Spaniels
- Tori Lynn Crowther
- Jan 11, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Feb 2
Silly Spaniels
Spaniels are energetic, enthusiastic gundogs with a long history of working closely alongside humans. Known for their wagging tails, keen noses, and tireless work ethic, spaniels are not simply cheerful companions but highly driven working dogs bred for stamina, scenting ability, and responsiveness in the field. Their popularity as pets often masks just how much work sits beneath that friendly exterior.
I adore spaniels. What other breed cover so many bases? What ever your need you can find it with a spaniel, even sometimes multiple needs in one, like my cavalier who will go out flushing out birds and run for miles, then come home and be the perfect lap dog who never asks for anything. If you want it, you can find it in a spaniel.
What Were Spaniels Bred For?
The word “spaniel” is believed to originate from Espagnol, meaning “Spanish dog”, although the breeds we recognise today were largely developed in the UK. Spaniels were bred as flushing dogs, working in partnership with hunters to locate game birds and flush them from dense cover so they could be shot safely.
Unlike retrievers, spaniels work close to the handler. Their role requires them to quarter ground methodically, use their powerful noses to detect scent, and push birds into the air on command. This close-working role is why spaniels are typically very people-focused, responsive, and eager to please.
Their compact, muscular bodies allow them to push through brambles, long grass, and undergrowth. Their long ears help funnel scent towards the nose, while their boundless energy allows them to work for hours in difficult terrain.
Intelligence, Drive, and Working Style
Spaniels are highly intelligent dogs, but their intelligence is often paired with intense drive. They are quick learners, especially when training is active and engaging, but they are not passive thinkers. Their brains are constantly scanning the environment for scent, movement, and opportunity.
This makes them exceptional working dogs, but it also means they require significant mental stimulation in everyday life. Without appropriate outlets, spaniels can become over-aroused, impulsive, and difficult to manage. Many behavioural issues seen in pet spaniels stem from unmet working instincts rather than poor temperament.
Common Types of Spaniels
There are several spaniel breeds, each with distinct traits, but they all share a common working heritage.
English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is one of the most widely used working spaniels in the UK.
Height: Around 48 to 51 cm
Weight: Typically 18 to 25 kg
Lifespan: Around 12 to 14 years
Springers are bred for stamina and versatility. They can work long days in the field and are known for their enthusiasm and intensity. Working-line Springers, in particular, have extremely high exercise and training needs and are not well suited to sedentary lifestyles.
English Cocker Spaniel
The English Cocker Spaniel was originally bred to flush woodcock, which is where the breed gets its name.
Height: Around 38 to 41 cm
Weight: Approximately 13 to 15 kg
Lifespan: Around 12 to 15 years
Cockers are smaller than Springers but often just as driven. Working-line Cockers are especially energetic, fast, and highly scent-driven. Show-line Cockers tend to be calmer but still require consistent training and mental stimulation.
American Cocker Spaniel
The American Cocker Spaniel diverged from the English Cocker and was bred more for companionship and showing than for field work.
Height: Around 34 to 39 cm
Weight: Approximately 11 to 13 kg
Lifespan: Around 10 to 14 years
American Cockers are typically less intense than their English counterparts, but they still benefit from structured exercise and training. Their heavier coats require significant grooming.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier is a toy spaniel and was bred primarily for companionship rather than field work.
Height: Around 30 to 33 cm
Weight: Approximately 5 to 8 kg
Lifespan: Around 9 to 14 years
While Cavaliers lack the intense working drive of flushing spaniels, they retain the affectionate, people-oriented nature common to the group. They are generally lower energy but still enjoy regular walks and enrichment.
And that is just to name a few of the many varieties of fablulous spaniels! Do your research to find the best one for you, could it be the little known King Charles Spaniel (not the same as the Cavalier King Charles) or the Welsh Springer Spaniel or any of the others?
Coat, Grooming, and Practical Considerations
Spaniels typically have medium-length coats designed to protect them from brambles and harsh weather. Feathering on the legs, chest, and ears requires regular brushing to prevent matting and to remove debris picked up on walks.
Working spaniels are often kept in shorter, more practical trims, while pet and show dogs may require more intensive grooming. Ear care is particularly important due to their long, pendulous ears, which can trap moisture and lead to infections.
