If you’ve ever locked eyes with a spaniel, chances are your heart melted just a little. With their soft, expressive eyes, feathered ears, and ever-wagging tails, spaniels aren’t just dogs—they’re bundles of affection wrapped in fur. But don’t be fooled by their sweet appearance—these breeds have a fascinating history rooted in hunting, loyalty, and boundless energy.
Breed historians think that the spaniel, often called “The Dog of Spain,” may have journeyed across Europe as far back as 55 B.C. With such a long history, these dogs have evolved into many varieties and become beloved worldwide today. They’ve long been adored by royals, hunters, and families alike—and for good reason.
Whether you’re looking for a dog that enjoys romping around the backyard or one that’s content curling up at your feet during a movie marathon, there’s likely a spaniel breed that fits your lifestyle. Their intelligence, adaptability, and loving nature make them popular choices for first-time dog owners and seasoned pet parents alike.
Here, we’ll explore the most beloved spaniel breeds, what makes each one unique, and why these dogs continue to be treasured by families around the world. So, if you’re ready to meet the most charming and cheerful canines out there, let’s dive into the wonderful world of spaniels!
Spaniel Dog Breeds
1. American Water Spaniel
Breed Group: Sporting Group
Intelligence Level: High
Meet the American Water Spaniel, the curly-haired cousin from the Midwest who’s basically the Labrador’s less mainstream, more hipster buddy.
Originating from Wisconsin (yes, the cheese state), this rare breed was made for hunting in marshy, watery terrain. Think of it as the Labrador’s curly, adventurous cousin who insists on kayaking instead of walking.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the American Water Spaniel is a sturdy, medium-sized gundog known for its strong build rather than flashy looks or showy skills. You can easily spot one by its rich brown coat, which can be either tightly curled or gently wavy.
These hunting dogs bring together the best qualities of both spaniels and retrievers, making them excellent all-around working companions.
Looks? Like someone gave a Spaniel a perm and said, “Go fetch. In water.”
Personality? Loyal, smart, and just the right amount of stubborn to keep you humble.
Why You’ll Love Them:
✔ Hypoallergenic curls? Kind of. Less shedding = less vacuuming.
✔ They’re smart cookies. Like, I-can-learn-that-trick-in-three-tries smart.
✔ Great with families, especially if you come with snacks.
✔ They make great “hidden gems” at the dog park—rare, charming, and full of fun trivia.
These dogs are built for action, especially in wet environments. Give them a pond, a stick, and an approving nod, and they’ll happily dive in like a furry Olympic swimmer.
But don’t be fooled by the sporty name—when they’re not retrieving ducks, they’re perfectly happy binge-watching Netflix at your feet (just don’t expect them to pick the show).
Warning: If you don’t like wet dog smell, either get a better towel… or maybe rethink owning a Water Spaniel. Just sayin’.
2. Boykin Spaniel
Breed Group: Sporting Group
Intelligence Level: Very High
Say hello to the Boykin Spaniel, South Carolina’s official state dog and your next best friend who’s equal parts water-loving athlete and couch-side therapist. This breed was originally bred to hunt wild turkeys and ducks in the swamps and marshes, so yeah—they’ve got stamina and style.
They stand about 14 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder and typically weigh between 25 and 40 pounds — just the right size to be both sturdy and cuddly!
Looks? Medium-sized with a rich, chocolate coat that makes you want to pet them all day (and you should).
Personality? Friendly, feisty, and a little bit mischievous, but in the cutest way possible. Boykin Spaniels are loving and loyal dogs who quickly become devoted members of the family. They form deep bonds with their humans and thrive on human interactions.
Why You’ll Love Them:
✔ Super versatile: great hunting partner and Netflix binge buddy.
✔ Hypnotic amber eyes that can disarm even the grumpiest of humans.
✔ Energetic but also happy to chill and provide emotional support on demand.
