Are Springadors suitable as family pets? Do they get along with kids?

Maybe you just came across this mixed breed and had a love-at-first-sight moment. 

Now that you can't get enough, you're thinking about getting one.

As you might know already, Springador is a designer breed, a mix of popular parents.

Breeders had to combine the Labrador and Springer Spaniel to create the Springador.

To answer your question, this crossbreed gets along particularly well with kids, although playtime can occasionally become a bit boisterous.

They are ideal family pets because they are also naturally playful and affectionate.

But there is much more fascinating information about this mixed breed, so make sure to keep reading!

Here’s a quick navigation:

Springador Dog History

Despite being a relatively recent addition to the dog world, it is difficult to trace the origins of this crossbreed.

Although this mix has just recently become popular, it has been used in the world of canine sports for many years.

Focusing on the parent breeds will help you determine this dog’s ancestry.

Springer Spaniel Dog Breed

Springer Spaniel History

Given that this purebred dog breed is known as the “Spaniel,” it makes sense that some historians believe Spain is where this breed first evolved.

Roman legions later brought it to ancient Britons. 

Smaller dogs from the same litter were used to hunt woodcock in Britain during the 19th and 20th centuries; these dogs were called “cockers.”

“Springers” were the name given to larger littermates that used to flush (or “spring”) prey. 

Eventually, in the late 1800s, interbreeding was prohibited, and the breeds were separated in the late 1800s.

The English Springer Spaniel was given its name in 1900 and was recognized as a breed in England in 1902. Soon after, the breed was well-established in the US.

Labradror Retriever Dog Breed

Labrador Retriever History

Although the name would imply that Labs originated in Labrador, Canada, this dog breed actually began in neighboring Newfoundland in the 1500s.

A breed known as the St. John's Water Dog was created at the time by mating smaller water dogs with bigger Newfoundlands.

Fishermen bred these dogs to help them retrieve fish and nets from the North Atlantic waters.

Early in the 20th century, American farmers and hunters who had heard about the Labs' work ethic began including them in their daily routines.

By 1917, the AKC had officially recognized Labs as a breed, and families all around the country began to adore them as pets.

Springador Size And Weight

How large will my Springador puppy get when they get older?

Springador are huge dogs, much like the Lab. 

Most of them weigh between 50 and 90 pounds, so you can expect them to develop considerably from their little adolescent stature.

They typically reach heights of 18 to 24 inches, with females being smaller than their male counterparts.

Before adopting, it’s crucial to know that a Spaniel Lab mix will require much space to grow.

Springador Appearance

Some Springadors also have a little bit of both of their parent breeds' physical characteristics, which further enhances their appeal.

They have sharp, attentive eyes that give off a strong sense of how active they want to be.

The athletic physique of your Spaniel-Lab mix is similar to that of their parent breeds.

The coat colors vary greatly, with some having tight coats and others having longer coats with various patterning.

While some of them have feathers on their ears, chests, legs, and tails, others don't but have two coats—a rougher top coat and a softer undercoat.

The following are some of the most typical coat colors:

  • Chocolate/deep shade of brown
  • Black with or without white markings
  • Brown with or without white markings
  • Yellow with or without white markings
  • Golden with or without white markings

Spaniel Lab Mix Personality

You can expect your Springador dog to be very sociable, friendly, and affectionate, much like its parent breeds. 

Since this mixed breed is active, it thrives in households that are active and outdoorsy. 

Your Spaniel Lab mix will be content to run around your yard, but they are not ideal for small apartments.

Due to their good behavior among children of all ages, this breed also makes the ideal family pet.

To ensure that your Spaniel Lab mix is comfortable mingling with other dogs and humans, it is crucial to socialize them early on.

The Springador can become overly excited too. 

So no matter how much you trust your dog, you must monitor them when playing with your kids.

Just a friendly reminder that cats and other small animals like birds or rodents may set off their prey drive and cause them to chase them around the house.

Spaniel Lab Mix Lifespan

How long will my Springador live?

Labradors typically live between 10 and 12 years. While Springer Spaniels usually live 12 to 14 years. 

But of course, many factors determine how your Spaniel-Lab mix will survive, including diet, environment, and quality of life.

Your dog's quality of life will improve the more care and love you give them.

Springador Health 

Remember that your Springador dog may be susceptible to many health conditions affecting its parent breeds.

Here are the common health problems to watch out for.

  • Epilepsy
  • Allergies
  • Cataracts 
  • Hip Dysplasia 
  • Ear Complaints
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Centronuclear Myopathy
  • Exercise-Induced Collapse
  • Phosphofructokinase Deficiency

However, the good news is that most of these can be detected and, in some circumstances, treated.

Remember that the Springador dog is prone to many diseases, so pet insurance will be expensive.

Our tip: Find a trustworthy breeder to ensure that your dog grows up in good health.

Springador dog

Springador Grooming 

The length of the coat will determine how you should groom your Springador.

For a healthy and shiny coat, you can brush short-haired ones once a week.

You should brush longer-coated Spaniel Lab mix two to three times every week.

To prevent tangles and matts, pay special attention to feathering in the ears, belly, and other areas.

