English Springer Spaniel Health and Costs
Breed Group
Sporting Dogs
Country of Origin
United Kingdom
Breed Size
Medium
AKC Recognition
Yes, recognized in 1910
FCI Recognition
Yes, recognized in 1954
Rarity
Most Common1 / 10
Purchase cost
Moderate4 / 10
Life expectancy
Long Lifespan7 / 10
Health
Fairly healthy6 / 10
Health problem risk
Moderate health concerns4 / 10
Maintenance cost
Moderate upkeep cost4 / 10
A Veterinarian's Guide
English Springer Spaniel Health Problems and Costs
The English Springer Spaniel is an energetic, affectionate gun dog that thrives on activity and family time, and it is fairly healthy overall. A few issues repeat in the breed: ear infections, hip and elbow problems, eye disease, two rare inherited metabolic disorders, and liver disease. Knowing them before you bring a puppy home, or while you already share your life with one, makes screening and vet visits easier to plan.
In this guide
Why Do English Springer Spaniels Get So Many Ear Infections?
Head shaking, a bad smell, discharge, or a dog that yelps when the ear is touched needs a veterinary exam. A painful ear should be examined before anything is put in it.
Their long, floppy ears reduce air circulation and trap moisture, which makes bacterial and yeast infections more likely, according to PetMD. Otitis externa, an inflammation of the outer ear canal, is also listed among the breed's predispositions. PetMD suggests cleaning the ears often with a dog-specific ear cleaner and trimming the fur around them to improve airflow. Checking them weekly, and after baths or swimming, is the simplest prevention.
Hips and Elbows
Hip dysplasia, an inherited malformation of the hip joint that leads to looseness, pain and arthritis over time, occurs in the breed. A North American study of more than a million cases found it in about 4.4 percent of Springers, compared with 3.5 percent of dogs overall, as Wikipedia summarizes. The breed club recommends both hip and elbow evaluations for breeding dogs. PetMD says treatment can include joint supplements, weight management, or surgery in severe cases.
A dog that tires faster on walks, seems stiff after resting, or starts avoiding stairs deserves an orthopedic exam. Extra weight worsens joint problems, so measure meals by weight and check at home for a visible waist from above and ribs you can feel but not see.
Which Eye Conditions Does This Breed Need Screening For?
Progressive retinal atrophy, or PRA, is a group of inherited diseases in which the retina gradually breaks down. PetMD describes it as rare in the breed, usually starting between ages 2 and 6, with night blindness and clumsiness as early signs and no effective treatment. The breed club recommends an ophthalmologist evaluation and a DNA test for PRA-crd4 in breeding dogs, and a yearly eye exam is a sensible habit for any pet Springer. Sudden vision loss, cloudiness or redness of the eye should be seen promptly.
PFK Deficiency and Fucosidosis
Phosphofructokinase deficiency, or PFK deficiency, is an inherited glycogen storage disease in which muscle and red blood cells cannot make enough energy. OFA lists the English Springer Spaniel as the breed affected, with intermittent weakness, muscle cramps, anemia, yellowing of the skin and dark urine. It is autosomal recessive, which means a dog must inherit two copies, and a DNA test sorts dogs into clear, carrier and affected.
Fucosidosis is a second recessive disease, in which a missing enzyme lets waste molecules build up and damage the nervous system. The AKC Canine Health Foundation reports that signs usually begin around 1 to 2 years of age with behavior changes and unsteadiness, and that the outlook is poor. A DNA test shows whether a dog is clear, a carrier or affected, so breeders can avoid producing affected puppies.
- 01
Dark urine
Brown or tea-colored urine, especially after exercise.
- 02
Yellow skin or gums
A yellow tint to the gums, eyes or skin.
- 03
Collapse or severe weakness
The dog cannot get up or keep going after exertion.
- 04
Struggling to breathe
Labored, rapid or noisy breathing at rest.
Liver, Skin and Cancer
Wikipedia notes that the breed is predisposed to chronic hepatitis, an ongoing inflammation of the liver, and that the form seen in Springers tends to affect younger dogs and is more severe. Several skin conditions are also listed, and cancer was the most common cause of death in a UK breed club survey, at about 27 percent of deaths. Poor appetite, weight loss, increased thirst, yellow gums, lumps, or skin that stays itchy, greasy or inflamed all deserve a visit rather than a wait.
