Draw a picture of a dog crashing through damp reeds at dawn, ears fluttering, tail whirling, completely lost in the joy of the hunt. Now draw a picture of a different dog, small and silky, asleep on a velvet cushion in a palace. Both are spaniels. A couple of dog families cover such a wide range of jobs, sizes, and temperaments.
If you are thinking about bringing one home, or simply curious about the differences, this convoy to spaniel dog breeds introduces 18 of them. We have classified them by the work they were bred to do, because that history explains almost everything about how they behave today.
What Makes a Spaniel a Spaniel?
The word “spaniel” traces back to older references to dogs from Spain, though most current breeds were shaped in England, France, and North America. What binds them with each other is a working style: the spaniel sticks close to the hunter, explores thick cover with its nose, and either reddens or fetches birds.
You can normally spot one by its long, feathered ears, eloquent eyes, and gentle face. Coats vary from silky to curly, and colors run from liver and white to red, black, gold, and chestnut. Underneath, they have a soft, people-loving nature and a quick brain, which is why so many families approve of them.
Best Spaniel Dog Breeds at a Glance
| Group | Breeds | Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Bird-Flushing | English Springer, Welsh Springer, English Cocker, American Cocker, Field, Sussex, Clumber, Brittany | Small to Large | Active Families, Hunters, Owners With Time To Train |
| Water and Marsh | Irish Water, American Water, Boykin, Pont-Audemer | Medium to Large | Swimmers, Hikers, Outdoor Lovers |
| Toy and Companion | Cavalier King Charles, English Toy, Papillon, Tibetan | Very Small | Apartments, Seniors, Calmer Households |
| Rare European | Picardy, French | Medium to Large | Experienced Owners, Working-Dog Homes |
1 - English Springer Spaniel
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting (AKC)
Height: 19 To 20 Inches
Weight: 40 To 50 Pounds
Personality/Temperament: Friendly, Eager, Trainable
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Medium-Length Double Coat In Liver And White, Black And White, Or Tricolor
Life Span: 12 to 14 Years
2 - Welsh Springer Spaniel
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting (AKC)
Height: 17 To 19 Inches
Weight: 35 To 55 Pounds
Personality/Temperament: Loyal, Affectionate, Slightly Reserved With Strangers
Energy Level: Medium To High
Coat and Color: Silky, Flat Coat In Rich Red And White Only
Life Span: 12 To 15 Years
The Welsh Springer is often ignored, which is a shame because it is a wonderfully loyal partner. Its red-and-white coat is unmistakable, and its personality is a teeny bit more reserved than the English Springer’s. It welcomes family with open joy but may take time to warm up to strangers. Originally bred to work the rough, wet terrain of Wales, it has a lot of endurance and enjoys hiking, swimming, and long games in the yard. Training goes smoothly when kept positive and varied. A weekly brushing handles the coat, and its flowing ears require regular cleaning after outdoor adventures.
3 - English Cocker Spaniel
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting (AKC)
Height: 16 To 17 Inches
Weight: 26 To 34 Pounds
Personality/Temperament: Merry, Affectionate, Alert
Energy Level: Medium To High
Coat and Color: Medium-Length Silky Coat In Solid Colors, Roan, And Parti-Color Patterns
Life Span: 12 To 14 Years
Taller and slightly leaner than its American relative, the English Cocker still brings strong working instincts. It has a longer muzzle, a more athletic frame, and a nose that loves to follow scent trails through fields and gardens. Families enjoy its playful streak, and it settles well into both houses and apartments as long as it gets daily exercise. This breed thrives on attention and tends to shadow its landlord from room to room. Early socialization helps prevent self-effacement, and consistent training keeps its enthusiasm under control. Grooming is moderate, with methodical brushing and ear sanitation to help prevent infections.
