Springer Spaniels are an intelligent, active, and affectionate breed. From the puppy stages up to their elder years, these cheerful canines are alert and full of personality. However, these highly trainable animals can be rambunctious, so it’s important that you know more about the breed’s growth and development before bringing one home.
A Springer Spaniel stops growing at around 18 months. Around this age, the dog reaches adulthood, and most unwanted behaviors end. Females typically reach a height of 19 inches (48 cm) and a weight of 40 pounds (18 kg). Males may reach a height of 20 inches (51 cm) and a weight of 50 pounds (23 kg).
In this article, I will break down the milestones in a Springer Spaniel’s growth and development. Read on to learn more about the qualities of this vivacious breed.
How Big Will My Springer Spaniel Get?
Most Springer Spaniels reach 20 inches (51 cm) in height and weigh roughly 50 pounds (23 kg) at adulthood. This makes Springer Spaniels a mid-sized breed.
Keep in mind that this estimation is only based on purebred Springer Spaniels. This breed is commonly mixed with other breeds. They’ll often maintain their ear shape and fur type of a Spaniel but may take on the size of the secondary breed.
For example, a Springerdoodle (Springer-Poodle mix) tends to be small, looking almost like a teddy bear. But a Sprollie (Springer-Collie) looks like a much larger version of the purebred variety. Even so, Springer mixes are unlikely to get lower than 15 lbs (6.8 kg) or higher than 60 lbs (27.2 kg).
When Does a Springer Spaniel Fully Mature?
The average age of maturity for a Springer Spaniel is 18 to 24 months. Around this age, the dog reaches adulthood and stops growing. You’ll also notice a reduction in unwanted puppy behaviors such as chewing, marking, and playful aggression. In addition, the dog’s energy levels should decrease.
Many of the unwanted qualities that decline in Springer Spaniels as they mature include:
- Teething and chewing on inappropriate items
- Difficulty following demands consistently
- Potty training and marking
- Uncontrollable energy
- Resistance to kennel training
- “Playful aggression,” or biting and scratching without intending to cause harm
- Excitability, such as jumping on people and excessive licking
- Inappropriate barking
- Lead pulling
- Separation anxiety
If you own a Springer Spaniel, much of these unwanted behaviors are likely familiar to you. These canines have high energy levels, and the breed is full of vigor. They love to play and, at times, are prone to getting the “zoomies.”
The zoomies are an extreme state of excitability. Your dog will start rushing around, running from one side of the house to the other.
Fortunately, after your Springer Spaniel reaches full maturity, you’ll start to see him becoming the well-behaved dog you knew he could be.
How Do I Help My Springer Spaniel Grow Up Healthy?
As with every dog, a Springer Spaniel needs proper nutrition, exercise, training, vaccinations, regular veterinarian check-ups, and love to ensure he grows up healthy. If you’re looking to keep your Springer Spaniel happy, healthy, and safe, always remember that the best medicine is prevention.
Nutrition
During your Springer Spaniel’s puppy years, it may eat as much as four cups of food per day. While this seems excessive, it’s completely normal. With that said, your puppy’s food should be split up into different meals up to four times per day.
Once a Springer Spaniel reaches maturity, however, their nutrition needs to change. At this point, they may only need one-and-a-half to two cups of food per day.
A Springer Spaniel, like any other breed, should be provided high-quality, dry dog food that does not contain filler ingredients. Check the bag to ensure that the first ingredient is meat. The fewer ingredients in the food, the better. Avoid any brand that is high in grains.
I recommend Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food, available on Amazon.com. This protein-rich dog food contains omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, and probiotics. It’s manufactured in the United States using globally sourced, non-GMO ingredients.
When feeding them treats, ensure the treats don’t make up more than 10 percent of your dog’s diet. Treats should be given on a limited basis, preferably during training. My dogs love training treats from Train-Me, which can found on Amazon.com
Grooming
Due to their large amount of fur, Springer Spaniels require regular grooming to maintain the health of their skin and fur.
It’s acceptable to brush out your Springer Spaniel at least once every other day—although daily brushing is recommended. A slicker brush should be all that you need to keep your furry friend looking and feeling his best.
