Travelling with a Springer Spaniel

Springer Spaniels are the ultimate adventure dogs - boundless energy, unstoppable enthusiasm, and a love of water that borders on obsession. These athletic working dogs thrive on holidays that offer space to run, water to splash in, and endless opportunities for exploration. If you can match their energy, Springers make exceptional travel companions.

Understanding Springer Spaniel Travel Needs

Breed Characteristics

What Makes Them Exceptional Travellers:

• Incredible stamina and energy
• Love of water (almost all Springers)
• Athletic and agile
• Enthusiastic about everything
• Generally friendly and sociable
• Adaptable to new environments
• Hardy in all weather

Considerations:

• Very high energy needs
• Can be "too much" in some settings
• Excitable nature needs management
• Coat attracts everything
• Ears need attention after water
• May not have an off switch

English vs Welsh Springer

English Springer:

• Higher energy typically
• Working lines especially driven
• More common
• Classic liver/white or black/white

Welsh Springer:

• Slightly more moderate
• Red and white only
• Less common
• Similar needs

Both travel exceptionally well.

Best Destinations

Perfect Springer Destinations

Coastal: Water-obsessed Springers need beaches.

• Cornwall - beaches and coastal paths
• Norfolk - year-round beach access
• Northumberland - empty beaches, space
• Pembrokeshire - Welsh coast

Lakes and Rivers: If there's water, a Springer will find it.

• Lake District - lakes everywhere
• Scottish Highlands - lochs galore
• Norfolk Broads - waterways

Countryside: Working dog heritage means they thrive rurally.

• Yorkshire - moors and dales
• Peak District - varied terrain
• Exmoor - wild country

Any Destination Works

Springer Adaptability: These dogs make anywhere work if exercise needs are met. Their enthusiasm transforms any location into an adventure.

Exercise Needs

Daily Requirements

Substantial:

• 2+ hours daily minimum
• More for working lines
• Mix of walks, running, swimming
• Mental stimulation too

The Springer Reality: They can go all day. And the next day. And the day after. Stamina is legendary.

On Holiday:

• Multiple long walks
• Swimming opportunities
• Free running essential
• Still want more

Activity Ideas

Physical Exercise:

Swimming: Most Springers' favourite activity. Lakes, rivers, sea - they don't care. They're going in.

Long Hikes: Built for all-day work. Can handle serious distances.

Beach Running: Ideal - space, water, things to chase (waves).

Fetch: Ball, stick, anything. Endless retrieves.

Countryside Exploration: Let them quarter and search. Natural behaviour.

Mental Exercise:

Scent Work: Working dog brains need engagement.

Training: Always willing to learn.

Problem Solving: Puzzle feeders, finding games.

Water Management

The Springer and Water

Reality: Most Springers will enter any water they see. Puddles, streams, lakes, sea, muddy ditches - all equally appealing.

On Holiday:

• Assume they will get wet
• Multiple times daily
• Regardless of your plans
• Pack accordingly

Water Safety

Considerations:

• Strong currents
• Cold water (hypothermia risk)
• Blue-green algae (deadly)
• Sea conditions
• Deep water

Management:

• Supervise always
• Know water conditions
• Life jacket for rough water
• Don't let them exhaust themselves

After Swimming

Essential Care:

• Dry ears thoroughly (infection prevention)
• Check ears inside
• Rinse salt water from coat
• Dry coat (or accept wet dog)

See our Water Activities guide.

Coat Care on Holiday

The Springer Coat

Characteristics:

• Medium length, wavy
• Feathering on legs, ears, chest
• Attracts burrs, mud, twigs, everything
• Needs regular attention

Holiday Grooming

Daily Needs:

• Check ears (critical)
• Remove debris from feathers
• Brush tangles
• Check paws between toes

After Adventures:

• Full debris removal
• Ear drying if wet
• Tangle management
• Paw checks

What to Pack:

• Brush/comb
• Ear cleaner
• Multiple towels
• Detangling spray

Accommodation

What Works

Essential Features:

• Enclosed garden (for burning energy)
• Space for wet/muddy dog management
• Not too precious about cleanliness
• Good walking/water access nearby

Reality: Springers will bring the outdoors inside. Choose accommodation accordingly.

Cottage Holidays

Self-catering cottages work best. Space, gardens, flexibility for muddy dogs.

See our Cottages guide.

Managing the Enthusiasm

The Springer Personality

Characteristics:

• Enthusiastic about everything
• Always ready for more
• Can be overwhelming
• Excitement levels high
• "Springer brain" - easily distracted

On Holiday

Management Tips:

• Enforce rest periods
• Don't match their energy completely
• Teach settling
• Provide chews for calm time
• Accept they'll always want more

Meeting Others

Generally Very Friendly: Most Springers love everyone - people and dogs.

Considerations:

• Can be too enthusiastic
• May overwhelm calmer dogs
• Bouncy greetings
• Training helps

Travel

Car Travel

Excellent Travellers: Most Springers travel well and love car journeys (means adventure).

Tips:

• Secure in crate or harness
• May be excited/wiggly
• Stops for energy release helpful
• Water available

Train Travel

Can Work: With training, Springers can manage trains.

Considerations:

• Excitement needs management
• Must learn to settle
• Off-peak better
• Practice helps

See our Train Travel guide.

Seasonal Considerations

Summer

Benefits:

• Long days for activities
• Swimming weather
• Beach season

Considerations:

• Don't overwork in heat
• Early/late exercise in hot weather
• Plenty of water access
• Swimming excellent for cooling

Winter

Benefits:

• Hardy in cold/wet
• Happy in any weather
• Enthusiastic regardless
• Mud doesn't bother them

Considerations:

• You'll get cold before they do
• Wet dog management
• Dark limits walking time
• They don't care about rain

Health Considerations

On Holiday

Common Concerns:

Ear Infections: Springer ears + water = infection risk. Dry thoroughly always.

Overexertion: They won't stop themselves. Monitor and enforce rest.

Cuts and Scrapes: Enthusiastic dogs get minor injuries. Check paws and legs.

Grass Seeds: Check ears especially. Autumn particularly risky.

Prevention

Daily Checks:

• Ears (inside and out)
• Paws (between toes)
• Coat (debris, tangles)
• General condition

Frequently Asked Questions

How much exercise does a Springer Spaniel need on holiday?

2+ hours minimum, often more. Multiple activities, swimming, running. They have legendary stamina.

Are Springer Spaniels good travellers?

Excellent. Love adventures, adapt well, enthusiastic about everything. Travel usually means excitement.

What about their ears after swimming?

Critical - dry thoroughly after every water session. Floppy ears trap moisture, leading to infections.

Best type of holiday for a Springer Spaniel?

Coastal with beach and swimming access. Lake holidays. Anywhere with water and space to run.

Can Springer Spaniels ever relax on holiday?

With training and enforced rest periods. They don't naturally have an off switch. Teach settling.

Will my Springer be too muddy for accommodation?

Probably. Choose dog-friendly cottages that expect it. Pack towels. Accept reality.

Boundless Adventures Await

Springer Spaniels are exceptional adventure companions for active owners. Their enthusiasm is infectious, their energy seemingly limitless, and their love of water absolute. Pack extra towels, accept you'll never tire them out, and enjoy the adventure.

Luke appreciates the unstoppable enthusiasm of Springer Spaniels. These dogs bring joy and energy to every adventure, making even ordinary walks feel like expeditions.