Buying an ESS Puppy

Before buying any puppy, whatever its breed or type, it is essential to ask yourself the following questions:

Are you ready for a dog?

A dog is a huge commitment, not just while it is a cute young puppy, but throughout the whole of its life - which for an English Springer is likely to be at least 11 years and may well be 15 years or even more.

Can you give a dog the attention it needs on a daily basis, each and every day of the year?

Dogs need a lot of attention, play, devotion and training, especially while they are young.  You need to consider how much time you and/or members of your family are at home each day and whether you will have the time to feed, exercise, train, groom and care for a dog.  A lively, energetic English Springer left on its own for long periods is likely to get bored, lonely and frustrated, which can lead to destructive behaviour and problems such as separation anxiety. You may need to arrange for someone to come in to walk, feed and spend time with your dog when you are not there.

Can you afford to keep a dog?  Have you considered all the potential costs:

• food and treats

• feeding bowls (food & water)

• a lead and collar

• toys

• a bed and bedding

• poo bags

• a dog crate

• veterinary consultations/medications/surgeries for unexpected incidents or illnesses

• insurance

• grooming salons or grooming equipment

• obedience or training classes

• boarding kennels/pet sitting services

Do you have a suitable home environment with enough space for a dog?

For example, if you live in a small inner-city flat without a garden, an English Springer Spaniel will not be the ideal dog for you.

Have you discussed getting a dog with your family and anyone else who lives with you?

It’s vital that everyone is involved in this decision. You should never buy a puppy as a surprise present for someone, not even a child.

Are you prepared for the extra work and likely 'downsides' of owning a dog?

• picking up and disposing of poo every day

• cleaning up 'accidents' inside the house (particularly while house-training puppies)

• additional housework - particularly clearing up dog hairs, wet floors and mud in winter

• coping with chewed furniture, fixtures and fittings or personal items (particularly with puppies)

Do you already have other pets that will need to get on with your new puppy?

Are they likely to feel jealous or will a lively puppy perhaps be difficult for an existing elderly pet to tolerate?  You will need to work out how to introduce the puppy and get them used to each other gradually and safely.

If you can answer all the above questions satisfactorily, you are ready to take the next step in deciding what type of dog you would like.  Always do your research before you buy!!!

Is an English Springer Spaniel the right dog for you?

English Springers are one of the most popular breeds of dog in the UK.  They are medium-sized, family-friendly, extremely versatile, affectionate, with a wonderful sense of fun.  They are generally a robust and healthy breed, with a median lifespan of 12 years (above the average across all pedigree breeds). However, they are a lively and energetic breed and are therefore not the ideal dog for anyone who is unable to give them the attention, training and considerable amount of daily exercise they need.  For more information, please visit our 'About The Breed' page.

How to buy a responsibly bred ESS puppy

Sadly, far too many people buy a puppy on impulse, with little or no research.  For those who want to do things the right way, often their biggest challenge is in knowing what to expect from a reputable breeder, how and where to find one and how to spot the tell-tale signs of an irresponsible breeder, puppy farmer or dealer.  Below are summaries of what to look for, what to expect and what to avoid:

What health tests to look for

English Springer Spaniels usually live long and healthy lives.  Nevertheless, although not widespread, some inherited disorders are known to exist and there are certain health tests that should be carried out by breeders to reduce or eliminate the risk of producing affected dogs.  In January 2025, the Kennel Club introduced a new Health Standard for every breed, which shows which health tests breeders should have carried out in order to achieve 'Good Practice' or 'Best Practice' levels.  For full details of the ESS KC Health Standard, visit our Health Testing For ESS page.

How and where to find reputable ESS breeders

• ESS Breed Clubs:

There are eight recognised ESS Breed Clubs in the UK that offer the most comprehensive source of information about the breed.  Some maintain a register of available puppies and can offer advice and/or breeder recommendations, depending on what type of ESS you are looking for (e.g. male or female, colour, show or working type, etc.), where you live and how far you are willing to travel. 

Click HERE for Breed Club website links and contact details.

• UK Kennel Club:

The Kennel Club Find a Puppy service provides a list of breeders with ESS puppies currently available.

Further information about English Springer Spaniels can be found on the Kennel Club Breed Information Centre.