most effective tools you have, and with a little consistency, it genuinely works. Swap immediately, not eventually. The moment teeth touch skin or clothing, calmly remove your hand and offer a toy instead. No drama, no delay. The swap itself is the lesson. Use cooling chews for teething relief. During a heavy teething stage, a chilled rubber chew can make a real difference. Pop it in the freezer for an hour before play and let the cold do the soothing work. Reach for the right toy. Lords & Labradors puppy toys are designed with teething puppies in mind, with textures and resistance that actually satisfy the urge to gnaw. A toy that feels good to chew is one that gets used. Keep play sessions structured. Short, calm sessions are your friend. Overstimulation turns even the gentlest puppies mouthy, so watch for the signs and wind things down before they tip over the edge. Build in calm-down breaks. If your puppy is too fired up to redirect, a quiet pause in their crate or pen gives them a chance to reset. Every redirect counts: puppies learn through repetition, so the more consistently you make the swap, the faster it sticks. Setting your puppy up for success really comes down to managing their environment and energy before biting becomes the default outlet. Keep appropriate chews within easy reach, keep play sessions manageable, and trust that small, consistent moments genuinely add up. When normal mouthing becomes a problem worth getting help for Most puppy biting is completely normal, and with consistency, it does ease off. But it’s worth pausing every now and then to ask whether something more might be going on. If your puppy’s biting still feels relentless after weeks of calm, consistent redirection, it’s worth talking to a qualified trainer. The same applies if bites are regularly hard and don’t seem connected to play, if your puppy snaps when anyone goes near their food, toys, or bed, or if their reactions feel more fearful than excited. None of that makes them a bad puppy. It just means you’d both benefit from a little extra support. Pain is worth considering too. Teething can make puppies genuinely sore and out of sorts, and some pups bite more simply because they’re uncomfortable. If your puppy seems distressed beyond the usual nipping and wriggling, a quick vet check is a sensible place to start. One of the most useful things you can do in the meantime is learn to read what your puppy is telling you before the biting even begins. Spotting the early signals makes it so much easier to respond well. Our guide to understanding your dog’s body language is a really helpful starting point. And here’s the reassuring bit: for the vast majority of puppies, the biting does pass. With patience, the right toys, and a bit of guidance, most pups grow into gentle, settled dogs who’ve figured out how to use their mouths kindly.

    By Adele Busby

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