4 - American Cocker Spaniel
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting (AKC)
Height: 13.5 To 15.5 Inches
Weight: 20 To 30 Pounds
Personality/Temperament: Cheerful, Gentle, People-Loving
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Long, Silky Coat In Black, Buff, Red, Parti-Color, And Other Shades
Life Span: 10 To 14 Years
The American Cocker is the teeny, fluffier cousin in the Cocker family, and it charms almost everybody it meets. Its long, silky ears and round, eloquent eyes make it look permanently hopeful. Originally bred to flush woodcock, today it is happier curled up alongside you on the sofa. It is friendly with children and other pets, though it can become clingy if left alone too often. The coat is the real settlement: expect regular brushing and a trim every six to eight weeks to prevent painful tangles. Gentle, reward-based training works best, since vulgar words hurt this sensitive dog’s feelings quickly.
5 - Field Spaniel
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting (AKC)
Height: 17 To 18 Inches
Weight: 35 To 50 Pounds
Personality/Temperament: Sensitive, Docile, Independent
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Glossy, Silky Coat In Solid Liver Or Black, Sometimes Roan, With Pan points
Life Span: 11 To 15 Years
The Field Spaniel is a silent, thinking dog that moves through life at its own pace. It was developed as a versatile hunting partner, and it still enjoys tracking fragrance, but it is far calmer indoors than most of its cousins. Many owners describe it as sensitized to and independent, meaning it favors gentle guidance over pressure. It bonds closely with its people and tends to be polite around visitors. Because it is a rare breed, finding a puppy may take patience. Its glossy coat needs weekly brushing, and methodical ear care is important because of its long, hanging ears.
6 - Sussex Spaniel
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting (AKC)
Height: 13 To 15 Inches
Weight: 35 To 45 Pounds
Personality/Temperament: Calm, Friendly, Cheerful
Energy Level: Low To Medium
Coat and Color: Thick, Wavy Coat In A Rich Golden-Liver Shade
Life Span: 11 To 13 Years
Low to the ground, long in the body, and golden-liver in color, the Sussex Spaniel looks like no other breed in the family. It was bred in England to push through dense undergrowth, and it does so with a distinctive, tuneful bark when it finds a scent. At home, it is calm, entertaining, and content to lounge near its favorite person. It does not need marathon exercise, but daily walks keep its weight in check. Some individuals can be stubborn, so patient and consistent training helps. Its thick feathering needs brushing a few times a week, and saliva is normal.
7 - Clumber Spaniel
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting (AKC)
Height: 17 To 20 Inches
Weight: 55 To 85 Pounds
Personality/Temperament: Gentle, Loyal, Dignified
Energy Level: Low To Medium
Coat and Color: Dense, Silky White Coat With Lemon Or Orange Markings
Life Span: 10 To 12 Years
Heavy-boned, dignified, and a little bit comical, the Clumber is the gentle giant of the spaniel world. Its broad head, droopy eyes, and mostly white coat give it the look of an old English gentleman. Despite its bulk, it is a patient hunting dog that works steadily rather than quickly. At home, it is mellow, affectionate, and happy to follow you around the house. Expect shedding, some drooling, and snoring at night. Because it gains weight easily, portion control and daily walks matter. Its heavy eyelids can trap dirt, so regular face and ear cleaning is a must.
8 - Brittany
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting (AKC)
Height: 17.5 To 20.5 Inches
Weight: 30 To 40 Pounds
Personality/Temperament: Bright, Energetic, Upbeat
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Dense, Flat Or Wavy Coat In Orange And White, Liver And White, Or Tricolor
Life Span: 12 To 14 Years
Many people are surprised to study that Brittany is a spaniel, since it has longer legs. It is athletic, quick, and endlessly cheerful, which makes it a favorite among active hunters. This is not a dog for people who prefer quiet weekends. It needs vigorous daily exercise and jobs to keep its bright mind busy. Given that, affectionate, sensitive, and easy to teach. It can be a wonderful family pet for households that love the outdoors. Its dense coat is easy to care for and needs only weekly brushing and ear examination.
