How Long Do English Springer Spaniels Live? Lifespan & Health

The English Springer Spaniel is one of Britain's great all-rounders — a tireless, affectionate gundog that's as happy working a field as being part of a busy family. They're generally a healthy, long-lived breed, with a few specific areas (ears and eyes especially) that reward attention. Here's how long Springer Spaniels live, the conditions to know about, and how to help yours stay well.

How long do English Springer Spaniels live?

English Springer Spaniels typically live to around 12–14 years, which is good for a medium-sized, active breed. Genetics set the broad range, while body weight, exercise, dental care and routine vet checks influence where an individual dog lands. A well-bred, well-exercised Springer is very much a long-term companion.

Ears and eyes: the areas to stay on top of

Like their Cocker cousins, Springers have long, pendulous, feathered ears that hang down and trap moisture, making them prone to ear infections. Check inside the ears weekly for redness, wax or smell, keep the hair around them tidy, and dry them thoroughly after the swimming and muddy adventures Springers love. The breed is also predisposed to several inherited eye conditions, including progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), retinal dysplasia and glaucoma — many have DNA or screening tests, so a responsible breeder will eye-test their dogs.

Other inherited conditions

• Hip and elbow dysplasia in some lines — breeders score their dogs through the BVA/Kennel Club schemes.
• Fucosidosis, an inherited neurological condition specific to English Springers, which has a DNA test.
• Phosphofructokinase (PFK) deficiency, a metabolic condition, also DNA-testable.
• A rare, idiopathic form of sudden aggression occasionally discussed in the breed — uncommon, and another reason to choose well-socialised lines from a reputable breeder.

When buying a puppy, ask to see the parents' eye and hip results and any relevant DNA tests, and look for a UK Kennel Club Assured Breeder.

Working vs show Springers

As with Cockers, there are two types. Working (field) Springers are leaner, lighter-coated and extremely high-energy, bred to work all day; show (bench) Springers are stockier with more coat and often a little calmer. Neither is healthier as such, but a working Springer will need a great deal more exercise and mental stimulation, so match the type to your lifestyle — this is a breed where energy level really matters.

Helping your Springer Spaniel live well

• Keep them lean — easy with a food-loving breed, and important for joints and overall health.
• Stay on top of ears, eyes and teeth — the areas that most reward routine attention.
• Exercise plenty — Springers are a high-energy breed (see our exercise guide); under-exercised, they can become frustrated and difficult.
• Groom regularly to keep the feathered coat and skin healthy and catch problems early.
• See your vet regularly, moving to twice-yearly checks as your dog ages.

When to see your vet

Book a check if you notice ear odour, redness or head-shaking (an ear infection brewing), any change in the eyes or vision, new or growing lumps, stiffness or reluctance to exercise, or unexplained changes in appetite, weight or toileting. Springers are stoical, active dogs that often hide discomfort, so a dog that's suddenly less keen to run or work is worth taking seriously rather than putting down to age. Caught early, most of the breed's common problems are very manageable.

*This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet, who can assess your individual dog.*

Sources

• RVC VetCompass — UK dog health and longevity data (rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass).
• UK Kennel Club & BVA — English Springer Spaniel eye, hip and DNA testing schemes (thekennelclub.org.uk).
• PDSA — Springer Spaniel care and ear health (pdsa.org.uk).
• Blue Cross — dog ear and eye care (bluecross.org.uk).