How old is my English Springer Spaniel in human years?

A English Springer Spaniel's first year equals about 15 human years, the second year adds 9 more, and each year after that adds roughly 5 human years. Use our calculator above for an exact conversion based on your dog's age.

What is the life expectancy of a English Springer Spaniel?

The average English Springer Spaniel lives 12 to 14 years, with a median lifespan of 13 years. Factors that influence longevity include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, ear infections.

When is a English Springer Spaniel considered a senior dog?

English Springer Spaniels are generally considered senior at around 9 years of age. At this stage, twice-yearly vet visits are recommended to monitor for age-related health changes.

How much exercise does a English Springer Spaniel need?

Adult English Springer Spaniels need 90–120 minutes of exercise per day. Recommended activities include long walks or hikes, swimming, retrieving and field work. Adult Springers are tireless athletes that thrive on variety. Two substantial exercise sessions per day are ideal, combining physical activity with mental stimulation. Field work and retrieving satisfy their deepest instincts and produce the most contented dogs.

How big does a English Springer Spaniel get?

Adult male English Springer Spaniels weigh 50–50 lbs and stand 20–20 inches tall. Females weigh 40–40 lbs. They typically reach full size by 18 months of age.

What should I feed my English Springer Spaniel?

Adult English Springer Spaniels should eat 2–2.5 cups of adult formula (active breed) per day, split into 2 meals. Key nutrients include lean animal protein for muscle maintenance, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for coat and skin health, glucosamine for joint support. Active Springers may need slightly more calories than the average medium breed, particularly if they participate in field work or agility. Adjust portions based on activity level and body condition. A diet rich in omega fatty acids helps maintain their signature feathered coat. Use food puzzles and slow-feeder bowls to add mental enrichment to mealtimes.

English Springer Spaniel Age Calculator

Calculate your English Springer Spaniel’s age in human years and get personalised health, nutrition, and life stage information.

English Springer Spaniel Age Chart — Dog Years vs Human Years#

English Springer Spaniel Health Conditions#

Ear Infections (Otitis Externa)

moderateVery Common

Typical onset:0.5–12 years

The Springer's long, pendulous ears create a warm, moist environment in the ear canal that is highly conducive to bacterial and yeast infections. Chronic ear infections are one of the most common health issues in the breed, affecting a significant percentage of dogs at some point in their lives. Left untreated, recurring infections can lead to chronic inflammation, ear canal narrowing, and permanent hearing loss. Some Springers develop allergies that exacerbate ear problems.

Prevention: Establish a weekly ear cleaning routine using a veterinary-approved ear cleanser. Dry ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing. Keep ear hair trimmed to promote airflow. Consider tying ears back during feeding to prevent food and moisture contamination. Address underlying allergies if infections are recurrent.

Symptoms: head shaking or tilting, scratching at ears, foul odor from ear canal, redness and swelling of ear flap, dark or yellowish discharge

Phosphofructokinase (PFK) Deficiency

seriousUncommon

Typical onset:0.5–2 years

PFK deficiency is an inherited metabolic disorder specific to English Springer Spaniels and a small number of other breeds. The enzyme phosphofructokinase is essential for red blood cell energy metabolism, and its absence causes chronic hemolytic anemia and exercise intolerance. Affected dogs experience episodes of dark-colored urine, lethargy, and muscle cramping, particularly after strenuous exercise or excitement. A DNA test is available to identify carriers and affected dogs.

Prevention: DNA testing is the only way to prevent breeding affected puppies. Both parents must be tested before mating. Affected dogs should avoid intense exercise and excitement to minimize hemolytic crises. There is no cure, but management through activity restriction and supportive care can extend quality of life.

Symptoms: dark brown or reddish urine after exercise, exercise intolerance and rapid fatigue, pale gums, intermittent fever, muscle wasting

Hip Dysplasia

seriousCommon

Typical onset:1–4 years

Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition where the hip joint develops abnormally, leading to progressive arthritis and pain. English Springer Spaniels have a moderate predisposition to this condition, which can range from mild discomfort to significant mobility impairment. The condition is influenced by both genetics and environmental factors such as rapid growth, excessive exercise during development, and obesity. Early detection through screening allows for management strategies that can significantly improve long-term outcomes.

