So, you’re thinking about getting a Springer. You’ve seen them at the park—those floppy ears, the wagging tail that never seems to stop, and that "velcro dog" energy that makes them famous. But here is the thing: if you just walk into a breeder's house and ask for a "Springer," you might end up with a dog that is completely different from what you expected. People talk about types of springer spaniels like they are all the same, but honestly? They aren't. Not even close.
Choosing the wrong type is the fastest way to ruin your carpets or, worse, realize you don't have the three hours of free time required to keep a working-line dog from vibrating with boredom. There are two distinct breeds—the English Springer Spaniel and the Welsh Springer Spaniel—but within the English breed alone, there’s a massive split between "bench" and "field" lines. It’s basically two different dogs in the same suit.
The English Springer Spaniel: A Tale of Two Personalities
When people search for types of springer spaniels, they are usually looking at the English variety. But this is where it gets tricky. Decades of breeding for specific traits have created a "Great Divide" in the breed.
The Bench (Show) Springer
This is the dog you see at Westminster. They have the long, luscious "feathers" on their legs and ears. Their coats are thick, usually with deep liver or black patches on a white background. Bench Springers are generally heavier and more rectangular in shape.
They’re chill. Well, "chill" for a Springer.
They still need a walk, obviously, but they are much more likely to enjoy a Sunday afternoon nap on the sofa. According to the English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association (ESSFTA), these dogs are bred to meet a physical standard of beauty and temperament. They have lower drive. If you want a family pet that looks like a calendar model, this is your dog.
The Field (Working) Springer
Forget the long hair. A field-bred Springer looks like an athlete in a track suit. Their coats are shorter and coarser to keep them from getting stuck in brambles. They usually have more white on them so hunters can see them in the brush. Their ears are shorter, and they are built like little tanks.
These dogs are high-octane. Honestly, a field Springer without a "job" is a recipe for a chewed-up remote control. They have an incredible "nose" and a desire to work that is almost pathological. If you aren't planning on hunting, agility, or hiking five miles a day, a field-bred dog might be too much. It's a common mistake: people see a cute puppy and don't realize it’s basically a professional athlete that needs to run.
The Welsh Springer Spaniel: The "Red and White" Alternative
Don't ignore the Welshie. While often lumped into the same category, the Welsh Springer Spaniel is a distinct breed with a history that goes back centuries. They are slightly smaller than their English cousins and only come in one color combo: rich red and white.
They are a bit more "reserved."
While an English Springer will try to lick the face of a total stranger, a Welshie might take a second to suss you out. They are incredibly loyal to their families—often called "shadow dogs"—but they have a stubborn streak. If you’re training a Welshie, you’ll notice they have a "what’s in it for me?" attitude compared to the eager-to-please English variety.
Spotting the Differences at a Glance
If you put them in a lineup, you'd notice the English Springer has a more pronounced "stop" (the forehead area). The Welshie has a slightly different head shape, more tapered and refined.
Then there’s the coat.
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- English Bench: Long, silky, requires daily brushing or it becomes a knotted mess.
- English Field: Short, functional, easy to hose off after a muddy run.
- Welsh: Straight, flat, and always that striking red.
One big thing people get wrong is the size. You’d think the "working" dogs would be bigger, but they’re often leaner and more compact. It’s about agility, not bulk. A field Springer needs to weave through dense cover, not knock it down.
Health Concerns You Can't Ignore
Every breed has its "stuff." For Springers, it’s mostly ears and eyes. Because those ears hang low and don't get much airflow, they are basically petri dishes for yeast infections. If you get a Springer, you’re signing up for ear-cleaning duty once a week. Period.
Phosphofructokinase (PFK) deficiency is a real thing in English Springers. It’s a metabolic disorder that can cause muscle wasting or anemia. Luckily, reputable breeders test for this now. There is also "Springer Rage," a term that has been wildly exaggerated over the years but refers to a rare form of sudden dominance aggression. Most modern experts, like those at the American Kennel Club (AKC), suggest this is more about poor breeding and lack of socialization than a breed-wide flaw. Still, it’s why you never buy a Springer from a "backyard breeder."
The Training Reality Check
Springers are smart. Sometimes too smart. They will learn where you keep the treats within ten minutes of entering your house.
Training a field-bred dog requires consistency. They are easily distracted by scents. You’re walking in the woods, and suddenly, their brain switches off because they smelled a squirrel that was there three hours ago. You need a solid "recall" command before you ever let them off a leash.
Welshies, on the other hand, need a soft touch. They don't handle harsh corrections well. If you yell at a Welshie, they’ll puke or hide under the bed for two days. They respond to positive reinforcement and treats—lots of treats.
Which One Fits Your Life?
You have to be honest with yourself.
Do you spend your weekends hiking mountains? Get a field-bred English Springer.
Do you want a dog that looks beautiful and enjoys long walks but also likes Netflix? Go for the bench-bred English Springer.
Do you want a loyal, slightly smaller companion with a unique look? Look into a Welshie.
The types of springer spaniels are diverse enough that there is a "right" one for almost everyone, but the "wrong" one will make your life chaotic. I've seen people buy a field-trial champion's offspring for a small apartment in the city, and it never ends well for the sofa.
Next Steps for Potential Owners
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Before you put down a deposit, you need to see these dogs in action. Contact a local breed club—the ESSFTA for English or the Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of America for Welshies—and ask to visit a "fun day" or a trial. Watching a field dog work versus seeing a show dog in the ring will tell you everything you need to know about which energy level fits your household.
Always ask a breeder for Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) clearances for hips and elbows, and ensure they have performed DNA testing for PFK and cord1-PRA (an eye condition). A good breeder will spend more time interviewing you than you spend interviewing them.