The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized, compact, and well-proportioned dog with a characteristically gentle expression. Its coat is moderately long and features feathering on the legs and tail. This breed is unique for having one of the most dramatic splits between its working (field-bred) and show lines.
These two lines are differentiated by several physical traits. Field-bred dogs are selected for their keen sense of smell, hunting instinct, and trainability, rather than appearance. They tend to have shorter, coarser coats, less pendulous ears, and a lighter, more wiry build, giving them a more “feral” appearance. Conversely, show-bred dogs are bred according to strict visual standards, resulting in a heavier, more thickly boned physique. They feature longer fur, more prominent pendant ears, and noticeable dewlaps and dangling flews. In countries where tail docking is permitted, the length of the docked tail may also differ between the two lines.
The English Springer Spaniel is often confused with the English Cocker Spaniel, but the Springer is notably the larger of the two. Beyond size, Springers can be distinguished by their shorter and higher-set ears, a longer muzzle, and eyes that are not as prominent. Additionally, their coat is less abundant than that of the English Cocker Spaniel.