Prevention: Choose breeders who OFA-certify hips on both parents. Maintain lean body condition throughout puppyhood and adulthood. Avoid excessive jumping and stair climbing during the first 12-18 months of growth. Supplement with joint-supporting nutrients such as glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids from middle age onward.

Symptoms: reluctance to climb stairs or jump, bunny-hopping gait when running, stiffness after rest, decreased activity level, audible clicking from hip joint

Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA)

life_threateningModerate

Typical onset:2–8 years

AIHA is a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the dog's own red blood cells, leading to severe anemia. English Springer Spaniels have a higher predisposition to this condition compared to many other breeds. The condition can present suddenly with rapid deterioration or develop more gradually with chronic low-grade anemia. Treatment involves immunosuppressive medications, and in severe cases, blood transfusions may be required.

Prevention: There is no reliable way to prevent AIHA, as the triggers are not fully understood. Avoid unnecessary vaccinations and medications that may stimulate immune system overreaction. Seek immediate veterinary care if symptoms appear, as early aggressive treatment significantly improves survival rates. Regular bloodwork can detect early signs of anemia before a crisis develops.

Symptoms: pale or jaundiced gums, extreme lethargy and weakness, rapid breathing, dark-colored urine, loss of appetite and vomiting

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

seriousCommon

Typical onset:3–8 years

PRA is a group of inherited degenerative eye diseases that cause the retinal cells to deteriorate over time, eventually leading to blindness. English Springer Spaniels are among the breeds most commonly affected by cord1-PRA, a specific variant with a known genetic marker. The condition typically begins with night blindness and progresses to complete vision loss over months to years. DNA testing can identify carriers before breeding.

Prevention: DNA testing for cord1-PRA is available and should be performed on all breeding stock. There is no treatment to reverse PRA, but early identification allows owners to prepare the home environment and help the dog adapt. Annual CERF eye examinations can detect early retinal changes before clinical signs appear.

Symptoms: difficulty seeing in dim light, bumping into objects in unfamiliar settings, dilated pupils, increased eye shine (tapetal reflection), reluctance to navigate in darkness

English Springer Spaniel Growth Chart#

Age	Weight Range	Notes
2 months	8–12 lbs	Small but sturdy puppies beginning rapid growth phase; highly active and playful
4 months	18–25 lbs	Approximately 45-50% of adult weight; gangly appearance as legs lengthen
6 months	25–35 lbs	About 60-65% of adult weight; feathering on legs and ears becoming visible
9 months	32–42 lbs	Approximately 75-80% of adult weight; coat texture maturing
1 year	36–47 lbs	Nearing adult size but continuing to fill out through the chest and shoulders
1.5 years	40–50 lbs	Reaching full adult size; body proportions now balanced and mature
2 years	40–50 lbs	Fully mature; weight should be stable with well-developed musculature

Healthy adult English Springer Spaniels typically weigh around 50 lbs for males and 40 lbs for females. Field-bred Springers tend to be lighter and leaner than show-bred dogs. You should be able to feel the ribs without pressing hard, and there should be a visible waist when viewed from above. Springers are active dogs with good appetites, so regular weight monitoring is important to prevent excess weight that stresses joints.

