The Spaniel breed’s exact origin is unknown but they are believed to have originated in Spain in the 14th century. Bred to hunt, flush, and fetch game animals, the Spaniel became a hunter’s trusty companion.
A long history of breed development has resulted in a variety of spaniel breeds with differences in appearance, temperament, and skills. By the 19th century, the spaniels were given specific breed classifications that burgeoned into over a dozen recognised breeds. Get to know these glorious spaniel breeds and you might just find the right one for you.
1. Cocker Spaniel
Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Exercise level: ★★★☆☆
Barking level: ★★★☆☆
Good with children: ★★★★☆
The Cocker Spaniel is the smallest among the sporting dogs. Its sturdy and compact body combined with muscular hindquarters enables it to run with incredible speed.
When American breeders developed a preference for shorter muzzled spaniel with a more profuse coat, the apparent divergence from the breed standard resulted in two separate breed varieties— the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel.
The popularity of the Cocker Spaniel surged in the 1950s and continues up to this day. They stand out not only in physical appearance but also in intelligence. They are quick learners that can master tricks and commands at a shorter period of time.
2. Springer Spaniel
The Springer Spaniel was developed as a working gundog breed. They earned their name by their trademark move of springing forward to flush game animals into nets. Because of their relentless work ethic, they are often seen working in the field.
As pets, Springer Spaniels are lively and energetic. They are always alert with their surroundings making them good watchdogs. They thrive in a home with spacious garden to run around. So if you are considering this canine, ensure that there will be plenty of time for walks and play.
There are two springer variants in the UK:
Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Exercise level: ★★★★☆
Barking level: ★★★☆☆
Good with children: ★★★★★
Life expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Exercise level: ★★★★★
Barking level: ★★★☆☆
Good with children: ★★★★☆
The Welsh Springer has a medium-sized compact body that is built for hard work and endurance. Classified as a hunting dog, the breed displays impressive flushing and fetching skills. Welshies are distinguishable from other spaniels by their tapered head and unique red and white coat pattern. They are extremely loyal to their owners and distrustful of strangers.
English Springers, on the other hand, are muscular hunting dogs with long legs that allow them to take long strides, which provide an advantage in a race or game retrieval. With their keen sense of smell, durability, and high level of trainability, they are ideal for K-9 detection work.
3. Boykin Spaniel
Life expectancy: 10 to 14 years
Exercise level: ★★★★☆
Barking level: ★★★★☆
Good with children: ★★★☆☆
Boykins are medium-sized spaniels that are larger than most Cockers. Their solid-brown coat and large feathery ears are their hallmark physical features. These web-toed wonders can swim like seals and are eager water-retrievers that love to work in lakes and swamps.
Aspiring owners must keep up with the Boykins’ energetic spirit. The best thing about this breed is the ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Boykins are the ideal companions to run, hike, or swim with.
4. Brittany Spaniel
Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Exercise level: ★★★☆☆
Barking level: ★★★☆☆
Good with children: ★★★★☆
The Brittany Spaniel is a cross between a local French breed and an English Setter and Pointer, resulting in a stocky dog with amazing pointing, flushing, and retrieving skills. They sport a reddish-brown coat with bold patterns that match their strong and rugged demeanour.
This canine breed is not only popular as hunting dogs but also loved as a family dog. They get on well with children and other family pet. This tireless canine requires plenty of exercises and is a perfect match for people with an active lifestyle.
5. Clumber Spaniel
Life expectancy: 11 to 13 years
Exercise level: ★★★★☆
Barking level: ★☆☆☆☆
Good with children: ★★★★☆
Clumber Spaniels are heavyset dogs with a massive head. They are known for their thick white coat with sparse orange markings. Because of their heavy build, they can push through thick covers in the field to flush birds and other game animals.
Although they are outdoorsy dogs, they are laidback and affectionate at home. Their heightened sense of smell can pick up a scent from a great distance. Their eager-to-please personality makes them respond amazingly well to training. They are suspicious of strangers, but they seldom bark, and this makes them an ineffective watchdog.
Because of their heavy build, the added weight can put a strain on their bones and joints. To prevent this, they must be fed with the right serving of low-calorie food and treats must be given in moderation.
6. Sussex Spaniel
Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Exercise level: ★★★★☆
Barking level: ★★★★★
Good with children: ★★★★★
Behind the Sussex Spaniel’s sombre expression is a jolly canine with a clownish personality. Their massive chest and heavy bone signify their strength and endurance. They possess a classic Spaniel head but their trademark golden-liver feathery coat is their distinguishing feature.
