Updated 06/01/2023
The Springer Spaniel is a favoured, friendly gun dog. Bred to ‘spring’ or flush out birds in fields and woodland areas, the Springer Spaniel also turned out to be a popular and loyal companion dog and pet!
However, if you’re thinking of adopting one of these fierce yet friendly hunters, you’ll want to know how much they’ll grow, how much exercise they need, and how much space they’ll need.
So, how big will a Springer Spaniel get? This is the topic we’re addressing below. Now, read on to find out loads more about the friendly hunter that is the Springer Spaniel!
How tall can the Springer Spaniel get?
The Springer Spaniel stands at around 19 to 20 inches on average. The breed’s body is a little shorter than it is long. This boosts the Springer Spaniel’s stamina, enabling them to keep going after those birds all day long.
If the Springer Spaniel’s body was longer than tall, the Springer Spaniel would tire quickly. This is not something you want to happen in the middle of a hunt!
How much can the Springer Spaniel weigh?
The Springer Spaniel typically weighs anywhere between 45 to 55 pounds. Springer Spaniels who were bred for the show ring are usually heavier than a Springer bred for the field. Unlike breeds such as the Labrador Retriever, Springer Spaniels are not prone to weight gain or digestion problems.
However, with the Springer Spaniel breed being at risk for conditions like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, as well as skin problems, you must keep an eye on your Springer Spaniel’s diet. Food allergies and excessive calorie intake can lead to big problems for this medium breed.
What’s the Springer Spaniel’s max height?
This well-developed, loyal hunter can reach a max height of 22 inches at the shoulder. This lets the Springer get down into the undergrowth with ease. The Springer Spaniel’s height also allows the breed to jump and climb effortlessly too.
A six-foot fence is no obstacle for even a shorter Springer Spaniel who has just sniffed out the neighbor’s picnic, while a Springer Spaniel puppy who really wants to come upstairs will quickly get the hang of hurdling even multiple stair gates!
The English Springer Spaniel’s breed standard for male Springers specifies “ideal height at the shoulder for dogs is 20 inches”, while female Springer Spaniels may stand at only 19 inches.
What does the Springer Spaniel look like?
According to the American Kennel Club’s breed standard for the English Springer Spaniel, the breed is a “medium-sized sporting dog with a compact body and a docked tail”.
Springers have a “sturdy build” with “pendulous ears, soft gentle expression” and a “friendly wagging tail”. They are also a “well-proportioned dog, free from exaggeration, nicely balanced in every part”.
The AKC also says the Springer Spaniel is “proud and upstanding, body deep, legs strong and muscular, with enough strength to carry him with ease”. The Springer “suggests power, endurance, and agility,” and “looks the part of a dog that can go, and keep going, under difficult hunting conditions.”
The AKC goes on to say, “The Springer is built to cover rough ground with agility and reasonable speed. His structure suggests the capacity for endurance. He is to be kept to medium size.”
Factors Affecting the Size of a Springer Spaniel
- Genetics: Genetics plays a major role in determining the size of a Springer Spaniel. Depending on what genes a puppy inherits from their parents, they can be either a standard or miniature size.
- Diet: Proper nutrition is key in ensuring a healthy and happy dog. Feeding your Springer Spaniel the right balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins can help your dog reach their full potential in terms of size.
- Exercise: Exercise is important for any breed of dog, but especially for Springer Spaniels. Regular exercise will help your Springer Spaniel reach and maintain a healthy weight, ensuring that they don’t grow too large or too small.
- Age: As a Springer Spaniel gets older, they will likely grow larger as they reach their full adult size. Puppies are usually smaller than adult Springer Spaniels and will grow to their full size over time.
- Neutering/Spaying: Having your Springer Spaniel neutered or spayed can have an effect on their size. Generally speaking, neutered and spayed dogs tend to be smaller than their unaltered counterparts.
How much outdoor space does the Springer Spaniel need?
As much as you can give them! Regardless of their size, you can bet all Springer Spaniels love to run around all day – and then run some more! Many Springer Spaniel owners like to build their Springer a run in the garden, where the dog can sprint back and forth all day long.
If you build your Springer Spaniel a run or enclosure in your yard or even let them run completely free, be sure to make your pooch’s outdoor space absolutely impregnable. Try it out yourself to see that there are no footholds for climbing or gaps your Springer could spring out through.
But, the most important thing is that you give your Springer Spaniel plenty of exercise every day. Whether this ends up being ten laps of your park on one day or a long hike on another, the result is the same – your Springer Spaniel will love it!
Here are some of the things you need for a Springer Spaniel spending time outside
Tie-out cables for dogs – Petest Reflective Tie-Out Cable for Dogs Up to 35/60/90/125/250
kennels made from a robust wood you can order online – A 4 Pet Outdoor Wooden Dog House
How much exercise would a Springer Spaniel need?
It’s a well-known fact that a Springer Spaniel can become destructive or restless without the daily exercise that they need. So, just how much exercise is this?
Well, every Springer Spaniel is an individual. Your Springer Spaniel will tell you how much they can do. However, an hour-long walk every day is a good idea for most Springer Spaniels. With plenty of pauses for sniffing and exploring, all the stimulation will go hand-in-hand with the exercise to zonk your Springer Spaniel out in the evenings!
If you have a yard, or access to a similar fenced-in, secure area like a court, your Springer Spaniel will love having the opportunity to run around off-leash!
But, don’t let your Springer Spaniel off-leash in areas like dog parks or the countryside. Although this breed is obedient up to a point, the Springer Spaniel is unlikely to come back when called if they’ve decided to hunt down an errant piece of litter or chase a bird in the sky.
On a softer path, your Springer Spaniel will love jogging with you, whether on the leash or on a waist-leash. Just don’t let your Springer Spaniel run around on hard concrete to dispel the risk of early joint wear.
What was the Springer Spaniel bred for?
The Springer Spaniel is a muscular hunting dog with plenty of stamina. First created to hunt down birds and ‘spring’ them out from their hiding places, the Springer Spaniel also makes an obedient, loving pet. Just don’t let your Springer Spaniel off the leash when there are birds or squirrels around!
How big a bed does the Springer Spaniel need?
With their size, the Springer Spaniel needs a reasonably large bed they can stretch out on. Though a dog of this fiercely loyal breed may prefer to sleep with or near their favorite people, a good bed can help your Springer Spaniel feel safe and support their body for years to come.
With the average adult height being around 20 inches, the Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized dog. So, a medium bed is usually appropriate for most Springers. But, it is always best to try out a few different beds in-store with your Springer Spaniel.
A bolster-style bed is suitable for a Springer Spaniel who likes to stretch out. They can rest their chin on the bolster.
Alternatively, a basket-style bed supports a Springer Spaniel who likes to curl up when they sleep. Pick a bed that can keep your Springer cool in the summer months yet warm in the winter. And whatever you choose, it should always be soft!