English Springer Spaniel Life Stages#

puppy

0mo – 6mo

English Springer Spaniel puppies grow rapidly and are bundles of energy from day one. They are naturally curious and eager to explore, using both their nose and their boundless enthusiasm to investigate everything around them. During this stage they reach approximately 50% of their adult weight by 4 months and begin developing the strong bond with their family that defines the breed. Early handling of their ears is essential as their pendulous ear shape makes them prone to infections throughout life.

socialization with people, dogs, and novel environmentshousetraining and crate trainingbite inhibition and gentle mouth trainingear cleaning routine establishmentbasic obedience foundation (sit, stay, come)

adolescent

6mo – 1.5yr

Adolescent Springers are at peak energy and can be exuberant to the point of being overwhelming for unprepared owners. They may test boundaries, become easily distracted by birds and wildlife, and exhibit selective hearing during training sessions. This is the stage where their natural retrieving and flushing instincts become prominent, and channeling that drive into structured activities is key to a well-adjusted adult dog. Physical growth continues until around 18 months when they reach full size.

reliable recall training, especially around birds and wildlifeleash manners and impulse controlstructured exercise to channel high energycontinued socialization to prevent resource guardingintermediate obedience and retrieving games

young adult

1.5yr – 3yr

Young adult Springers have reached physical maturity and are beginning to settle into a more predictable routine, though they remain high-energy dogs requiring substantial daily exercise. Their eagerness to please becomes more consistent, making this an excellent time for advanced training, agility, or field work. They are intensely loyal and may develop separation anxiety if not given proper independence training. Weight management becomes important as their metabolism begins to stabilize.

advanced training and canine sportsweight monitoring as growth stabilizesdental care routine maintenanceindependence training to prevent separation anxietyregular ear health monitoring

adult

3yr – 7yr

Adult English Springer Spaniels are active, devoted companions with a steady temperament and reliable obedience when properly trained. They continue to need significant daily exercise and mental stimulation to remain content. This is the breed's prime of life, and they thrive when included in family activities, outdoor adventures, and structured play. Regular veterinary screening for eye conditions and hip health should be established during this period.

maintaining daily exercise of 60-90 minutesannual eye and hip evaluationsdental health maintenanceweight management through measured feedingongoing mental stimulation and enrichment

mature adult

7yr – 9yr

Mature Springers begin showing subtle signs of aging such as graying around the muzzle and a slight decrease in stamina during long outings. They remain enthusiastic about walks and play but may need longer recovery periods after vigorous exercise. Joint stiffness may become noticeable, particularly after rest periods. This is the time to begin joint supplementation and transition to more frequent veterinary check-ups.

biannual veterinary visits with bloodworkjoint supplement introduction (glucosamine, omega-3s)adapted exercise to maintain fitness without strainregular eye examinations for PRA screeningweight monitoring to reduce joint stress

senior

9yr – 12yr

Senior Springers show more pronounced signs of aging including reduced energy, possible vision changes from progressive retinal atrophy, and increased susceptibility to ear infections and skin conditions. They remain affectionate and bonded to their family but prefer shorter walks and more rest time. Cognitive function should be monitored, and their exercise routine should be adjusted to accommodate any joint pain or mobility limitations.

pain management and mobility supportsenior-specific diet with joint supportcognitive enrichment to maintain mental sharpnessmonitoring vision and hearing changescomfort-focused sleeping arrangements

geriatric

12yr – end of life

Geriatric Springers require focused comfort care and quality-of-life management. They may experience significant vision loss, hearing decline, and cognitive changes. Mobility may be limited, and they benefit from orthopedic bedding, gentle short walks, and a predictable daily routine. Their deep bond with their family remains strong, and they thrive on gentle physical contact and calm companionship during this stage.

quality of life assessment and monitoringpalliative care for chronic conditionsadapted environment (ramps, non-slip surfaces)gentle daily movement to maintain muscle toneregular veterinary wellness checks

Dental Milestones#

0.75moBaby teeth begin erupting

3.5moTeething begins as baby teeth fall out

7moAll 42 adult teeth should be present

2yrTartar accumulation may begin

5yrPeriodontal disease risk increases significantly

English Springer Spaniels have standard dental anatomy and generally tolerate tooth brushing well given their cooperative nature. Their love of retrieving can be leveraged with dental chew toys. Springers that do a lot of retrieving of hard objects should have their teeth checked for wear and fractures. Regular dental care is particularly important for seniors, as dental pain can reduce appetite and quality of life.

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