General Spaniel Dog Breed Information

There are several shared characteristics of spaniel dog breeds. They all share a similar temperament and are gentle, loving, eager to please and generally good with children and other pets. They were historically bred for hunting and have a strong prey drive. Despite coming in a wide range of sizes, the spaniel dog breed seems to all have long ears, soft, silky coats and penetrating, soulful eyes.

There are fifteen distinct breeds in the spaniel dog breed sub-type. They were originally bred for hunting and continue to be used for hunting today to some degree. Their hunting history causes them to be alert and active. However, spaniels are more commonly companion dogs now and are known for their affectionate natures and devotion to their families.

Most spaniels are medium-sized dogs with distinctive drooping ears and a broad muzzle. They have wavy or curly hair on their ears, tail, and legs and will require daily brushing and regular baths. Intelligent and loyal, they are prone to separation anxiety when they cannot be with their humans.

Spaniels are generally high-energy and spirited. They tend to do best in an active household or should be kept busy in competitive dog sports. Although typically obedient, spaniels that are not kept busy with enough exercise and enrichment can become bored and develop problem behavior.

15 Most Popular Spaniel Dog Breeds and Their Unique Characteristics

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

• The most popular of all the spaniel dog breeds and ranked number fourteen on the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) Most Popular Dogs List overall, Cavaliers are also among the smallest. They stand only 12-13 inches at the shoulder and weigh 13-18 pounds. They were originally bred as companions for British nobility. They are loving, friendly, carefree, and agreeable. They get on well with children and other animals and adapt their lifestyle to yours. They will be as active as the family and comfortable in that role. Cavaliers are in the AKC’s Toy Group classification of dogs.

English Springer Spaniel

• English Springers rank twenty-seventh on the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) Most Popular List and love the opportunity to have a job to do. They make excellent hunting dogs and are often drug or bomb detection dogs for police and military. They were bred to work with humans and are very unhappy when apart from them. They enjoy close companionship and are good with children. They stand 19-20 inches high and weigh 40-50 pounds. English Springers are in the AKC Sporting Group.

American Cocker Spaniel

• Cockers come in thirtieth in popularity of the spaniel dog breeds. Bred as hunting dogs, they are better known today as companion animals. They are the smallest of the Sporting Group at 14-15 inches and weighing 20-30 pounds. Cockers are lively and endearing and make wonderful playmates for children. They love playtime and fast-paced walks. Their fur is high maintenance for grooming unless kept short.

English Cocker Spaniel

• The English Cocker is 39^th among all dogs and fourth among all spaniel dog breeds. These bird dogs are fantastic at flushing out gamebirds, but just as adept at fitting into family life. They stand 15-17 inches at the shoulder and weigh 26-34 pounds. English Cockers are larger, have a longer and a less domed head than the American Cocker Spaniel. They also have less fur than the American Cocker. Often referred to as a “merry” dog, no matter the dog’s occupation his tail rarely stops wagging. They make wonderful family dogs and are excellent with children and other animals.

Papillon

• Surprisingly, the Papillon is part of the spaniel group. This dog’s drop ears were selectively bred to be the upright butterfly-like shape they are now. Papillon are one of the smallest toy spaniel dog breeds weighing only 6-10 pounds and standing just 8-11 inches. They are 45^th on the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) popularity chart in America. A highly intelligent and easily trainable breed, they do well with learning skills and new tricks.

Less Popular Spaniel Dog Breeds

Boykin Spaniel

• The Boykin Spaniel, the official state dog of South Carolina, is a medium-sized sporting spaniel dog breed known for its friendly, energetic personality and love of water. Ranking 75^th out of 197 breeds by the American Kennel Club (AKC), Boykins typically stand 15.5-18 inches tall and weigh 30-40 pounds. Originally bred for hunting ducks and turkeys in the Wateree River Swamp of South Carolina, these “Little Brown Devils” as they are known are skilled swimmers with a love for adventure.

Tibetan Spaniel

• Don’t be fooled by the name! The Tibetan Spaniel, ranked 121^st  on the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) Most Popular List of 2023, isn’t actually a spaniel in the traditional sense. This small companion dog, weighing 9-15 pounds and standing 10 inches tall, is classified by the AKC in the Non-Sporting group. Nicknamed “Tibbies,” these long-haired charmers were bred by Tibetan monks as loyal companions and watchdogs. Fun fact: Tibetan Spaniels are depicted in ancient Eastern art, and some believe they were historically considered reincarnated humans!

