What is the difference between a English Springer Spaniel and a Labrador Retriever?

The English Springer Spaniel is 40–50 lbs, 19–20 in sized while the Labrador Retriever is 55–80 lbs, 21–25 in sized. They differ in size (40–50 lbs, 19–20 in vs 55–80 lbs, 21–25 in), lifespan (12–14 years vs 10–12 years), and care requirements.

Which breed is better with kids, English Springer Spaniel or Labrador Retriever?

English Springer Spaniel is generally good with kids. Labrador Retriever is generally good with kids.

Which breed lives longer, English Springer Spaniel or Labrador Retriever?

The English Springer Spaniel has a lifespan of 12–14 years while the Labrador Retriever has a lifespan of 10–12 years.

English Springer Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever — Breed Comparison

About the English Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel — named for its ability to "spring" game birds into flight — is a medium-sized sporting dog with centuries of British hunting heritage. Standing 19–20 inches tall and weighing 40–50 pounds, these well-proportioned dogs have a moderately long coat with feathering on the ears, chest, legs, and belly, typically in liver and white or black and white patterns. They are the tallest of the British spaniels and are built for a full day of tireless work in the field.

Temperament & Personality

English Springer Spaniels are enthusiastic, cheerful dogs that approach life with boundless energy and a perpetually wagging tail. They adore their families and are particularly wonderful with children — playful enough for games yet gentle enough for quiet companionship. Their eagerness to please and quick intelligence make them highly trainable, though their exuberance can sometimes outpace their obedience.

Pros

Tireless outdoor companion — ideal for hikers, runners, and active families
Highly trainable and eager to please — excel in obedience, agility, and tracking
Friendly and sociable with people, children, and other dogs
Dual-purpose breed — equally capable as a working gun dog and loving family pet

Cons

High energy demands — needs 1–2 hours of vigorous exercise daily to prevent restlessness
Prone to ear infections due to pendulous ears that trap moisture and debris
Susceptible to progressive retinal atrophy and phosphofructokinase deficiency
Some field-bred lines display "rage syndrome" — sudden aggression linked to specific bloodlines

An energetic, loving Springer Spaniel could be your perfect adventure partner — search adoptable dogs on Puplister.

About the Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever has been America's most popular dog breed for over three decades — and for good reason. Originally bred in Newfoundland, Canada, during the early 19th century to help fishermen haul nets and retrieve catch from the icy North Atlantic, the breed was refined in England into the versatile sporting dog we know today. Labs stand 21.5–24.5 inches tall and weigh 55–80 pounds, with a short, dense, water-resistant double coat in three recognized colors: black, yellow (ranging from fox-red to pale cream), and chocolate.

Temperament & Personality

Labrador Retrievers are friendly, outgoing, and high-spirited — they greet nearly every person, dog, and situation with unbridled enthusiasm and a wagging tail. They are exceptionally patient and gentle with children, making them one of the most trusted family dogs in the world. Labs are also remarkably intelligent and eager to please, which is why they dominate as guide dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, therapy dogs, and detection dogs across dozens of working disciplines.

Pros

Outstanding family dog — patient, gentle, and naturally good with children of all ages
Highly trainable and eager to please — consistently ranks among the most obedient breeds
Versatile and adaptable — equally at home on the couch, in the field, or in the water
Friendly and social temperament — gets along well with other dogs, cats, and strangers

Cons

Heavy shedding year-round with major seasonal blowouts — not suited for allergy sufferers
Prone to obesity — Labs are notoriously food-motivated and will eat anything not locked away
High energy in the first 2–3 years — requires substantial daily exercise to prevent destructive behavior
Susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, exercise-induced collapse, and progressive retinal atrophy

There's a reason the Lab is the world's favorite dog — discover adoptable Labrador Retrievers on Puplister today.

English Springer Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever