Springador

The Springador is a cross between an English Springer Spaniel and a Labrador Retriever — two of the UK's most popular and hardest-working gundogs. The result is a large, energetic, highly trainable dog that is devoted to its family and never happier than when it has a job to do. Unlike most crossbreeds on this hub, the Springador is not a doodle. There is no Poodle in the mix, so it sheds, and buyers looking for a low-shedding dog should look elsewhere.

The Springador is one of the more naturally occurring crossbreeds in the UK. English Springer Spaniels and Labrador Retrievers are both widespread working gundogs, and crosses between them have existed informally in rural and farming communities for decades. The name Springador came later, as the crossbreed gained popularity as a family pet.

Neither parent was bred for the sofa. The Labrador is a retrieving dog developed to work alongside hunters and wildfowlers in all weathers. The Springer Spaniel was bred to flush and retrieve game from dense cover. Both breeds are built for endurance, have a strong drive to work, and thrive on physical activity and mental challenge. The Springador inherits all of this.

The Springador is not KC registered. Because both parents are established, recognisable breeds with published breed standards, health testing frameworks exist for both — which makes it easier to find a Springador from genuinely health-tested parents than it is for many crossbreeds.

Size varies depending on which parent the individual dog takes after. Springer Spaniels are medium-sized (18–25 kg); Labradors are larger (25–36 kg). Springadors typically land somewhere in between, though some are sizeable dogs.

The honest caveat: The Springador's working dog heritage is not switched off by domestication. These dogs need genuine, committed daily exercise — not a twenty-minute walk and a garden run-around. Families who underestimate this end up with a bored, destructive, and occasionally chaotic large dog in their home.

Springadors are friendly, affectionate and people-oriented. Both parent breeds are sociable and non-aggressive, and the Springador reflects this — typically excellent with children, comfortable around strangers, and good with other dogs. The Labrador side brings a steady, calm-when-tired temperament and a strong desire to please. The Springer side brings enthusiasm, a nose that never stops working, and boundless energy that can tip into hyperactivity without enough exercise. Most Springadors love water, inherited from both sides — muddy puddles, rivers and the sea are all invitations. Not known for excessive barking or guarding, though they will alert to strangers.

Springadors are among the more trainable crossbreeds — both parent breeds score highly for working intelligence and responsiveness to handlers. Positive reinforcement works well; they are eager to please and motivated by food and play. Basic obedience comes quickly, and some progress to recall, retrieve and scent work, with some working as assistance, therapy or search-and-rescue dogs. Main challenges: recall when distracted (a Springer nose can override a recall command), jumping up when greeting people, and pulling on the lead. Springadors do not respond well to harsh training methods — consistency and reward-based methods produce the best results.

Two hours of exercise daily is realistic for an adult Springador, split across morning and evening sessions. One long off-lead run in a secure area is worth more than several short on-lead walks. An adult Springador that receives insufficient exercise will find other outlets — chewing, digging, restlessness and nuisance barking. Springadors love retrieval games, swimming and nose work, which engage working instincts and tire the dog more efficiently than a walk alone. Puppies should not be over-exercised before 12–18 months; follow the five-minutes-per-month-of-age guideline. A garden is strongly recommended — Springadors are not suited to flat living.

Springadors are generally robust dogs with a lifespan of 10–14 years. As a cross of two large, active breeds, joint health is the primary concern. Both parent breeds carry risk of hip and elbow dysplasia, and buyers should insist on health test results for both parents before committing to a puppy.

Hip dysplasia: abnormal hip joint development causing pain and mobility problems. BVA hip scoring is standard. The Labrador breed mean hip score is 12 (lower is better); Springer Spaniels have a breed mean of 14. Both parents should score at or below these figures.

Elbow dysplasia: more prevalent in Labradors than Springer Spaniels. BVA elbow grading of 0/0 in the Labrador parent is the standard to look for.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): gradual retinal degeneration leading to blindness. Labradors should be tested for prcd-PRA; Springer Spaniels for Cord1 PRA.

Centronuclear myopathy (CNM): a Labrador-inherited muscle disorder. DNA test available.

Exercise-induced collapse (EIC): a Labrador-inherited genetic condition causing collapse during intense exercise. DNA test available — important given the Springador's high exercise requirements.

Fucosidosis: a metabolic storage disease carried in the English Springer Spaniel population. DNA test available; carriers can be bred safely to clear dogs.

Ear infections: both parent breeds have floppy ears that retain moisture. Regular ear checks are essential, particularly in dogs that swim frequently.

See how to find a responsible crossbreed breeder for what to ask and what documentation to expect.

An adult Springador typically needs 350–500g of a quality dry complete food per day, divided across two meals. Larger individuals need more. Labradors are famously food-motivated and prone to obesity, and this trait can carry through to the Springador — do not free-feed, use measured portions, and account for training treats. Monthly food costs on a mid-range complete dry food: approximately £40–£60.

The Springador has a double coat that sheds year-round, with heavier shedding in spring and autumn. Brush two to three times a week to manage loose hair; daily during seasonal moults. Bathe as needed, particularly for dogs that swim regularly or work in muddy terrain. Professional grooming is optional — unlike Poodle crosses, the coat does not need regular clipping, though some owners opt for a light tidy of ear, leg and tail feathering (£40–£65 per session). Check and clean ears weekly, particularly after swimming, as moisture trapped in floppy ears creates ideal conditions for infection. Check nails monthly.

Purchase price: £500–£1,000 from a reputable UK breeder with health-tested parents — less fashionable than doodle crosses so tend to be priced lower. Insurance: £35–£65/month for lifetime cover; lifetime cover is strongly recommended given the risk of ongoing orthopaedic conditions. Monthly running costs excl. insurance: food £40–£60, grooming £10–£20, flea/worm/tick £10–£15, toys/accessories £10–£20, total £70–£115/month. First-year costs are higher due to vaccinations (£50–£80), neutering if chosen (£200–£400) and initial equipment.

Active families with space for a large dog and the time to provide two hours of exercise daily. Good with children and generally good with other dogs. Not suited to flat living, small homes, or owners with limited time for exercise. Manageable for a committed first-time owner, but the high energy level requires genuine commitment.