Welsh Springer Spaniel

• Welsh Springer Spaniel – A cheerful and energetic dog, these “Velcro” dogs, occupy the 132^nd  spot recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Classified as a Sporting Dog, this “Welshie” stands between 17 and 19 inches tall and boasts a weight proportionate to its height.
• Beyond their good looks, Welsh Springers are known for their versatility.  These tough little athletes have a waterproof double coat that shields them while working in the field, and their namesake “springing” gait allows them to navigate dense undergrowth with agility.  Fun fact: Unlike other Spaniels, Welsh Springers have a uniquely tapered head, adding to their distinctive charm.

English Toy Spaniel

• Also known as a “Charlie” after King Charles II who adored them, this dainty dog with a big heart is ranked 145^th by the American Kennel Club (AKC). These Toy Group charmers stand at a petite 9-12 inches tall and weigh in at a mere 8-14 pounds.
• Don’t let their size fool you though!  English Toy Spaniels are surprisingly lively indoors but maintain a dignified calmness when out and about.  They come in four beautiful coat color variations: Blenheim (red and white), King Charles (black and tan), Prince Charles (white, black, and tan), and Ruby (solid red).  Interestingly, despite their historical association with royalty, English Toy Spaniels are known for being surprisingly adaptable and happy in a variety of living situations.

Field Spaniel

• This sweet and docile companion dog is ranked 147^th on the American Kennel Club’s Most Popular List of 2023 (AKC). They are a medium-sized Sporting Dog standing 17-18 inches tall and weighing 35-44 pounds. Once bred for show rather than function, these dogs were later recrossed with other Spaniel dog breeds to regain their hunting abilities. With a glossy black, liver, or roan coat, Field Spaniels are known for their intelligence and love of spending time with family, making them excellent choices for active owners who can provide them with training and playtime.

Clumber Spaniel

• This gentle giant of the Spaniel family ranks 148^th on the Most Popular list by the AKC and is a powerful Sporting Dog known for its distinctive look. Standing 17-20 inches tall and weighing 55-85 pounds, these low-slung charmers have a dense white coat with lemon or orange markings. Nicknamed the “Gentle Giant,” Clumber Spaniels are known for their sweet and affectionate temperament, but their history lies in flushing and retrieving game birds in dense cover, making them a surprising combination of cuddle buddy and capable hunter.

Nederlandse Kooikerhondje

• Affectionately called the Kooiker and recently recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2018 is a charming little spaniel dog breed with a big personality. Weighing in at 20-24 pounds and standing 15-18 inches tall, this Sporting Dog is classified as the national dog of the Netherlands. Nicknamed the “Duck Decoy Dog,” Kooikers have a fascinating history of luring ducks into elaborate traps using their playful temperament and unique white and orange markings. The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje ranks 161^st on the AKC’s Most Popular list.

American Water Spaniel

• The official state dog of Wisconsin and a member of the Sporting Group, this spaniel is a versatile hunting companion known for its love of water. Standing 15-18 inches tall and weighing 30-45 pounds, this medium-sized spaniel boasts a curly brown coat that repels water and keeps them warm during retrieves. Bred in the 19th century by hunters in the Great Lakes region, these energetic athletes excel at flushing and retrieving waterfowl in all conditions, making them a cherished partner for outdoorsy owners. It ranks 168^th on the Most Popular list by the American Kennel Club.

Sussex Spaniel

• This jolly soul ranked 174^th by the American Kennel Club (AKC), is a low-set Sporting Dog with a surprising amount of power under its hood. These sturdy fellows stand 15-16 inches tall and weigh 45-50 pounds. Don’t be fooled by their sometimes grumpy expression – Sussex Spaniels are known for their affectionate and loyal personalities. Originally bred to hunt small game in dense undergrowth, these unique spaniels combine their love of family time with a surprising tenacity in the field.

Irish Water Spaniel

• The tallest of the Spaniel breeds and ranked 177^th by the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Irish is a striking dog built for water work. Standing 21-24 inches tall and weighing 55-65 pounds, this Sporting Dog boasts a liver-colored, curly coat that repels water and a distinctive topknot of long curls. Bred for hunting waterfowl in harsh Irish conditions, the Irish Water Spaniel is a powerful swimmer with a tireless work ethic. Despite their impressive size, these gentle giants are known for their playful personalities and loyalty, making them excellent companions for active families that enjoy exercise.

Spaniel dog breeds were primarily bred for hunting and are mostly in the American Kennel Club’s Sporting Group. Only three are in the American Kennel Club’s Toy Group and were bred as companions for nobility. No matter the group they belong to, they are all active and alert. Spaniels are considered clever and easy-to-train overall.

Although considered a “medium-sized” dog, your spaniel may need either a medium or large PlexiDor Dog Door depending on their size. The medium door accommodates a dog up to forty pounds. Should your dog be close to that weight as an adult or will go over as they grow, you will want to get the large door. Contact Customer Service with queries or call 888-PET-DOOR with any questions.