9 - Irish Water Spaniel
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting (AKC)
Height: 21 To 24 Inches
Weight: 45 To 68 Pounds
Personality/Temperament: Playful, Intelligent, Quirky
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Dense, Tightly Curled Liver-Colored Coat With A smooth Face And Tail
Life Span: 10 To 12 Years
Tall, curly, and full of personality, the Irish Water Spaniel stands out in any crowd. Its rich liver-colored ringlets, topknot, and smooth “rat tail” give it a look that is part athlete, part clown. It was bred to retrieve waterfowl in cold water, so it loves swimming and has extra energy. Smart and sometimes mischievous, it needs mental challenges as much as physical ones. It can be wary of strangers and may not suit homes with very small children. The coat sheds little but tangles easily, so plan on frequent brushing and professional trims.
10 - American Water Spaniel
Breed Overview
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 Tightly Curled, In Solid Liver, Brown, Or Dark Chocolate, Sometimes With A Little White On The Toes or Chest
Life Span: 10 To 14 Years
The American Water Spaniel is a Small, all-around worker that came out of the Wisconsin swamp. It was designed to hop into small boats, flush birds, and get them back from icy water without Objection. Its curly brown coat is water-resistant and gives it a rustic charm. Indoors, it is affectionate and devoted, though it can be reserved with new people. It does best with owners who enjoy activities, such as swimming, fetch, or hiking. Without enough exercise, it may become uneasy and loud. Brush it weekly and dry its ears after every swim to prevent infections.
11 - Boykin Spaniel
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting (AKC)
Height: 14 To 18 Inches
Weight: 25 To 40 Pounds
Personality/Temperament: Friendly, Eager, Energetic
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Wavy Or Slightly Curly Coat In Solid Liver Or Dark Brown
Life Span: 10 To 14 Years
Named after Boykin, South Carolina, this little brown dog was bred to work from small boats in swampy country, and it is now the state dog of South Carolina. The Boykin is friendly, cheerful, and eager to be part of every family activity. It is athletic but not oversized, which makes it a convenient hunting companion and a lively house pet. It needs a good run each day and lots of interaction, or it will find its own fun. Training is usually a pleasure because it wants to please. The wavy coat needs brushing a couple of times a week, with regular ear cleaning.
12 - Pont-Audemer Spaniel
Breed Overview
Group: Gun Dog / Sporting Type (Rare Breed)
Height: 20 To 23.5 Inches
Weight: 40 To 58 Pounds
Personality/Temperament: Easygoing, Affectionate, Eager To Please
Energy Level: Medium To High
Coat and Color: Dense, Curly Coat In Chestnut Or Brown Roan
Life Span: 12 To 13 Years
With its curly, chestnut-roan coat and shaggy topknot, the Pont-Audemer Spaniel looks like a cross between an Irish Water Spaniel and a poodle. It hails from Normandy, France, and was bred to task marshes and wetlands. Very few stay alive outside its home country, so it is nearly a collector’s breed. Those who own one describe it as easygoing, affectionate, and eager to please, with a strong love of water and outdoor play. It needs solid daily exercise and mental engagement. The curly coat requires methodical brushing and occasional trimming to prevent matting, and its ears should be checked often.
13 - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Breed Overview
Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: 12 To 13 Inches
Weight: 13 To 18 Pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, Gentle, Graceful
Energy Level: Low To Medium
Coat and Color: Silky Coat In Blenheim, Tricolor, Ruby, Or Black And Tan
Life Span: 9 To 14 Years
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the dog you picture when someone says “lap dog.” Its soft eyes, silky ears, and gentle nature made it a favorite of English royalty, and it still behaves as if comfort is its patrimony. It loves everyone, including strangers, children, and other pets, which makes it a poor guard dog but a superb companion. It enjoys short walks and play sessions but does not need intense exercise. Cavaliers dislike being alone for long hours. Buy from a health-tested breeder, since heart and neurological conditions are known concerns in the breed.
