Everything you need to know about breeding English Springer Spaniels responsibly - from health testing to finding the perfect breeding partner for your beloved companion.
Understanding your Springer's dual heritage as both show dog and hunting companion is essential for responsible breeding
Male: 50-55 lbs
Female: 40-45 lbs
Male: 20 inches
Female: 19 inches
12-14 years
With proper care
Friendly, Playful
Eager to please
Breed has split dramatically. Show lines: heavier coat, calmer, more health issues. Field lines: lighter build, higher energy, fewer health problems but more nervous.
Extremely bonded to family. Follow owners everywhere. Can develop separation anxiety. Need to be with their people, not outdoor dogs.
Bred to flush and retrieve game birds. Strong prey drive remains. Need lots of exercise and mental stimulation. Excel at hunting, agility, obedience.
Moderate to high grooming needs. Show lines need professional grooming. Field lines easier to maintain. Daily brushing during shedding season.
Springers face several genetic conditions requiring careful screening and responsible breeding practices
Genetic testing MANDATORY. Enzyme deficiency causing exercise intolerance and muscle disease. Both parents must be tested.
OFA or PennHIP testing required. Both parents should have good or excellent ratings. More common in field lines.
Genetic testing available (cord1-PRA). Annual CERF eye examinations required. Causes blindness in middle age.
OFA elbow evaluation recommended. Can cause lameness. More common in heavier dogs.
Long, pendulous ears trap moisture. Weekly cleaning essential. Chronic infections common. Check ear health in breeding stock.
No genetic test available. Never breed dogs with seizure history. Usually appears between 1-5 years.
Including hypothyroidism and autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Annual thyroid testing recommended. Check family history.
Rare but serious. Sudden unprovoked aggression. More common in show lines. Never breed affected dogs.
Phosphofructokinase (PFK) deficiency is a serious genetic disorder causing exercise intolerance, muscle cramping, and dark urine after exercise. Affected dogs can have life-threatening episodes of anemia. Genetic testing is MANDATORY for all breeding Springers. Two carriers should NEVER be bred together as affected puppies will have severe symptoms. This test is simple and inexpensive - there's no excuse for not testing.
English Springer Spaniels have diverged into two distinct types with different health risks: Show lines: Heavier build, more coat, calmer temperament but higher rates of hip dysplasia, eye problems, and autoimmune diseases. Field lines: Athletic build, less coat, higher energy but can be more nervous/anxious and prone to epilepsy. Know your lines and breed within type. Mixing show and field lines can produce unpredictable temperaments.
Follow these essential guidelines for responsible Springer breeding
Male Springers
2 to 8 years
Female Springers
2 to 7 years
Wait until full maturity and all health testing completed. Springers mature mentally around 2 years.
English Springer Spaniels require comprehensive health testing, especially for PFK deficiency which can be fatal.
Females: No more than once per year, maximum 4 litters lifetime
Skip at least one heat cycle between litters
Focus on quality over quantity. The breed has split into show and field types with different characteristics
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