What makes English Springer Spaniels great pets?

English Springer Spaniels love running and water – they’re happiest when hurling themselves into a cold river. As a pet the Springer excels, with a happy and loving nature that makes them great with all the family.
Springer spaniels need lots of exercise and regular grooming to prevent their long hair becoming matted.
Having Springer Spaniel insurance means you can spend more time in the great outdoors together, without worrying about the costs if you have to take them to a vet.
What types of pet insurance can I get for my Springer Spaniel?
There are four main types of pet insurance for dogs – here’s a quick explanation of the differences:
Accident-only: covers your pet for injuries resulting from accidents, but not illnesses. It’s a basic level of cover that can help with unexpected mishaps.
Time limited: often recommended for older pets, this type of policy typically covers illness and injuries for a set period only, usually 12 months. Also, each aspect of the cover has a set limit; you’ll only be covered up to that amount, and you can’t claim for any specific condition more than once.
Maximum benefit: offers a set amount of money per condition, with no time limit on how long you can claim as long as you renew your policy. Once the financial limit is reached, the condition is no longer covered.
Lifetime policy: covers your pet for ongoing conditions throughout their life, as long as the policy is renewed each year. It’s the most comprehensive type of cover. Policies may have annual limits, but these reset when you renew your policy each year.
Things to look out for on your policy
When choosing pet insurance, it’s important to understand the details of your policy. Here are some key things to look out for:
Excess: this is the amount you’ll need to pay towards a claim before the insurance kicks in. Make sure you’re comfortable with the excess amount specified in your policy.
Cover limits: check the maximum amount your policy will pay out for each condition or in total per year. This can vary significantly between policies.
Exclusions: be aware of what isn’t covered, such as pre-existing medical conditions, routine treatments and pregnancy. Knowing these exclusions can prevent nasty surprises when you make a claim.
Waiting period: this is the time you need to wait after taking out the policy before you can make a claim.
Do English Springer Spaniels have any known health conditions?
English Springer Spaniels are prone to getting grass seeds trapped in their ears and eyes, which can mean an expensive visit to your vet if you’re not insured. They’re also susceptible to some diseases and conditions including:
Epilepsy: Springer Spaniels can sometimes suffer from epilepsy, which causes seizures. This condition is thought to be hereditary in the breed, so it’s important to be aware of any family history.
Eye disease: conditions like progressive retinal atrophy can affect Springer Spaniels, leading to vision loss. Their genetics make them more susceptible to these eye issues.
Hip and elbow dysplasia: these joint problems can lead to discomfort and mobility issues as Springer Spaniels age.
Ear infections: those adorable long ears can trap moisture and debris, making Springer Spaniels prone to ear infections. Regular cleaning can help prevent this.
Oral health
Springer Spaniels can face oral health issues if their teeth aren’t properly cared for, such as plaque buildup and gum disease. Regular brushing and dental chews, along with vet check-ups, are essential.
Watch out for signs of discomfort or changes in eating, as these might indicate dental problems.
How much does Springer Spaniel insurance cost?
The cost of insuring your Springer Spaniel can vary, but the average premium for dog insurance is £119 per year [2]. To find out how much it will cost you, start comparing pet insurance quotes now.
Pet insurance providers consider several factors when calculating the cost of a dog insurance policy premium, including:
Policy type: the level of cover you choose, such as accident-only or lifetime cover, will affect the premium.
Age: older dogs may have higher premiums due to increased health risks.
Pedigree breed: pedigree breeds like Springer Spaniels can sometimes cost more to insure due to their susceptibility to certain genetic conditions.
Pre-existing medical conditions: if your dog has any pre-existing conditions, this can impact the cost of insurance .
Location: where you live can influence the cost of insurance, as vet fees can vary by region.
[2] 51% of our customers were quoted less than £118.13 for their dog insurance in June 2026.
Springer Spaniel profile
Here's a quick profile of an English Springer Spaniel, based on a healthy adult:
Size | Weight | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
Medium | Females: 20 kg Males: 25 kg | 10-12 years |
Springer Spaniels are energetic dogs that need at least two hours of exercise daily, including walks, playtime and activities like swimming. They’re intelligent and eager to please, making training straightforward with consistent, positive reinforcement.
Ideally, they should live in homes with ample space, such as a garden. While they adapt to rural and suburban settings, their high energy levels mean they are not ideal for apartment living unless they can get enough outdoor exercise.
Tips for keeping your Springer Spaniel happy and healthy
Diet: give your Springer lots of protein to fuel their energy. Dry food will help with their oral health. Always ask your vet if you need any advice on your dog’s dietary requirements.
Grooming: Springer Spaniels have a medium-length, double-layered coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Brush their coat several times a week and consider professional grooming every few months.
Staying social: encourage your pup to interact with other dogs in a controlled environment, such as a puppy training course. Socialisation from a young age is crucial to ensure they develop good manners and are comfortable in different environments.
Vet check-ups: be sure to keep up with vaccinations, de-worming and regular health checks, so your dog can live a long and happy life. Regular vet visits can help catch any potential health issues early and keep your Springer Spaniel in top condition.
Spaniel ears: this breed is prone to ear problems, so it’s important to keep up a regular cleansing routine. Rinse your Springer Spaniel’s ears with a good cleaning solution every one to two weeks to keep them free from infection. Only clean the areas you can see, not deep inside your dog’s ear canal.
Microchipping
In the UK, microchipping your dog is a legal requirement, with fines of up to £500 for not doing so. This simple procedure ensures your Springer Spaniel can be quickly reunited with you if lost. Arrange microchipping with your vet or an animal charity before your dog is eight weeks old.
UK law also requires dogs to wear a collar with a tag showing your name and address. Many dog owners add a phone number too. This helps with immediate identification if your pet wanders off, so make sure the details on your dog’s tag are up to date to help keep them safe and avoid a possible fine.
What do I need to get a quote?
To compare insurance with Compare the Market, you’ll need to know:
The age of your pet, plus their gender and breed
How much you paid or donated for them
Whether your dog has been spayed or neutered
Whether you want cover for any pre-existing conditions
If your dog is microchipped.
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Allie has spent her career helping people quickly understand complicated topics, to help them save money and focus on what matters. With almost 10 years’ experience writing, leading and managing content, she is an expert in personal finance and insurance products.

Stephen Maunder is an experienced personal finance editor, having spent more than a decade working for consumer print and online titles. He won several industry awards for his personal finance features at Which?, before becoming Deputy Editor at Compare the Market.

Amy helps make sure you get the best value when choosing insurance. Thanks to more than four years’ experience at Compare the Market, she understands what people look for, working closely with insurance providers to offer you deals and services that are fair, easy to understand and right for your needs.
Our content is written by a Compare the Market expert, backed by data and enhanced by technology. Find out how we ensure accuracy and quality in our Editorial Guidelines.


What our expert says...
“Springer Spaniels have endless energy, especially as puppies. Ideally, you should aim to take your Springer Spaniel on at least two hour-long walks every day, to keep them from turning destructive if they’re locked up inside.”