Springador dog in the park

Springador: A Labrador Retriever & Springer Spaniel Mixed Breed Dog

A Springador is the result of mixing between Labradors and Springer Spaniels. This designer dog is recognised in the designer breed registry of the American Canine Hybrid Club and is known for its loyalty, intelligence, and friendliness. 

If you're evaluating whether or not a Springador might be the right dog for you, read on!

Springador Photos

Characteristics

Adaptability

All Around Friendliness

Health & Grooming Needs

Physical Needs

Trainability

Characteristics

Adaptability

All Around Friendliness

Health & Grooming Needs

Physical Needs

Trainability

Labrador Retriever History

The Labrador retriever hails from Newfoundland, Canada and was developed in the 19th century. The breed is named after the region where they originate: Labrador.

Labrador retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world and are used for many different purposes, including hunting, assistance work, and as pets. They are also the most popular dog breed in the United States.

Labradors were bred to be working dogs, and they still excel at many tasks today. They are often used as assistance and therapy dogs to help people with disabilities, and they are also used extensively as a police dog and in search-and-rescue work.

Springer Spaniel History

The English Springer Spaniel is a breed of gun dog in the Spaniel family traditionally used for flushing and retrieving game. It is an affectionate, excitable breed with a typical lifespan of twelve to fourteen years.

The English Springer Spaniel was first bred in England as a hunting dog for quarry such as deer and birds. The name "Springer" comes from the dog's ability to flush game out of hiding so that it could be shot. 

The breed was first recognised by The Kennel Club in 1902, and has since become one of the most popular breeds in the United Kingdom. The Springer Spaniel mixes are also very popular throughout the UK.

Springador Origins

The Springador is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the English Springer Spaniel as its parent breeds. These mixed breeds first originated in the United Kingdom, and were first bred as a working dog.

A designer breed, Springador dogs are an intelligent and loyal breed that make great family pets. They are known for their friendly nature and love of attention, which is no surprise since both Labrador Retrievers and Springer Spaniels are the same. 

Springadors are active dogs that need plenty of exercise and stimulation, and they excel in activities such as obedience, agility, retrieving, and other dog sports.

Springador Size & Weight

Springadors are typically between 45 - 60 cm tall, and these designer dogs can weigh anywhere from 22 - 40 kg

As with most sporting dogs, Springador dogs can gain weight easily if not given plenty of exercise.

Springador Temperament

The Springador dog breed is a lovely and friendly one which makes for a very adaptable dog. They are quick to learn new things and love to play. This breed does best in a home with another dog or two, as they enjoy companionship and can be very loving dogs.

These high energy dogs need daily exercise, but because of their energy level, can become easily distracted and may not be the best choice for those looking for a laid-back dog. 

A Springador is typically very good with children, as they love to play and have lots of energy.

If you have an active family and are looking for a companion to join you on hikes, runs, or even just to play fetch in the backyard, the Springador breed are wonderful family pets. This breed is outgoing and friendly, quick to learn new things, and loves to play.

Springador Potential Health Issues

The Springador is generally quite a healthy dog as they benefit from the good health of both labradors and springer spaniels plus the fact that they're then mixed breed dogs. 

That being said, some of the more common health issues the Springador suffers from include:

  • Eye conditions and ear infections
  • Hip and elbow dysplasia
  • Epilepsy

Average Lifespan of a Springador

The Springador has an average lifespan between 10-14 years, which is a bit longer than the typical dog's life.

Routine Care for a Springador

As with all dogs, it's important to make regular visits to the veterinarian for checkups to ensure your Springador is happy and healthy as well as spot any potential issues, such as hip dysplasia or other disorders present in purebred dogs which may have been passed down to this hybrid breed, early. 

Your vet can help you and your family members outline a plan for care.

The Springador, like all sporting dogs or hunting dogs, require a good amount of exercise daily, at least an hour, as well as basic obedience training from a young age to ensure that they grow to be a wonderful dog as an adult and avoid developing separation anxiety. 

This should be relatively straightforward with a Springador puppy as both parent breed dogs, the springer spaniel and labrador, are exceptionally trainable.

It's important to care for your Springador by cleaning its ears regularly, once per week, with a damp cloth while keeping an eye out for any buildup of dirt or grime.

Similarly, be sure to brush the dog's teeth weekly to ensure there is no buildup of tartar, particularly if your Springador has a diet of canned dog food.

Springador Diet

A Springador should be given a diet formulated specifically for larger dog breeds, and it is important to consult with your veterinarian as even each Springador will require a different caloric intake depending on their individual energy levels. 

The Springador puppy will grow quickly, as is common with large dog breeds, and will have different requirements at each phase of life, so be sure to adjust as your Springador puppy grows.

Hybrid dogs and mixed breed dogs in general have similar dietary requirements to their parents when each parent dog breed is similar in energy levels to the other.

Springador Grooming Needs

The lab springer mix coat of the Springador is medium in length and has a wavy texture. While its coat is not particularly thick or as long as the springer spaniel coat, the Springador dog owner should still be mindful of warm temperatures and be sure that there is plenty of water available on a hot day.

The dog's coat needs to be brushed at least once per week to prevent any matting or clumping, which is more common in the springer spaniel.

Springador Relationship with Children & Other Pets

While it is the case that some designer dogs are not the best around children or other pets, the mixed breed Springador is a good match for a family of diverse makeup. This is provided that the dog is well-socialised from the outset.

Springador puppies should be introduced properly to other animals in the home from an early age to ensure they do not view them as prey later on as this dog breed has a decently strong prey drive.

Mixed breed dogs often take on the personalities of each respective parent dog breed, and the Springer Spaniel and Labrador Retriever make excellent family pets when introduced properly.

Rescue Groups

As is the case with a designer dog breed, there are not really any rescue groups that specialise in Springadors. While they can be found from time-to-time an a general rescue, it can take some searching, especially as the Springador is such a popular breed.

It is worth trying rescues specialising in Springer Spaniels or Labrador Retrievers as they often deal with mixex as well. Here are a few UK rescue groups you can try:

Cost of a Springador Puppy

A Springador puppy for sale is likely to cost between £5-700. This Spaniel and Labrador Retriever mixed breed is extremely popular in the UK because a Springador puppy makes such an excellent family pet.

For reference, a Springer Spaniel puppy for sale typically costs around £500, and a Labrador puppy costs about the same. A designer dog breed typically fetches a premium above the parents.

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