DogsLifeBreed profile
English Springer Spaniel: size, sleep, exercise and care
A tireless, friendly gundog built to flush game all day. Springers are cheerful companions for active people and need plenty to do.
At a glance
- Size
- Medium
- Adult weight
- 18–23 kg
- Height at the shoulder
- 48–51 cm
- Life expectancy
- 12–14 years
- Exercise needs
- Very high · 120+ min per day
Sleep needs
Typical total sleep per 24 hours, including naps.
| Puppy | Adult | Senior |
|---|---|---|
| 18–20 h | 12–14 h | 12–15 h |
These are general life-stage ranges for dogs from the AKC and Hill's; no study gives a separate figure for the English Springer Spaniel. Individual dogs vary, and a sudden change in how much your dog sleeps is worth mentioning to your vet. Springer puppies often keep going long past tired, so build calm rest into their day.
Exercise needs
PDSA says Springers need an owner ready to give over two hours of exercise a day, and The Royal Kennel Club lists more than two hours. Off-lead running in safe areas, retrieving, scent and gundog-style games suit them best. Working lines are especially driven and benefit from structured training.
Potty training
Springer puppies are eager and quick to learn, but also easily distracted outdoors by smells and birds. Use a lead and a fixed spot for toilet trips, wait patiently, then let the fun start once the puppy has been.
Excitement wees on greeting are common in young spaniels; keep arrivals calm and most outgrow it.
Puppy potty schedule calculator →
Feeding
A complete food for active medium-sized dogs suits most Springers, fed as three to four meals a day for young puppies and two for adults. Very active working dogs may need more than the packet suggests; pets on shorter walks need less.
Weigh food and check body condition every few weeks. Long ears dangle into bowls, so a narrow, deep bowl helps keep them clean.
Frequently asked questions
How much exercise does a Springer Spaniel need?
Over two hours a day according to PDSA, and more than two hours according to The Royal Kennel Club.
How much do English Springer Spaniels weigh?
The AKC standard describes about 23 kg (50 lb) for males and 18 kg (40 lb) for females.
Sources
- English Springer Spaniel dog breed information — American Kennel Club
- Spaniel (English Springer): breed information and exercise — The Royal Kennel Club
- English Springer Spaniel breed guide — PDSA
- How much do puppies sleep? — American Kennel Club
- How much should my dog sleep per day? — Hill's Pet Nutrition
- Can senior dogs sleep too much? — American Kennel Club