When it comes to bathing, Springer Spaniels, like most canines, should be bathed every three months. Springer Spaniels have a double coat with a soft, dense topcoat. This breed has a coat that’s considered “self-cleaning,” meaning that most dust, dirt, and other debris should just fall off. However, if your Springer is noticeably dirty or smelly, he would benefit from a bath. I use shampoo and conditioner from Earthbath, which was recommended by my vet.
In addition to brushing and bathing, you should have your Springer Spaniel’s paws softened, and the claws buffed down monthly. There are grooming kits online or in pet stores to help you maintain their hygiene between visits to the groomer.
I recommend the GHG Dog Nail Grinder Set, available on Amazon.com. This set includes a nail grinder and nail clippers. It’s ideal for small to medium breeds. The grinder has a low noise level, making it more comfortable for your Springer Spaniel. In addition, the nail grinder is rechargeable.
Oral Hygiene
Unfortunately, dental issues are common in Springer Spaniels. To ensure that your canine companion doesn’t experience cavities or tooth pain, brush their teeth at least twice a week. You can do this with a dog toothbrush and toothpaste.
I recommend the Dog Toothbrush and Toothpaste set on Amazon.com. The set includes toothbrushes that you wear on your finger, making it easier to brush your dog’s pearly whites. It also includes a curved, double-sided toothbrush to make it easier to access those back teeth. The toothpaste is chicken flavored, making it a canine favorite!
In between brushing, you can try canine tooth wipes or products such as milk bones to keep your dog’s teeth clean and strong.
Exercise
As mentioned throughout this article, Springer Spaniels require regular exercise. This includes walks, playtime, and other strenuous activity.
It’s important to provide your Springer Spaniel with at least 90 minutes of activity every day. This can include games of fetch, running at the dog park, hiking, swimming, or long, fast-paced walks. Check out my recommended toys page for some must haves with a Springer Spaniel. Also, this hands-free leash from Amazon.com is perfect for taking your dog on walks, hikes and jogs.
Regular access to a backyard, dog park, or open field (where it’s safe) can provide hours of play and allow this hyper breed to burn through that extra energy.
Emotional Health
As with all dogs, Springer Spaniels need regular love and affection. Every day, after your Springer Spaniel has been exercised and trained, it’s important to provide them with plenty of love and affection. This includes petting. Grooming can even be considered affection, particularly if your Springer Spaniel enjoys being brushed.
Separation anxiety is extremely common in Springer Spaniel puppies and can lead to unwanted behaviors. It’s important that you spend plenty of time with your pup, give them daily affection, remain calm and loving, and whenever possible, let them take a ride with you.
Why Is My Springer Spaniel So Energetic?
Springer Spaniels are highly active dogs, often filled with a lot of energy. If your dog is excessively energetic, it could be due to a lack of exercise or stimulation. This breed pairs best with active owners that enjoy long walks, hikes, swimming, and hours of play with their furry friend.
These playful canines are not suitable for apartment living. They are high-energy animals that require a lot of exercise. Those looking into a Springer Spaniel as a potential pet should have enough space to let the dog run around and let off some energy.
When your dog is calm, relaxed, and obedient to commands, you’ll know that they’re receiving enough exercise. If they’re hyper, neurotic, or misbehaving, it could be that they need to let out some of that energy in the form of running, hiking, walking, swimming, or simply playing a game of fetch.
With that said, your Springer Spaniel is unlikely to become a couch potato, even when they’re tired. As mentioned previously, these dogs have high energy levels and need stimulation.
Of course, as puppies, your Springer Spaniel will exhibit a lot of unwanted behaviors due to a lack of maturity—not because they are trying to annoy you. All dogs require training and attention, especially during their formative years.
Springer Spaniel’s grow quickly, going from tiny little pups to adults before you know it. The time between can be frustrating as you navigate that energy in its unadulterated, unfiltered form.
Final Thoughts
Springer Spaniels grow quickly, reaching adulthood around 18 months. As a mid-sized breed, your canine companion will require a lot of food and fun.
These dogs go through quite a bit of developmental changes during that period, which requires owners to remain patient and understanding. Give them what they need, and they will prove to be a fulfilling and happy addition to your life.
