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  1. Expert Hub
  2. Dog Breeds
  3. Springador

Springador

Springador Summary

weight iconWeight
50-80 lbs
lifespan iconLifespan
10-14 yrs
exercise iconExercise
High
trainability iconTrainability
Very High
temperament iconTemperament
Friendly
Energetic
Intelligent
Eager to Please
Loyal
grooming iconGrooming
Moderate

Get to Know Springadors

  • Detection Dogs: Springadors are used by UK police and customs as detection dogs, combining the Springer's exceptional nose with the Lab's trainability.
  • Retriever Squared: Both parent breeds are natural retrievers, making the Springador an exceptionally enthusiastic fetcher—they will retrieve until you give up.
  • Working Pedigree: The English Springer Spaniel has won more Best in Show at Westminster than most breeds, while the Lab is the most popular breed in America.
  • Water Lovers: Both parent breeds love water. Springadors are typically enthusiastic swimmers and will find any available body of water.

Springador Personality & Temperament

  • Exceptionally Friendly: Springadors are outgoing, people-loving dogs that greet everyone with enthusiasm and tail wags.
  • High Energy & Drive: They have substantial energy and need significant daily exercise. Their drive to work and play is relentless.
  • Eager & Trainable: They are among the most trainable crossbreeds, combining the Springer's eagerness with the Lab's willingness to please.
  • Loyal & Devoted: They form strong bonds with their families and are happiest when included in activities.

Springador Care & Grooming

  • Exercise: At least 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise. Swimming, retrieving, hiking, and field work are ideal. They need both physical and mental stimulation.
  • Grooming: Their medium-length coat needs brushing two to three times weekly. Trim feathering on ears, chest, and legs. Check ears regularly for infections.
  • Diet: Feed a high-quality food for active large breeds. Both parent breeds love food—strict portion control prevents obesity.
  • Health: Watch for hip and elbow dysplasia, ear infections, eye conditions (progressive retinal atrophy), and exercise-induced collapse. Regular vet visits and maintaining a healthy weight are important.

What to ask your breeder?

It's important to ensure your breeder conducts thorough health screenings on the two dogs that were bred for the litter. Reputable breeders should perform genetic laboratory testing and also orthopedic evaluations. There's no way to guarantee every puppy in every litter is 100% free from health problems, but responsible breeding practices greatly reduce the risk.

Here's a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:

English Springer Spaniel Health Testing

ScreeningConsiderations
Hip DysplasiaOne of the following: OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation. PennHIP Evaluation (min age 24 months).
Elbow DysplasiaOFA Radiographic Elbow Evaluation.
ACVO Eye ExamACVO Eye Examination. Results registered with OFA.
crd4/cord1 PRA DNA TestDNA based crd4/cord1 PRA test from an approved laboratory - results registered with the OFA.
DNA RepositoryOne of the following: DNA Sample Banked with - ESSFTA/University of Missouri DNA Bank. Participation in the OFA/CHIC DNA Repository (DNA Bank).
FUCOSIDOSISOptional: FUCOSIDOSIS - DNA Test from an approved lab.
PFKOptional: PHOSPHOFRUCTOKINASE DEFICIENCY - DNA Test from an approved lab.
Degenerative MyelopathyOptional: DNA based DM test results from an approved lab.
Autoimmune thyroiditisOptional: OFA evaluation from an approved laboratory - periodic testing through the lifespan of the dog.
Cardiac EvaluationOptional: Basic Cardiac Exam. Advanced Cardiac Exam.

Labrador Retriever Health Testing

ScreeningConsiderations
Hip DysplasiaOFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation.
Elbow DysplasiaOFA Radiographic Elbow Evaluation.
ACVO Eye ExamACVO Eye Examination. Results registered with OFA.
EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse)EXERCISE INDUCED COLLAPSE - DNA based test from an approved lab.
D Locus (Dilute) DNA TestDNA based D LOCUS results from an approved lab.
Centronuclear MyopathyOptional: DNA Based CNM Test - results registered with the OFA.
Cardiac EvaluationOptional: Advanced Cardiac Exam. Basic Cardiac Exam.
prcd-PRA DNA TestOptional: DNA based prcd-PRA test from a licensed lab - results registered with the OFA.

Springador History

The Springador is a cross between the English Springer Spaniel and the Labrador Retriever. This sporting hybrid combines two of the most popular gun dog breeds, resulting in an enthusiastic, versatile working and companion dog. Both parents are known for their trainability, friendly natures, and love of retrieving. The Springador has become popular with active families and is also used as a detection dog by some law enforcement agencies.

How Much Does It Cost to Own a Springador Per Year?

Determining the cost of owning a Springador is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.

The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator

Springador sitting with a calculatorCalculate NowSee full Springador cost breakdown

Find Springador Breeders Near You

Connect with trusted Canadian breeders raising Springadors.

Find Springador Breeders

Frequently Asked Questions About Springador

When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Springador puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.

You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:

  • Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Springador, and can I see the results?
  • What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
  • How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.

In Canada, Springador puppies from reputable breeders typically cost between $2,100 and $4,600 — but the puppy price is only the beginning.

The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.

To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.

For Springador, responsible breeders commonly screen breeding pairs using tests such as Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, ACVO Eye Exam, and crd4/cord1 PRA DNA Test.

Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.

Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.

As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.

Whether a Springador is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.

Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.

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