15 Spaniel Breeds, from Webbed-Footed Swimmers to Lap Dogs

Quick Take

• One breed on this list looks nothing like a spaniel, and most people have no idea it even belongs to this family. Meet the surprise spaniel →
• One spaniel's fur is literally designed to survive thorns, and it's probably not the breed you'd expect. See the thorn-proof coat →
• A spaniel that permanently looks miserable turns out to have one of the most cheerful personalities on the list. Discover the cheerful frowner →
• Not all spaniels are built for cuddling. One of them needs a literal job or it won't thrive as a pet. Meet the work-driven spaniel →

Spaniels were bred to be hunting dogs, developed to locate, flush, and retrieve game from a variety of habitats. These pups tend to love swimming, hiking, long walks, or any kind of high-energy activity. They are generally known to be cheerful, affectionate companions. Spaniels range in size, coat color, fur texture, and personality. If you’re looking for a hunting companion or a high-energy house pet, here are 15 beautiful spaniel breeds to consider.

1. American Water Spaniel

American water spaniels were bred to retrieve waterfowl from boats in the cold waters of the Great Lakes region. They have thickly padded, webbed feet and dense, waterproof, mid-length, curly coats in various shades of brown. They shed little, but must be brushed weekly to remove dead fur and prevent matting. At least some intense daily exercise is a must for these dogs. They tend to be smart, eager to please, and happy dogs, but they can be a bit stubborn. Standing 15-18 inches tall and weighing 25-45 pounds, these are medium-sized dogs that thrive in active, outdoorsy families.

2. Brittany

The Brittany was named for its origins in the westernmost region of France. Another medium-sized breed, Brittanys are 17.5-20.5 inches tall and weigh 30-40 pounds. These gorgeous dogs are typically combinations of white with liver or orange patches. Their coats are mostly short with some feathering on the legs, chest, and tail. Many Brittanys have their tails docked. Brittanys are eager to please, playful, and very high energy. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), they need to have a job to do or live with a very active family who can provide the exercise these dogs need.

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles spaniels have their origins in 17th century Britain. They are small dogs with mid-length, wavy coats most commonly seen with a reddish-chestnut and white color pattern. They stand 12-13 inches tall and weigh 13-18 pounds. Incredibly affectionate and gentle with family and strangers alike, these dogs love to be around people! Cavaliers are a great mix of active spaniels that will love exercising by your side, and lap dogs who adore cuddling up on the couch when playtime is over.

4. Clumber Spaniel

Clumber spaniels are thought to have originated in France. These large bird dogs stand 17-20 inches tall and weigh 55-85 pounds, making them the largest breed among flushing spaniel types. These dogs have long backs, short legs, and soft, long fur. Their dense coats are mostly white, with a few yellow or orange markings. They’re affectionate, smart, friendly, eager to please, and easy to train.

5. Cocker Spaniel

Cocker spaniels are the smallest sporting spaniels. They were originally developed as hunting dogs, but they have long been popular family companions. They stand 13.5-15.5 inches tall and weigh 20-30 pounds. These dogs have long, wavy, medium-length coats in a variety of colors. They’re known for being affectionate and gentle, making them a great fit for families with children or other dogs. Cockers are also quite friendly with strangers, especially when properly socialized. They’re eager to please, high energy, and need lots of daily activity.

6. English Cocker Spaniel

English cocker spaniels are a bit larger and more compact than American cocker spaniels, standing 15-17 inches tall and weighing 26-34 pounds. According to the AKC, the breeds come from the same line, but American breeders focused on solid-colored coats and tended to breed the smaller dogs. English Cockers were bred for longer legs and were typically bred with medium-length roan or multi-colored fur. They are alert and eager to please in the field and cheerful, affectionate companions in the home.

7. English Springer Spaniel

English springer spaniels are known for their stamina and willingness to please in the field. These mid-sized bird dogs stand 19-20 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 40-50 pounds. They have medium-length, wavy fur. They’re very affectionate with their family and typically friendly toward strangers. While they don’t have strong guarding instincts, they are loyal and highly trainable. They’re also very playful and active, so they need a lot of exercise throughout the day.

8. English Toy Spaniel

English Toy Spaniels are known for their large dome-like heads, long ears, and rounded cheeks. They combine the traits of a lovable lap dog and an eager-to-please spaniel. They’re small dogs at just 9-10 inches tall and weighing 8-14 pounds. They’re affectionate toward family, and good with children and other dogs, though they may be shy or wary around strangers.

9. Field Spaniel

Field Spaniels have long, wavy coats in a variety of colors. They stand 17-18 inches in height and weigh between 35-50 pounds. Their glossy, medium-length coats come in black, liver shades, or combinations of the two. They have gentle temperaments and are good with just about everyone, from strangers to kids to other dogs. This dog is also adaptable, eager to please, and very affectionate! Despite their calm natures, they are playful family companions.

10. Papillon

You might not think “spaniel” when you see a Papillon, but their heritage is that of a miniature spaniel. These dogs were developed in Europe during the Renaissance by crossing toy breeds with spaniels. These tiny dogs are 8-11 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 5-10 pounds. They’re affectionate, friendly toward strangers, and incredibly playful. As spaniels, Papillons are active and need a lot of mental stimulation each day as well to stay happy and fit.

11. Welsh Springer Spaniel

Welsh springer spaniels are medium-sized bird dogs that stand 17-19 inches tall and weigh 35-55 pounds. They have wavy, red and white patterned fur that is both weather- and thorn-proof. These are happy dogs that are incredibly affectionate toward their families, good with young children and other dogs, but reserved around strangers. They’re also intelligent and learn quickly, making training easy.

12. Nederlandse Kooikerhondje

The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje is a small to medium spaniel that stands 15-16 inches tall and weighs 20-30 pounds. These dogs have silky, red and white coats. These short-legged dogs are sturdy, alert, and energetic in the field and friendly, affectionate companions in the home. They’re likely to cuddle or stay close to your side indoors, and show their self-confidence while outside adventuring.

13. Sussex Spaniel

Sussex spaniels have wavy golden-brown coats, soulful eyes, and a droop to their muzzle that gives them a frowning expression. They stand 13-15 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 35-45 pounds. These bird dogs are long and built low to the ground, with powerful chests and strong bone structures. These even-tempered, cheerful pups are devoted to their families, playful, and easy to train.

14. Boykin Spaniel

Boykin spaniels were developed in the 20th century to work in the lakes and swamps of South Carolina. They are 14-18 inches tall and weigh 25-40 pounds. These medium-sized flushing and retrieving dogs have wavy, solid brown coats. These dogs are tenacious in the field and eager to please. They might not be the cuddliest pups, but they are sweet family companions. They’re also high energy and require physical and mental stimulation daily.

15. Irish Water Spaniel

Irish water spaniels have dense, curly, waterproof, liver-colored coats, similar to Poodles. They stand 21-24 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 45-68 pounds. They’re playful and affectionate with family but can be wary around people or animals they don’t know. These dogs are hard-working and eager to please. They are excellent swimmers and retrievers of waterfowl.