The sweet, lovely Springador (sometimes called a Labradinger) is a mixed cross between the English springer spaniel and Labrador retriever breeds. Although not fully retriever and not fully spaniel, springadors are often classified as designer dogs or hybrid dogs. In any case, they are beloved for their kind, affectionate temperament and their beautiful appearance.
Springadors are a medium-sized breed that is a little larger than an English springer spaniel but a little smaller than a Labrador retriever. As can be expected, their appearance sometimes resembles more the English springer spaniel breed and at other times they may appear more like a Labrador retriever, depending on the litter.
Their stance is robust and proud, always looking keen as though they are dutiful guard dogs or watchdogs (although they are not suitable for this purpose). Their gait is lively but determined, driven primarily by their powerful hind legs that are ready to act at a moment’s notice.
Their ears are a little large and well-set and drop down normally, but perk up when he is alerted.
In terms of fur coat, springadors tend to have short and tight coats, although there is quite some variation in length and texture depending on the breed mix. Colours range from yellow to golden, black, brown, all of which may have white markings, or in pure chocolate.
How big do springador dogs get?
Height: 46-61 cm
Weight: 23-41 kg
Although springadors may look quite alert and keen, this can be quite a contrast to their soft, affectionate temperament which has made them one of the most popular mixed breeds in the UK and elsewhere.
Owing to their superb mix of breeds, springadors often inherit the high intelligence, playful, and loyal side of one or both parents. This also makes them amongst the easiest breeds to train, and first-time owners can raise a loving springador with relative ease.
As an energetic breed, springadors require constant stimulation in order to remain well-behaved and happy. Note that springadors can quite easily develop naughty behaviours if they are neglected or if they are poorly trained.
Are springador dogs intelligent? Yes.
Are springador dogs affectionate? Yes.
Do springador dogs have high or low energy levels? High energy.
Are springador dogs loyal? Yes.
Are springador dogs playful? Yes.
Are springador dogs aggressive? No, this is very rare.
Are springador dogs easy to train? Yes, exceptionally easy.
Are springador dogs good guard dogs? No.
Springadors are a lovely breed to have around the home as a companion, and this is evident by their soft and kind temperament. In terms of socialisation, however, owners should endeavour to socialise them early on as puppies and gradually since they may develop bad habits otherwise.
They do get along well with children, especially older children, and fairly well with other dogs. Cats and small pets like birds or rodents will most certainly trigger their prey drive and lead them to chasing around the home. Around strangers, springadors should be gradually introduced.
Small, medium, and large homes with yards are excellent environments for springadors, but small apartments are perhaps not ideal since they do require some space to roam and play.
Do springador dogs get along with other pets? Yes, but they are prone to chasing small pets.
Do springador dogs get along with other dogs? Somewhat.
Are springador dogs good with kids? Yes, fairly.
Are springador dogs good with strangers? Somewhat.
Springadors are a mixed breed of designer dog, but they do inherit many of the traits of their parents, spaniels and retrievers. Consequently, they are better suited to owners that can provide them with open spaces such as a nearby park - or, more preferably - a large backyard or garden where they can play off-lead and work off much of their high energy levels.
For first-time dog owners, springadors are a good choice. They can adapt quite well to various environments and climates, and they aren’t especially prone to excessive drooling or barking.
Are springador dogs good for first-time owners? Yes.
Are springador dogs hypoallergenic? No.
Are springador dogs prone to drooling? No, not much.
Are springador dogs a good breed for apartment living? No.
Do springador dogs shed a lot? Yes.
Do springador dogs bark a lot? Sometimes, but not usually excessively.
Can springador dogs be left alone at home? Yes, but not for too long.
Can springador dogs handle the heat? Yes.
Can springador dogs handle cold temperatures? Yes.
Are springador dogs sensitive to loud noises? Yes.
When compared to other breeds, springadors are quite average in terms of health and lifespan. As a mixed breed, it is possible that springadors inherit hereditary diseases or health conditions from either parent or both. English springer spaniels and Labrador retrievers both have their fair share of potential health problems, therefore springadors may be prone to various health conditions.
For these reasons, routine checkups and thorough testing are required at the veterinarian’s clinic.