14 - English Toy Spaniel
Breed Overview
Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: 9 To 10 Inches
Weight: 8 To 14 Pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, Quiet, Gentle
Energy Level: Low
Coat and Color: Long, Silky Coat In Blenheim, Prince Charles, King Charles, Or Ruby
Life Span: 10 To 12 Years
The English Toy Spaniel, also known as the King Charles Spaniel in the UK, is a small dog with a big, domed head and a flat face. It spent centuries warming the laps of nobles, and it hasn’t lost the habit. Quiet and sweet, it prefers a calm home over a noisy one and usually bonds strongly with one or two people. Exercise needs are modest: short walks and gentle play are enough. Its flat face makes it sensitive to heat, so avoid hard activity on warm days. The long, silky coat needs brushing several times a week, along with regular cleaning of its facial folds.
15 - Papillon
Breed Overview
Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: 8 to 11 inches
Weight: 5 to 10 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Happy, alert, friendly
Energy Level: Medium to high
Coat and Color: Long, silky single coat, white with patches of any color
Life Span: 14 to 16 years
The Papillon is instantly recognizable by its large, fringed ears that resemble the wings of a butterfly, which is exactly what its French name means. Also called the Continental Toy Spaniel, it is a lively, clever little dog that excels at obedience and agility. Do not let its dainty look fool you: it is sturdy, brave, and happiest when it has something to do. It usually gets along well with people and other pets, though it can bark at unfamiliar noises. Its fine coat has no undercoat and tangles less than you might expect. Brush it a few times a week.
16 - Tibetan Spaniel
Breed Overview
Group: Non-Sporting (AKC)
Height: About 10 Inches
Weight: 9 To 15 Pounds
Personality/Temperament: Playful, Assertive, Aloof With Strangers
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Silky Double Coat In Nearly Any Color Or Combination
Life Span: 12 To 15 Years
17 - Picardy Spaniel
Breed Overview
Group: Gun Dog / Sporting Type (Rare Breed)
Height: 22 To 24 Inches
Weight: 45 To 55 Pounds
Personality/Temperament: Gentle, Loyal, Steady
Energy Level: Medium To High
Coat and Color: Dense, Slightly Wavy Coat, White With Liver Or Gray-Blue Markings
Life Span: 12 To 14 Years
The Picardy Spaniel comes from northern France and is one of the oldest continental hunting breeds. It is taller and lankier than the typical English spaniel, and its speckled coat, usually liver-flecked on white, gives it a rustic look. In the field, it is a steady, methodical worker, comfortable pointing and retrieving. At home, it is gentle, affectionate, and patient with family. It is rare outside Europe, so owners often need to search hard for a puppy. It needs decent daily exercise and enjoys long walks with a job to do. Weekly brushing and regular ear cleaning are usually enough.
18 - French Spaniel
Breed Overview
Group: Gun Dog / Sporting Type (Rare Breed)
Height: 21 To 24 Inches
Weight: 44 To 60 Pounds
Personality/Temperament: Calm, Loyal, Sociable
Energy Level: Medium To High
Coat and Color: Dense, Flat Or Slightly Wavy Coat, White With Liver Patches
Life Span: 10 To 12 Years
The French Spaniel is a rare, sturdy gundog that traces its history back to medieval hunting dogs in France. It is larger than most spaniels, with a solid build, a broad head, and a white coat covered in rich liver patches. It works with a calm, thoughtful style and shows remarkable stamina in tough terrain. At home, it is gentle, loyal, and sociable with family, though it needs a purpose to feel content. A bored French Spaniel may become destructive. Plan for daily long walks or field time, plus weekly brushing and regular ear care.
How to Pick the Right Spaniel for Your Life
Start with your daily routine, not with the cutest photo. If you jog, hike, or spend weekends outdoors, a Springer, Brittany, or Boykin will love the pace. If you live in a flat and choose relaxed evenings, a Cavalier, English Toy, or Tibetan Spaniel fits best.
Then think about grooming. Long, silky coats such as the Cocker’s need regular brushing and trims, while the Brittany’s coat is easier to manage. Finally, ask about health testing. A responsible breeder will happily share results, and a breed rescue can be a wonderful route to a great companion.