What Does Managing a Springer's Health Actually Cost?
| Condition or Need | Typical Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ear infection visit | $150 to $300 | Per visit, if recurrent |
| Annual eye exam | $150 to $250 | Veterinary ophthalmologist |
| Hip radiographs (certified) | $250 to $450 | Before breeding, ideally |
| Dysplasia management (non-surgical) | $300 to $800 a year | Weight control, medication, rehab |
| Hip dysplasia surgery | $3,000 to $7,000 per hip | Only for severe cases |
Questions to Ask a Breeder Before Buying a Puppy
Ask for hip, elbow and eye evaluation results for both parents, since the breed club recommends hip, elbow and ophthalmologist evaluations and a PRA DNA test. Ask whether the parents have been DNA tested for PFK deficiency and fucosidosis, and whether either has needed treatment for chronic ear infections. A breeder who shares these results freely is usually well informed about the breed's other health needs too.
Daily Life With an English Springer Spaniel
Springers were bred as working dogs and, as PetMD puts it, love having a job to do, so they need routine exercise and space to run. The personality profile explains the friendly, eager nature behind it, and early training suits a dog that wants to please.
The medium-length coat sheds and does well with brushing once or twice a week plus trimming as needed, as the grooming profile describes. Make the ears part of every grooming session, and look at the skin and eyes while you are there.
Keeping Your English Springer Spaniel Healthy for the Long Run
Check and clean the ears often, keep your dog lean to protect the joints, and schedule yearly eye exams. Report dark urine, unusual tiredness or any change in behavior promptly. Pet insurance is worth pricing while your dog is young and healthy.
Final Thoughts From a Veterinarian
English Springer Spaniels usually live 12 to 14 years. Check the ears often, ask the breeder about PFK deficiency, fucosidosis, eye and joint testing, and keep your dog lean. Your veterinarian can tailor the plan.
Health & Costs FAQ
How much do English Springer Spaniel cost?
English Springer Spaniels typically cost $1,000 to $2,500 from a reputable breeder, with field-bred and show lines sometimes commanding higher prices. Adoption through breed rescues is usually more affordable, running $150 to $400. Prices vary based on lineage, health testing, and geographic location.
Purchase cost: 4 / 10
How long do English Springer Spaniel live?
English Springer Spaniels typically live 12 to 14 years. A lean weight, regular exercise, weekly ear checks, yearly eye exams, and consistent veterinary care help them stay active and comfortable into their senior years.
Life expectancy: 7 / 10
Are English Springer Spaniel healthy dogs?
English Springer Spaniels are fairly healthy and energetic, but they are predisposed to chronic ear infections, hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and the inherited disorders PFK deficiency and fucosidosis. Regular ear care, health-tested parents, and a lean weight help prevent trouble.
Health: 6 / 10
What health problems do English Springer Spaniel have?
English Springer Spaniels are prone to chronic ear infections because of their long ears, along with hip and elbow dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. Phosphofructokinase deficiency, fucosidosis, and chronic hepatitis are also listed. DNA testing of breeding dogs and regular ear and eye checks catch or prevent most problems early.
Health problem risk: 4 / 10
Are English Springer Spaniel expensive to maintain?
English Springer Spaniels have moderate upkeep costs. The medium-length coat needs brushing once or twice a week plus occasional trimming, and the long ears need frequent cleaning to prevent infections. Quality food and preventive veterinary care are the other main expenses.
Maintenance cost: 4 / 10
How much does it cost to own a English Springer Spaniel per month?
Owning an English Springer Spaniel typically costs $100 to $180 a month, covering food, routine veterinary care, and grooming for their feathered coat. Costs can rise if ear infections or hip problems need ongoing veterinary attention, so budgeting some buffer is wise.
Monthly ownership cost: 3 / 10
How much does pet insurance cost for a English Springer Spaniel?
The average monthly cost is approximately $53-$104, with premiums increasing significantly (up to $120+) as the dog ages.
Pet insurance cost: 5 / 10
Will homeowners insurance cover a English Springer Spaniel?
Yes, most homeowners insurance policies cover English Springer Spaniels, as they are not typically found on restricted breed lists. Always disclose your dog to your insurer and verify your liability coverage with your agent, since each company sets its own rules.
Homeowners insurance difficulty: 9 / 10
Are English Springer Spaniel on insurance restricted breed lists?
No, English Springer Spaniels are not typically found on insurance restricted-breed lists. These lists generally focus on breeds perceived to carry higher liability risks. As a friendly, social sporting breed, they are usually covered under standard policies, though each insurer sets its own rules.
Insurance restriction risk: 2 / 10
Can you get renters insurance with a English Springer Spaniel?
Yes, you can typically get renters insurance with an English Springer Spaniel, as they are rarely found on restricted breed lists. Be sure to disclose your dog to your provider and check your lease for pet requirements.
Renters insurance difficulty: 8 / 10
