Springador

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Size

Large

Life span

14 Years

Weight

40.8 Kg

Group

Hybrid Dogs

Springador Overview

The Springador is a hybrid dog breed that's breed using the English Springer Spaniel and the Labrador Retriever. This dog is breed is very bright, affectionate, loving and very playful. They make excellent companions for families if trained and socialised correctly from a young age.

They’re alert and make excellent guard dogs as they’re always on the lookout and curious regarding their surroundings.

The Springador is athletic and if trained correctly, they can become therapy dogs. They love the outdoors and are hunters by nature, making them a great companion for an owner that loves the outdoors too.

As this breed is a mix they vary in colour and size. Females are normally slightly shorter than the male Springador with the height ranging between 18-22 inches at the shoulder and 50-80 pounds in weight.

Thinking of buying or adopting a Springador?

Springador Characteristics

Size InformationIntelligence
  • 4
Size InformationExercise Needs
  • 5
Size InformationDogs Health
  • 3
Size InformationChild Friendly
  • 5
Size InformationApartment
  • 2
Size InformationShedding
  • 4
Size InformationGrooming Needs
  • 3
Size InformationBarking
  • 2
Size InformationAlone
  • 3
Size InformationTrainability
  • 5
Size InformationEnergy Levels
  • 5
Size InformationDog friendly
  • 4

History & Origin

The Springador is a relatively new dog breed that is a cross between the English Springer Spaniel and the Labrador Retriever. While the exact origins of the breed are unclear, it is believed to have originated in the United Kingdom in the 1990s as a result of crossbreeding these two popular working dog breeds.

Both parent breeds have a long history of being used for hunting and retrieving game, which makes the Springador an excellent hunting dog and a great companion for active families. The breed's popularity has grown steadily over the years due to its friendly, outgoing nature and its versatility in a range of activities, such as agility, obedience, and search and rescue. As with any mixed breed, the characteristics of a Springador can vary, depending on the traits inherited from each parent breed. However, most Springadors are intelligent, loyal, and energetic dogs that make excellent family pets.

Springador Temperament

The Springador, also known as the Labradinger, is a hybrid dog breed that is a cross between a Springer Spaniel and a Labrador Retriever. This breed is known for its friendly and affectionate nature, making it a great choice for families with children.

One of the most notable traits of the Springador's temperament is its friendliness. These dogs are social animals that are known for their love of people. They are great with children and are patient and gentle with them, making them an excellent choice for families with kids.

In addition to being friendly and affectionate, the Springador is also a highly energetic breed. This means that they require a lot of exercise and playtime to keep them happy and healthy. They are very active dogs that need plenty of opportunities to run, jump, and play, so they are best suited for households with large yards or access to outdoor spaces like parks or trails.

While the Springador is a friendly and energetic breed, they are also intelligent and easy to train. They are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. This means that with proper training and socialization, they can make excellent companions for families with children and other pets.

One thing to keep in mind about the Springador's temperament is that they can become destructive if they are not given enough exercise and mental stimulation. This breed is known for its high energy levels and needs plenty of opportunities to burn off that energy. If they do not get enough exercise, they may start to chew on furniture, shoes, or other household items out of boredom or frustration.

Another thing to consider when it comes to the Springador's temperament is that they are prone to separation anxiety. This is a common issue with many breeds that are known for their affectionate and social nature. If left alone for long periods of time, they may become anxious and destructive. It is important to provide them with plenty of attention, exercise, and mental stimulation to help prevent this issue from occurring.

Springador Training

Training a Springador is essential to ensure they become well-behaved and obedient companions. As they are highly intelligent and active dogs, early and consistent training is crucial to prevent unwanted behaviours and promote positive behaviours.

Springadors are highly trainable and enjoy learning new things. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods such as praise, treats and playtime. It is essential to use gentle, positive training methods as harsh training methods can cause them to become fearful and anxious.

Basic obedience training is the first step in training a Springador. This includes teaching them commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel. Training should be kept fun and engaging, using plenty of praise and rewards.

Crate training is also essential for Springadors. They enjoy having their own space and will often retreat to their crate when they need some alone time. It is also a helpful tool for potty training as dogs are naturally reluctant to soil in their sleeping area.

Socialisation is crucial for Springadors to prevent them from becoming overly protective or aggressive towards strangers or other dogs. Early socialisation can help them learn how to interact with other dogs and people in a positive and friendly manner.

Springadors also enjoy mental stimulation, and training games can help keep them mentally stimulated and prevent destructive behaviours. Training games such as hide-and-seek, fetch, and puzzle games are excellent ways to keep them mentally stimulated and entertained.

It is essential to note that Springadors can have a high prey drive, and this can make recall training challenging. It is important to train them in a controlled environment and use a long lead when training outside. Gradual progress and consistency are key to training a Springador to recall reliably.

Springadors enjoy working and participating in activities such as agility, obedience trials, and flyball. These activities provide excellent mental and physical stimulation and can be a great way to bond with your dog.

Grooming

Springadors have a medium-length coat that requires minimal grooming. They have a thick and shiny coat that sheds moderately. Springadors should be brushed at least once a week to prevent matting and tangling. Brushing also helps to remove dirt and dead hair, which promotes a healthy coat.

During shedding seasons, Springadors may require more frequent brushing to control the amount of loose hair in your home. Springadors enjoy being groomed, so it's an excellent opportunity for owners to bond with their pets.

Bathing should be done only when necessary, as frequent baths can strip their coat of natural oils, leading to dry skin and other skin issues. When bathing your Springador, use a mild dog shampoo and rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of soap. After the bath, dry them off with a towel and use a blow dryer on a low setting to dry their coat.

Springadors have floppy ears, which can trap moisture and dirt, leading to ear infections. Therefore, it's essential to clean their ears regularly to prevent any infections. To clean their ears, use a cotton ball dampened with an ear cleaning solution recommended by your veterinarian.

Trimming your Springador's nails once or twice a month is essential to prevent overgrowth and discomfort. If your dog's nails are clicking on the floor, it's time for a trim. You can trim the nails yourself or take them to a professional groomer or veterinarian.

Health

The Springador is known to suffer from a few hereditary health conditions and these are as follows:

  • Ear disorders
  • Eplispy
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Eye disease
  • Auto-Immune Diseases 
  • Allergies
  • Goniodysgenesis/Primary Glaucoma

Genetic testing can be done during the breeding process and all responsible breeders should implement testing and new owners should check what testing has been done when buying their Springador puppy. 

Springador Exercise Needs

The Springador is an active dog breed that loves to spend time in the great outdoors exploring and running around. This dog breed requires daily exercise twice a day for 30-45 minutes per walk with as much time off their lead as possible. As well as plenty of exercises, the Springador requires plenty of mental stimulation to keep them happy and well-balanced and to prevent boredom from setting in. 

Children and other pets

The Springador makes a great dog breed for any family with children of all ages. This dog breed is also great with other household pets provided they are socialised from a young age. Playtime with children and other household pets should always be supervised.