You might wish to bring your furry friend to a trained groomer for more demanding tasks like clipping.

Other grooming routines include consistent tooth brushing, ear cleansing, and nail clipping.

Your Spaniel Lab mix risks developing matted ears, overgrown nails, and a dull coat if you don't take the time to look after them.

Springador Training

How intelligent is this breed? Is the Lab Springer Spaniel mix easy to train? 

The Spaniel Labrador cross is an intelligent breed, so in the right hands, they are simple to teach and quick to pick up new skills.

Your Springador responds favorably to positive reinforcement and will work hard if you often praise them.

To get the most out of your dog, it's critical to train them when they are young.

Remember that you'll get better outcomes if you begin early in Fido's life. 

Doing this can also stop them from picking up undesirable behaviors.

You must be patient and avoid employing a negative reinforcement approach with your dog.

You will end up with a dog that doesn’t trust you or obey your commands.

SUGGESTED READ: Most Effective Dog Training Methods According to Science

Springador Exercise

As mentioned, a Springador is an active and energetic dog. 

To keep their health in check and avoid behavioral problems, your dog must engage in physical activities.

A healthy adult Springador requires at least one and a half hours each day to walk or engage in other sorts of exercise.

However, this may change based on Fido's age, size, and general health.

Tip: Don't let your Springador run off leash when you're out strolling.

These agile hunters could quickly take off into the underbrush to chase small animals.

What types of exercise are best for my Springador other than walking?

While walkies are great, it's sometimes a good idea to switch things up with something a little different.

Due to their intelligence and agility, they are excellent at a wide range of dog sports.

So you can give the following a try:

  • Agility
  • Scentwork
  • Obedience training

Your Springador will make the ideal companion for you if you enjoy being active and going on hikes, bike rides, or other outdoor activities.

Remember that maintaining a healthy lifestyle with the Springador requires regular activity.

RELEVANT READ: Agility Training For Dogs: The Ultimate Beginners Guide

Springador Feeding 

A large, energetic dog like a Springador should consume a proper diet.

Their nutritional requirements will change as they age, from puppyhood through adulthood to senior years.

You must provide your canine friend with nutrient-dense, breed-specific food daily for him to stay healthy.

This means providing the Springador with premium dry food catering to their specific needs.

Make sure to choose high-quality brands that are available, then feed your dog up to four cups of dry food every day.

It’s ideal to divide this quantity into at least two portions.

For a little variation, you may also add some canned dog food to your pet's diet.

However, if you choose to go this way, make sure to modify how much dry food you're feeding your dog to prevent overeating.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Spaniel Labrador Mix

Pros Cons
Springadors are intelligent, which makes them easy to train.

They are affectionate and loving by nature, which makes them a good family pet.

They are the best dogs for people who are active and love outdoor adventures.

The Spaniel-Lab mix requires little maintenance in terms of grooming.

 Springadors are not best suited to apartment living.

They are active and energetic and need lots of physical activities daily.

They are sociable and will act friendly toward strangers, so they don’t make good guard dogs.

Springadors need to live in a home with a yard or garden as they need space to keep them from getting bored.

Spaniel Lab Mix

Spaniel Labrador Cross: FAQs

Is Springador a good family dog?

Due to their amiable, loving, and loyal character and the fact that they are good with kids, Springadors are excellent family dogs.

This mixed breed will like every family member equally, though it normally develops a special fondness for the family member who takes them for walks regularly.

Are Springadors smaller than Labradors?

Being a mix, a Springador can grow to be as large as Labs or take on the tiny stature of Springer Spaniels.

But in terms of height, it is between 18 and 24 inches tall.

The males often stand taller and weigh more than the females in both of the purebred parent dog breeds.

Is Springador a recognized breed?

Although The Kennel Club has yet to recognize the Spaniel Labrador cross, other international breed organizations have and established breed standards for the Springador.

This mixed breed is acknowledged legally in the UK and less so in the US.

Can Springadors be left alone?

The Springador dog should not be left alone for extended periods of time.

Always ensure you have enough time to spend with your dog because bored and alone dogs tend to behave badly.

The Spaniel Lab crossbreed prefers homes with constant activity.

Springador Dog Breed: In A Nutshell

A Springador will be an excellent companion in your daily adventure if you're looking for a furry friend to keep you active.

Keep in mind that they thrive in households with constant human interaction. They like being near you as much as they can!

They like a home with a yard or garden since it gives them room to run freely.

Additionally, they are quite intelligent, eager to please, and receptive to praise.

Therefore, if you can provide all of these, you'll undoubtedly be rewarded with a contented and obedient dog.

READ NEXT:

Aubrey Mesada
How Aubrey describes love is a wet nose and a happy tail. She now has over a year of experience writing about canines with a particular emphasis on health and behavior. She enjoys sharing dog tips, fun facts, and pet med topics, among other things. Her passion for both writing and dogs inspired her to share her knowledge and experience with other dog parents so they could provide the greatest care for their pets. She also stands against alpha, leader, and dominance theories. She believes there’s no need to do extra things like eating prior to your dogs.