✔ They’re like the Swiss Army knife of Spaniels—smart, sporty, and oh-so-sweet.
These pups love to be involved in everyday family life and enjoy staying active alongside their favorite people. These traits not only make them fantastic working dogs but also excellent family pets.
Boykins are not just natural athletes but also emotional superheroes. Their intuitive nature means they’ll sense when you’re down and are ready to nuzzle their way into your lap or give you that “everything’s gonna be okay” puppy look. Basically, they’re like a furry life coach who demands belly rubs in return.
Warning: They can be a bit ‘velcro dog’—expect to be followed around everywhere, including the bathroom. Privacy? What’s that?
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Breed Group: Toy Group (Yes, they’re small but mighty in heart!)
Intelligence Level: High
Meet the popular dog breed, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the lapdog with the soul of a noble knight. This toy breed was bred for royalty(King Charles I) and is still living their best regal lives—think velvet cushions, tiny crowns (okay, maybe just in your imagination), and endless cuddles.
The Cavalier is a charming little companion, usually standing around 12 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 13 to 18 pounds — perfect for snuggling on your lap without stealing the whole couch!
Looks? Big, soulful eyes that could melt the iciest heart, and silky fur perfect for excessive petting sessions.
Personality? Affectionate, gentle, and intuitive—the puppy version of your favorite therapist.
Why You’ll Love Them:
✔ Perfect size for apartment living or being your tiny, royal shadow.
✔ Emotionally tuned-in like a tiny, four-legged mood ring.
✔ Easygoing but playful enough to keep life interesting.
✔ Will definitely steal your heart and your spot on the couch.
Cavaliers don’t just sit on your lap; they feel your mood. Whether you’re ecstatic or having a “bad hair day” (or life day), these pups tune in and turn on the unconditional love. No wonder they’re top-tier emotional support dogs, always ready to provide calm in the chaos and a furry ear to listen.
Don’t worry about needing a marathon runner here—Cavaliers love their strolls but are perfectly content curling up with you after a quick walk around the block. They have just the right amount of energy to keep life interesting without turning your living room into a canine chaos zone (most days, anyway).
Warning: Prepare for non-stop “puppy eyes” guilt trips if you try to work instead of cuddling.
4. Clumber Spaniel
Breed Group: Sporting Group
Intelligence Level: Moderate to High
Meet the Clumber Spaniel—the gentle giant of the Spaniel world. These big, hefty pups might look like they’re built for an Olympic sprint, but really, they’re the ultimate couch potatoes disguised in a striking white coat with adorable lemon or orange markings.
Clumbers are the largest of the spaniel breeds, often tipping the scales at 55 to 85 pounds, and standing about 17 to 20 inches tall.
They’ve got broad heads, soulful eyes, and long, droopy ears that practically beg for belly rubs. Their luxurious, soft white coats often come with lemon or orange markings—like someone gently dabbed them with a paintbrush of sunshine.
Clumbers are famously affectionate and devoted to their people. They may be a little reserved around strangers, but with family, they’re all in—gentle, sweet, and surprisingly goofy once they’re comfortable. They’re not clingy, but they do love being nearby… especially if it involves snacks or snoozing.
Why You’ll Love Them:
✔ Big enough to make a statement, gentle enough to be a lapdog (if your lap is big enough).
✔ The perfect snuggle buddy after a long day.
✔ Their waddling walk is basically the doggy equivalent of a slow dance.
✔ They’re like your fluffy personal assistant, always ready to carry your stuff (or just look adorable trying).
While they enjoy a good walk or a romp in the yard, Clumber Spaniels aren’t going to sign up for a 5K anytime soon. Think more “slow morning stroll” than “trail-blazing adventure.”
They need moderate exercise to stay healthy, but their favorite activity might just be following you from room to room like a very fluffy shadow.
They’re famous for carrying around their latest prized possession—a favorite toy, a sock, or whatever random thing they can sneak from your laundry basket. It’s their way of saying, “Look what I found! Isn’t it awesome?” Spoiler alert: it’s probably not.