The Sussex has a strong sense of smell for hunting and flushing birds. Their low-to-ground built is ideal for getting through thick undergrowth. They also love to swim and go for long walks. Strenuous exercises and agility-type work should only start when the dog reaches 18 months.
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Life expectancy: 10 to 15 years
Exercise level: ★★★★☆
Barking level: ★★★☆☆
Good with children: ★★★★★
Aristocratic and elegant, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the most photogenic breeds in the spaniel line. At 30-33 cm tall, the Cavalier is classified as a toy spaniel. They are distinguishable from other spaniels by their large round eyes and gloriously silky coat.
As a toy dog, Cavaliers have friendly personalities and they crave constant attention. With their gentle temperament, they get along very well with kids and other dogs. Their ability to adapt to the lifestyle of their owners makes them an ideal pet. However, they are not ideal guard dogs.
8. Papillon (Continental Toy Spaniel)
Life expectancy: 13 to 16 years
Exercise level: ★★★★★
Barking level: ★★★★★
Good with children: ★★★★☆
Papillons are called “butterfly dogs” because of their erect wing-shaped ears which resemble a butterfly. The drop-eared variety is called Phalene. Papillons have plumed tails that complement their long silky coats which come in different colour combinations. Due to their long coat, they require more frequent grooming.
Papillons are confident, sociable, energetic and highly intelligent. They can compete with other dogs in agility and obedience with great success. These highly adaptable tiny dogs can thrive in cool or warm climates.
9. English Toy Spaniel
Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Exercise level: ★★★☆☆
Barking level: ★★★☆☆
Good with children: ★★☆☆☆
The English Toy Spaniel is known for its large domed head, snub nose, long droopy ears, and chubby cheeks. These spaniels tend to assume the personalities of their owners. As they are kept by royals and aristocrats, the English Toy Spaniels can be proud and discriminating in their choice of companions, but they are very affectionate to their favoured human.
Although they are generally trainable, they can be stubborn at times. Owners need to be more patient and follow a gentle approach to training. The English toy spaniel is a sensitive canine that could shut down with harsh training methods.
10. American Water Spaniel
Life expectancy: 10 to 14 years
Exercise level: ★★★★★
Barking level: ★★★☆☆
Good with children: ★★★★★
American Water Spaniels are mid-sized gundogs that are bred to work in icy waters and swamps. Their waterproof coat is dense which allows them to withstand the elements when they retrieve shot birds. With their webbed toes and padded feet, they can easily navigate marshes and bogs.
They are well-suited for dog sports and hunting. The key to their happiness is doing activity with their favoured human. When there is a lack of exercise, they will let their humans know by being destructive.
11. Field Spaniel
Life expectancy: 11 to 15 years
Exercise level: ★★★★★
Barking level: ★★☆☆☆
Good with children: ★★★★★
In terms of appearance, the Field Spaniel exhibits beauty and utility. Their long and glossy single coat is wavy and silky worthy of a best in show award. On the flip side, their dense waterproof coat makes them great hunting companions.
Field Spaniels are sensitive canines that develop an affinity for human companionship. They are calm and docile but are playful with children and friendly with other dogs.
With above-average intelligence, these thinking dogs are highly trainable and motivated. Once they understand what is expected of them, they can excel in work or sports. It’s important to give them physical and mental stimulation to make them feel fulfilled.
12. Irish Water Spaniel
Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Exercise level: ★★★★★
Barking level: ★☆☆☆☆
Good with children: ★★★★★
It’s easy to spot an Irish Water Spaniel because of their extremely curled waterproof coat, topknot curls, and tapered rat tail that’s hairless at the tip. Well-boned and durable, these gundogs are excellent swimmers and built for waterfowling even in the most difficult swampy terrains.
Irish Water Spaniels are eager to please their humans and would follow commands willingly. They respond well to rewards-based training approach and don’t appreciate heavy-handed methods. With high energy and athleticism, Irish Water Spaniels excel in various canine sports. Because they are inherently smart and sensitive, they do well as therapy or assistance dogs.
13. Kooikerhondje
Kooikerhondje
Life expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Exercise level: ★★★★☆
Barking level: ★★★☆☆
Good with children: ★★★★☆
The Kooikerhondje is an ancient breed that originated in the Netherlands. They have an orange and red silky coat and a distinctive white plumed tail. They are easily recognised by their black-tipped ears.
These Dutch canines are bred as decoy dogs. The quick movement of the wagging tail attracts the ducks and lures them along streams where a trap is set. When they are not duck hunting, they are engaging in sporting activities. Training them is easy because they respond well to gentle training methods.
Outside of the Netherlands, the Kooikerhondje is considered a rare breed but it is slowly gaining popularity in Canada and the US. The Kooikerhondje will fit into an active family.
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