Temperament and Modern Life
Spaniels are affectionate, social dogs that thrive on interaction. They are often excellent family dogs when their needs are met, but they are not low-maintenance pets. Their desire to work, move, and use their noses is hardwired.
Without clear boundaries, structured outlets, and training that channels their natural instincts, spaniels can become noisy, destructive, or overly excitable. With the right balance, however, they are loyal, joyful, and deeply rewarding dogs to live with.
A Dog Designed to Work Close
Spaniels were bred to work at the handler’s side, reading body language, responding quickly, and moving with purpose. They are not background dogs and do not do well being ignored or under-stimulated.
Understanding what spaniels were bred to do is key to raising a calm, content dog. When their physical and mental needs are met, spaniels are not just enthusiastic companions, but capable, intelligent partners built for a life of shared activity and connection.
Common Behavioural Problems in Spaniels and How to Address Them
Spaniels are enthusiastic, highly driven gundogs bred to work closely with hunters, flush game, and follow human direction. Their intelligence, energy, and sensitivity make them rewarding companions, but these same traits can lead to behavioural challenges if their needs are not met.
Over-Arousal and Hyperactivity
Spaniels are bred to move constantly and work at a fast pace. Without adequate physical and mental stimulation, they often become over-aroused, displaying behaviours such as excessive jumping, mouthing, constant barking, or over-excitement in the home.
How to Address It:
Provide structured, daily exercise that allows the dog to burn off energy safely, including walks, runs, and play in secure areas.
Include mental enrichment such as scent games, obedience tasks, or problem-solving toys to engage their brains.
Teach calm behaviour through reward-based training, reinforcing “settle” or “place” commands consistently.
Separation Anxiety
Many spaniels form strong attachments to their family and can struggle with being left alone. This often results in destructive behaviour, barking, or attempts to escape.
How to Address It:
Begin gradual desensitisation to being alone from an early age, starting with short absences and gradually increasing duration.
Provide safe, stimulating environments during alone time, such as puzzle feeders or chews.
Maintain predictable routines to help the dog feel secure when left alone.
Reactivity
Spaniels often have high prey drive and strong social instincts, which can make them reactive toward other dogs, animals, or people, especially in stimulating environments.
How to Address It:
Use controlled socialisation, exposing the dog to different situations in a structured, positive manner.
Teach focus and impulse control exercises, such as “look at me,” “leave it,” or “wait.”
Avoid punishment, which can increase anxiety and exacerbate reactive behaviours.
Work with a professional trainer for persistent or high-level reactivity.
Destructive Behaviour
Chewing, digging, or destroying household items is often a sign of insufficient physical and mental outlets. Spaniels have high drive and intelligence; when under-stimulated, they create their own activities, which may be undesirable.
How to Address It:
Provide suitable chew toys, interactive games, and scent-based enrichment activities.
Rotate toys and introduce new challenges to prevent boredom.
Ensure the dog has adequate daily exercise that matches its energy level and drive.
Excessive Barking
Barking is a natural form of communication for spaniels, often related to excitement, alerting to activity, or frustration. Without appropriate outlets, it can become constant or problematic.
How to Address It:
Teach “quiet” or “enough” cues using positive reinforcement.
Ensure mental and physical needs are met so barking is not the dog’s only outlet.
Manage the environment by reducing overstimulation where possible.
General Guidelines for Behaviour Management
Meet Their Physical and Mental Needs: Spaniels are not low-energy pets. Structured exercise and mental stimulation are essential.
Early Socialisation: Introduce different environments, people, and dogs gradually and positively to build confidence.
Clear Boundaries and Routine: Predictability helps these intelligent, sensitive dogs feel secure.
Positive Reinforcement Training: Reward-based methods increase confidence and reduce anxiety or over-arousal.
Professional Support When Needed: Persistent behavioural challenges are best addressed with trainers familiar with spaniel temperament, energy levels, and instincts.
When spaniels’ drives are understood and channeled appropriately, they become calm, confident, and responsive companions. Ignoring their instincts or failing to provide sufficient outlets often leads to frustration, over-arousal, and reactive behaviours, making proactive management essential.
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