Some common problems include:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): this degenerative eye disease can lead to night blindness in springadors or potentially full blindness. Have your springador tested for PRA during visits to the veterinarian;
Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC): this genetic neuromuscular disorder can lead to lethargy, muscular weakness, and possibly fatal collapse. Tests are available for EIC;
Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM): another muscular disorder, CNM is a hereditary myopathy that can result in a loss of muscular tone as well as failing muscular control;
Hip dysplasia: a lame leg or a limp gait are often signs of hip dysplasia. This can range in severity from mild discomfort to full arthritis. Treatment is available.
How long do springador dogs live? - 10-14 years
As an energetic breed with a high propensity to play and roam naturally, springadors require plenty of exercise every day in order to remain happy and healthy. Be sure to spend no less than one good quality hour every single day outdoors with your springador. This could consist of a brisk walk in the morning and a half hour of playtime in the evening.
If at all possible, allow your springador to roam freely in the backyard or garden. This will help stimulate them physically and mentally as well as tiring them out. A tired dog is a happy dog, as the saying goes.
In public spaces, ensure that your springador is walking with a lead on at all times to prevent chasing other animals or pets.
How much exercise does an springador dog need? - At least 1 hour per day
Do springador dogs like water play? Yes, provided they’re supervised.
Healthy feeding regimens start with adhering to the springador breeder’s schedule as well as from professional medical advice from your veterinarian. Adjust feeding times as necessary as your springador puppy grows, and try to only provide high-quality dog food full of nutrients.
This breed is fairly sensitive to bloat, which further stresses the need to choose high-quality dog food rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, try to split up feeding sessions into 2-3 a day rather than all at once. This may reduce bloat and gastric torsion.
Are springador dogs prone to weight gain? Yes.
How much should I feed an springador puppy? About 210-400g per day, in three sessions.
How much should I feed an adult springador dog? About 250-500g per day, in total.
Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all grooming routine for each and every springador, since their coats of fur can differ significantly depending on whether he inherits more of a spaniel type of coat or more of a Labrador retriever coat. In any case, springador grooming requirements are fairly average when compared to other breeds.
This breed can also tolerate being left alone at home for a little while, perhaps a few hours or so, but never for a whole day or longer. While some isolation can be tolerated, routine neglect will most certainly lead to destructive behaviour such as chewing furniture or knocking over potted plants, for example.
- Grooming: once per week, groom your springador (depending on the type of coat) with a brush and chamois leather to keep their characteristic sheen intact as well as to remove dead hairs. Also remove any tangles that may appear, particularly on their belly.
- Emotional care: springadors can tolerate being left alone for a few hours at most, which makes them fairly low-maintenance in terms of emotional care. Nevertheless, plenty of quality time should be spent with your loving companion.
The springador is a relatively new breed with uncertain origins, but they most likely appeared as a crossbreed in the 1980s. Bred from the beautiful English springer spaniel and the Labrador retriever, springadors inherit many of the qualities of both breeds, sometimes resembling one more than the other.
Wherever they may have come from seems not to matter so much as the fact that they are amongst the most popular crossbreeds in the UK and elsewhere thanks to their wonderfully affectionate temperament and their shiny, beautiful coats in splendid colours.
The springador is not yet recognised by the Kennel Club or other international kennel clubs, so it is important that prospective owners seek out reputable breeders rather than supporting puppy mills.
The springador can function rather well as either a working dog, a companion for the home, or as an active friend to spend plenty of quality time outdoors with.
Springadors have quickly become one of the most popular crossbreeds in the UK.
As of 2007, tail docking is illegal in the UK except for medically urgent circumstances.
There are dozens of great reasons to consider purchasing a springador puppy, but there are significant risks involved as well. As a prospective springador owner, it’s important to be aware of the responsibilities that come along with owning a high-energy breed such as the springador. That’s why we recommend you consult our buying guide first. Should you decide to purchase a springador, avoid puppy mills or breeders with no reputation since the puppies may have been bred in unethical circumstances.
How much does a springador cost to buy? - About £200-£500.
How much does a springador cost to feed? - An adult springador costs about £1.50-£1.80 per day to feed.
How much does insurance for a springador cost? - About £25-£45 per month.
Sensible alternatives to purchasing a new springador puppy include rescue and adoption.
Additional resources can be found via springador registries and associations such as:
