Spaniels are renowned for their affectionate nature, loyalty, and skills as hunting companions. Historically, these breeds were developed for their compact size, athleticism, and enthusiasm for hunting. Spaniels typically have distinctive features like drooping ears, broad muzzles, and wavy coats in colors such as liver and white, red and white, black and white, or deep brown and black.
Originally bred to find, flush out, and retrieve game, spaniels are still valued as hunting dogs. They are also beloved as companion animals due to their loyal and affectionate dispositions.
Here’s a look at 14 spaniel breeds known for their loving and energetic companionship.
Tip: Spaniels are generally high-energy and agile, making them best suited for active households. Without sufficient exercise and mental stimulation, they may develop problem behaviors. They excel in activities like hiking, canicross, or dog sports.
01 of 14
American Water Spaniel
Originating from the Great Lakes region in the 19th century, this medium-sized breed was developed from Irish and English water spaniels. They are known for their strong water retrieval skills and make excellent family pets. They are intelligent and lively but require plenty of exercise to keep up with their energy levels.
- Group: Sporting (AKC)
- Height: 15 to 18 inches
- Weight: 25 to 45 pounds
- Personality/Temperament: Even-tempered, intelligent, loyal
- Energy Level: Medium
- Coat and Color: Thick double coat, wavy or curly, in shades of brown: solid liver, brown, or dark chocolate, with possible white on toes or chest
- Life Span: 10 to 14 years
02 of 14
Boykin Spaniel
A native breed of South Carolina, the Boykin is known for its athletic build and webbed toes. Developed for retrieving fowl from various water bodies, this breed is gentle, friendly, and responds well to positive training. They are active and enjoy being around people.
- Group: Sporting (AKC)
- Height: 14 to 18 inches
- Weight: 25 to 40 pounds
- Personality/Temperament: Active, friendly, intelligent
- Energy Level: Medium-high
- Coat and Color: Medium-length, rich liver, brown, or dark chocolate coat, ranging from straight to slightly wavy
- Life Span: 10 to 15 years
03 of 14
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Officially recognized by the AKC in 1995, this breed has a long history as a companion to British nobility. Known for their affectionate and sociable nature, Cavaliers have a more subdued energy compared to other spaniels and are well-suited for apartment living.
- Group: Toy (AKC)
- Height: 12 to 13 inches
- Weight: 13 to 18 pounds
- Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, gentle, social
- Energy Level: Medium
- Coat and Color: Long, silky coat with feathering; colors include tricolor, Blenheim (red and white), ruby, and black and tan
- Life Span: 12 to 14 years
04 of 14
Clumber Spaniel
One of the largest spaniels, the Clumber is known for its calm demeanor and distinctive jowls. While they are not as fast or active as some other spaniels, they are loyal and respond well to positive reinforcement and socialization. They may drool more than other breeds.
- Group: Sporting (AKC)
- Height: 17 to 20 inches
- Weight: 55 to 85 pounds
- Personality/Temperament: Sweet, friendly, calm, loyal
- Energy Level: Medium
- Coat and Color: Medium-length, dense coat in white with yellow or orange markings
- Life Span: 10 to 12 years
05 of 14
American Cocker Spaniel
Popular for their friendly and playful nature, American Cocker Spaniels are known for their compact size and sweet expression. They are intelligent, athletic, and great with families and children. Their coat requires regular grooming if not kept clipped short.
- Group: Sporting (AKC)
- Height: 13.5 to 15.5 inches
- Weight: 20 to 30 pounds
- Personality/Temperament: Friendly, loving, gentle
- Energy Level: Medium
- Coat and Color: Silky, flat, or slightly wavy coat with feathering; comes in various solid and parti-color patterns
- Life Span: 12 to 15 years
06 of 14
English Cocker Spaniel
Once prized for hunting woodcock, the English Cocker Spaniel is now a popular companion breed. They are energetic and have a silky coat with soft eyes that endear them to many. They thrive with plenty of exercise and company, and their hunting drive is more pronounced than the American Cocker.
- Group: Sporting (AKC)
- Height: 15 to 17 inches
- Weight: 26 to 34 pounds
- Personality/Temperament: Even-tempered, playful, social
- Energy Level: High
- Coat and Color: Silky, medium-length coat with feathering; solid or parti-colored with various hues
- Life Span: 12 to 14 years
07 of 14
English Springer Spaniel
Known for their high energy and drive, English Springer Spaniels thrive in active environments. They are affectionate, sociable, and trainable, excelling in scent work and dog sports. They require plenty of exercise and can become over-aroused if not properly managed.
- Group: Sporting (AKC)
- Height: 19 to 20 inches
- Weight: 40 to 50 pounds
- Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, alert, intelligent
- Energy Level: High
- Coat and Color: Medium-length, flat or wavy coat; commonly in white and black or white and liver
- Life Span: 12 to 14 years
08 of 14
English Toy Spaniel
Known for their affectionate and cuddly nature, the English Toy Spaniel is similar in appearance to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They are loyal and enjoy being close to their family, requiring only moderate exercise.
