English Springer Spaniel
Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the English Springer Spaniel. Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Ear infections | high | Long, heavy ears trap moisture; weekly cleaning prevents most infections. |
| Hip dysplasia | moderate | Common enough that OFA screening is standard for breeding stock. |
| Elbow dysplasia | moderate | Developmental joint disease seen in the breed; screen breeding dogs. |
| Progressive retinal atrophy | moderate | Inherited retinal degeneration; DNA tests available. |
| Skin allergies | moderate | Atopy and hot spots occur with some frequency in the breed. |
Pet insurance for a English Springer Spaniel
Insurers price a English Springer Spaniel from the breed's documented claims profile — here, 1 high-risk condition, led by Ear infections. Enrolling early matters more than shopping hard: no carrier covers a condition once it is diagnosed.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, the recurring cost of a English Springer Spaniel is driven by how much it eats — which scales with body weight — and how much grooming it needs. At 40–53 lbs and a grooming score of 4/5, the English Springer Spaniel sits well above the average dog on grooming spend. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add substantially to the medical side of the budget — one reason breed-matched insurance matters. For the component-by-component breakdown, see the average cost of owning a dog, and model your own numbers with thecost of ownership calculator.
About the English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is an English gundog bred to spring game for the hunter, and it remains a tireless, biddable, genuinely cheerful worker. Show and field lines have diverged — field dogs are smaller and hotter — but both need substantial daily exercise and do best with a job or sport. Springers are famously good with children and other dogs, highly trainable, and eager. Expect feathering that mats without regular brushing and ears that demand weekly care. Suits active families and outdoorsy owners.
Origin: England
Temperament
Related reading for English Springer Spaniel owners
English Springer Spaniel FAQ
How long do English Springer Spaniels live?
The typical English Springer Spaniel lifespan is 12–14 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a English Springer Spaniel?
There is no published breed-level price for pet insurance, so we do not quote one. NAPHIA's 2026 industry report puts the US average at $836 a year — about $70 a month — for accident-and-illness coverage on a dog, and insurers price above or below that line based on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the plan you configure. The English Springer Spaniel carries 1 documented high-risk condition, which is the main reason a English Springer Spaniel policy prices above the national average. For real numbers, request quotes for your dog's exact age and ZIP code.
Is the English Springer Spaniel a good apartment dog?
Conditionally. The English Springer Spaniel can live in an apartment, but its 5/5 energy level means you'll need a consistent daily exercise routine.
What health problems are English Springer Spaniels prone to?
The most significant documented risks are Ear infections, Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia. Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.