Types of spaniels

Built to find and flush birds from cover—often working close to the gun. Expect scent drive, stamina, and a need for structured exercise if they live as pets.

• English Springer Spaniel — medium, energy 4/5
• Welsh Springer Spaniel — medium, energy 4/5
• Cocker Spaniel — medium, energy 3/5
• English Cocker Spaniel — medium, energy 4/5
• American Cocker Spaniel — small, energy 3/5
• Brittany — medium, energy 5/5
• Boykin Spaniel — medium, energy 4/5
• Field Spaniel — medium, energy 3/5
• Clumber Spaniel — medium, energy 2/5
• Sussex Spaniel — medium, energy 2/5
• French Spaniel — large, energy 4/5

Field vs show lines of the same name can feel very different— ask about purpose before you fall for the ears alone.

Curly or water-resistant coats and retrieving instincts for waterfowl work. Coat care and swimming outlets help them thrive.

• Irish Water Spaniel — large, energy 4/5
• American Water Spaniel — medium, energy 4/5

Related water workers also appear in hunting dog breeds.

Smaller types shaped more for household companionship than full days in the field—still needing walks, training, and health screening (especially eyes and hearts in some lines).

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel — small, energy 3/5
• King Charles Spaniel — small, energy 2/5
• English Toy Spaniel — small, energy 2/5
• Papillon — small, energy 4/5
• Tibetan Spaniel — small, energy 3/5
• Japanese Chin — small, energy 2/5 (historically “Japanese Spaniel”)

Choose companion vs sporting first, then size and coat budget. Compare two favorites in Compare, or browse best family dogs if kids are primary.

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