- Group: Toy (AKC)
- Height: 9 to 10 inches
- Weight: 8 to 14 pounds
- Personality/Temperament: Playful, loyal, loving
- Energy Level: Medium
- Coat and Color: Straight to slightly wavy, silken coat; colors include Blenheim, Prince Charles (tricolor), King Charles (black and tan), or ruby
- Life Span: 10 to 12 years
09 of 14
Field Spaniel
Related to cocker and springer spaniels, the Field Spaniel was bred for hunting in England. They are energetic, playful, and intelligent, making them well-suited for active families. They need ample space to run and can become bored or destructive without enough exercise.
- Group: Sporting (AKC)
- Height: 17 to 18 inches
- Weight: 35 to 50 pounds
- Personality/Temperament: Friendly, lively, alert
- Energy Level: High
- Coat and Color: Dense, water-repellent coat; colors include black, liver, golden, or roan
- Life Span: 12 to 13 years
10 of 14
Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel, also known as the Rat Tail Spaniel, is a versatile retriever used for both waterfowl and upland game. They are solidly built, athletic, and affectionate with their families but can be reserved with strangers. Their unique curly coat is a notable feature.
- Group: Sporting (AKC)
- Height: 21 to 24 inches
- Weight: 41 to 68 pounds
- Personality/Temperament: Loving, loyal, curious
- Energy Level: High
- Coat and Color: Crisply curled coat, rich liver to dark liver with a purplish tinge
- Life Span: 10 to 12 years
11 of 14
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
This Dutch breed, also known as the Kooiker, is a small spaniel with a friendly temperament. They were used as duck decoy dogs and are now popular in canine competitions. They have a low-maintenance, alert nature but can be wary of strangers.
- Group: Sporting (AKC)
- Height: 14 to 17 inches
- Weight: 20 to 35 pounds
- Personality/Temperament: Active, smart, loyal
- Energy Level: Medium
- Coat and Color: Medium-length, straight coat with feathered ears, legs, and tail; white with orange or deep red patches
- Life Span: 12 to 15 years
12 of 14
Papillon
Despite their small size, Papillons have spaniel ancestry and are known for their intelligence and lively personality. Previously known as Continental Toy Spaniels, they are friendly, alert, and require moderate exercise.
- Group: Toy (AKC)
- Height: 8 to 11 inches
- Weight: 6 to 10 pounds
- Personality/Temperament: Friendly, alert, happy
- Energy Level: Medium
- Coat and Color: Long, straight coat with frills; white with various color markings
- Life Span: 14 to 16 years
13 of 14
Sussex Spaniel
Less common than other spaniels, the Sussex Spaniel was bred to be low to the ground for navigating dense underbrush. They are affectionate, intelligent, and have a lot of stamina but are not as energetic or fast as some other spaniels. They crave attention and a strong family bond.
- Group: Sporting (AKC)
- Height: 13 to 15 inches
- Weight: 35 to 45 pounds
- Personality/Temperament: Even-tempered, friendly, smart
- Energy Level: Medium
- Coat and Color: Medium-length coat, with feathering on legs; solid golden liver, sometimes with white on the chest
- Life Span: 12 to 15 years
14 of 14
Welsh Springer Spaniel
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a smaller relative of the English Springer Spaniel and is known for its affectionate and active nature. They have a more relaxed demeanor at home but still need ample exercise. They form strong bonds with their families and can be wary of strangers.
- Group: Sporting (AKC)
- Height: 17 to 19 inches
- Weight: 35 to 55 pounds
- Personality/Temperament: Playful, energetic, smart
- Energy Level: High
- Coat and Color: Soft, straight, flat coat; red and white with some feathering
- Life Span: 12 to 15 years
Breeds to Avoid
When considering a spaniel breed, note that some dogs with “spaniel” in their name are not true spaniels. For example, the Brittany, previously known as the Brittany Spaniel, was reclassified by the AKC in 1982 due to its traits aligning more with pointers. Similarly, the Tibetan Spaniel and Japanese Chin (also called the Japanese Spaniel) do not qualify as spaniels as they are not bred for hunting.
FAQ
Why is my King Charles Spaniel so big?
The size of your King Charles Spaniel can be influenced by their lineage. If their parents were larger, your dog might be bigger than average. Additionally, this breed can be prone to obesity, so it’s important to manage their diet and consult with a vet if you have concerns.
How do you train a Cocker Spaniel?
Cocker Spaniels are eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Start with basic obedience training and use positive reinforcement techniques. Avoid harsh methods, as they can lead to behavioral issues like separation anxiety.
What is a Sprocker Spaniel?
A Sprocker Spaniel is a hybrid breed combining the English Springer Spaniel and the American Cocker Spaniel. Established about 20 years ago, Sprockers inherit desirable traits from both parent breeds, making them adaptable and family-friendly.
