Springador
Also known as Labrador Springer
United Kingdom, Spaniels and gundogs
- Size
- Large
- Height
- 46–58 cm
- Weight
- 18–32 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10–14 yrs
- Enthusiastic
- Friendly
- Eager
- Energetic
Heights and weights are typical adult ranges; individual dogs vary.
About the Springador
The Springador is a Labrador Retriever crossed with an English Springer Spaniel. It is a medium-to-large gundog type, often black or liver, with a short-to-medium coat and floppy ears. Many come from working parents and are used for shooting as well as being family dogs.
Temperament
Typically friendly, enthusiastic and eager to please, Springadors combine the retriever's steadiness with the spaniel's energy. They thrive on involvement and can be overexcitable if under-exercised.
Exercise
Plan for at least an hour and a half of activity a day, ideally including retrieving, swimming or scent games. They make good companions for runners once fully grown.
Grooming
The coat sheds moderately to heavily and benefits from a weekly brush. Check feathering and ears for grass seeds after walks.
Care & wellbeing
Labradors and Springers both have DNA tests for inherited disorders, so ask for results on both parents. Food motivation helps training but also makes weight gain easy. Wobbliness or collapse after intense exercise needs a vet's attention.
Daily needs at a glance
For a typical 25 kg adult- Water
- 1 L–1.5 L
- a day
- Energy
- ≈ 1,250 kcal
- a day, neutered adult
- Exercise
- 90–120 min
- a day
- Grooming
- A brush once a week
Starting points from the same formulas as our calculators. Your pet's age, weight, activity and food all change the numbers. Work it out for your pet
Living with a Springador
Typical tendencies for the breed. Upbringing, training and the individual matter as much.
History
Labrador and Springer crosses have been produced informally in British shooting circles for many decades. The Springador name has become more common in recent years as the cross has been marketed as a family pet. It remains unstandardised.
Health
The breed can be prone to
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Exercise-induced collapse
- Ear infections
- Obesity
Health tests to ask a breeder about
- Hip and elbow scoring
- Eye examination
- PRA-prcd DNA test
- Exercise-induced collapse (EIC) DNA test
- Centronuclear myopathy (CNM) DNA test
- Fucosidosis DNA test
Not every Springador is affected, and this isn't a diagnosis. Read about common conditions and when to see a vet.
Cost to keep
Higher than average- Food, insurance and medicines cost more for a big dog
- Little or no professional grooming needed
- A 10–14 year commitment
- Budget for breed-related health checks or insurance
A relative guide, not a price — costs vary a lot by country, insurer and lifestyle.
Is a Springador right for you?
Could suit
- Active owners who enjoy long walks, running or hiking
- People who'd rather not spend much time grooming
- First-time owners prepared to train consistently
Think twice if
- You can't give well over an hour of exercise a day, every day
- You need a dog you can easily lift or carry
Not sure? Try the breed finder or read choosing the right dog breed.
Common questions
How big does a Springador get?
Adult Springadors typically stand about 46–58 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 18–32 kg. Individuals vary, and males are often larger than females.
How long do Springadors live?
Typically 10–14 years. Keeping them lean, active and up to date with vet checks gives the best chance of a long, healthy life.
How much exercise does a Springador need?
As a guide, around 90–120 minutes a day, split between walks, play and sniffing time. Puppies and older dogs need shorter, gentler sessions.
How much grooming does a Springador need?
A brush once a week. Check ears, teeth and nails as part of the routine.
Are Springadors easy to train?
Usually quick to learn with reward-based training.
Do Springadors shed?
Quite a lot. Regular brushing keeps loose hair under control — expect more around spring and autumn.
Are Springadors good with children?
They usually do well with children. Always supervise young children with any dog, and teach them to give the dog space.
Can a Springador live in a flat?
It's usually a challenge — as long as they get enough daily exercise and time outdoors.
What health problems do Springadors have?
The breed can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (pra), exercise-induced collapse. Not every Springador is affected — ask a breeder about health testing, and your vet about what to watch for.
Written by Petopedia as general guidance, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about health screening for this breed.
Breed details
- Country of origin
- United Kingdom
- Type
- Spaniels and gundogs
- Recognition
- A crossbreed, not recognised by kennel clubs