English Springer Spaniel — Breed Feeding & Safety Guide

English Springer Spaniels are enthusiastic, energetic, and affectionate dogs bred for a full day's work in the field. They are highly intelligent and responsive to training, making them popular as working gundogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and active family pets. Show-bred and field-bred lines have diverged significantly — show Springers tend to be calmer and heavier-coated, while working-line Springers have extremely high energy and require committed physical and mental exercise. Both types thrive on regular engagement and do not suit low-activity households. Springer Spaniels in active work or sports require a higher-calorie, higher-protein diet to fuel sustained field work. Standard adult maintenance formulas are sufficient for less active pets. A small but notable proportion of Springer Spaniels carry the gene for phosphofructokinase (PFK) deficiency, a metabolic condition affecting red blood cell function — affected dogs may show exercise intolerance and intermittent anaemia. Discuss genetic testing with your vet if concerned. Ear infections are common in Springers, and some dogs benefit from reduced grain or yeast-containing foods.