Warning: They will hog your sofa, your bed, and possibly your heart. Prepare for unconditional slobbery love.
5. English Cocker Spaniel
Breed Group: Sporting Group
Intelligence Level: High
Say hello to the English Cocker Spaniel, the happy-go-lucky bundle of joy who’s basically a furry ray of sunshine. Known for their silky coat and those signature long ears that bounce when they run, these pups are all about fun, family, and fetch.
The English Cocker is a well-built sporting dog, standing about 15 to 17 inches tall. These charmers come in an impressive 18 recognized colors. With a compact and balanced frame, they’re the perfect mix of sturdiness and agility—equally ready for a cuddle or a quick game of fetch!
Looks? Medium-sized with a glamorous coat and the kind of eyes that say, “Did someone say walk? Treat? Both?”
Personality? Playful, affectionate, and endlessly curious, they can turn a boring day into an adventure.
English Cockers are energetic and smart, making them perfect for families who love the outdoors, games, and a little mischief (hey, no one’s perfect!). They’re also super intuitive, which makes them great emotional support dogs—they’ll be there wagging their tail and ready to listen when you need it most.
Why You’ll Love Them:
✔ Always up for a game, a snuggle, or a cuddle—sometimes all three at once.
✔ Smart enough to learn cool tricks but still goofy enough to keep you laughing.
✔ Great with kids and other pets (they’re basically the popular kid in the dog park).
✔ Their joyful personality is downright contagious.
To keep that gorgeous coat looking its best, the English Cocker needs regular brushing—this breed definitely comes with a bit of a regular grooming commitment!
Originally bred as birding dogs, English Cocker Spaniels have a natural zest for activity and plenty of energy to burn. They thrive on exercise and outdoor fun, but they’re just as happy curling up beside their favorite humans for some cozy couch time.
Warning: Prepare for lots of tail-wagging, ear-flapping, and occasional zoomies that will keep you on your toes!
6. English Springer Spaniel
Breed Group: Sporting Group
Intelligence Level: Very High
The English Springer Spaniel is the canine version of that ultra-fit friend who’s always training for a 5K and acing their classes. These dogs are the Energizer Bunnies of the Spaniel world—built for action, adventure, and then some more action just for fun.
English Springer Spaniels are easy to spot with their wavy coats and those lovable floppy ears. They’re known for their playful, happy-go-lucky personalities.
While their size and looks can vary a bit, on average, they stand about 20 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 55 pounds—just the right balance of sturdy and spirited!
Personality? Energetic, loving, and a little nosy (literally—they love to sniff everything).
Why You’ll Love Them:
✔ Exceptionally trainable and eager to please—like little furry overachievers.
✔ Their energy is contagious (whether that’s a blessing or a workout challenge is up to you).
✔ Gentle demeanor and great with kids—basically, they’re family MVPs.
✔ Emotional support with muscle—they’ll cheer you up and help you hit your step count.
Springers are the ultimate outdoorsy companions. They live to run, retrieve, and frolic through fields like they’re starring in a nature documentary. But when the day’s done, they’re also down for a cuddle session and a chance to stare lovingly into your eyes (or your snack).
Warning: Without enough exercise, they may become “interior decorators” (AKA, they’ll chew your throw pillows).
7. Irish Water Spaniel
Breed Group: Sporting Group
Intelligence Level: Very High
If you mixed a Spaniel with a stand-up comic, gave it a perm, and taught it to swim, you’d get the Irish Water Spaniel. Remarkably, they are among the oldest and rarest spaniel breeds, with a lineage that dates back to the 7th century, says PetMD.
With their tight curls, rat-like tail (yes, it’s part of their charm), and expressive eyebrows, these dogs are basically living cartoons—and we mean that in the best way possible.
The IWS is a solid medium-sized dog, typically standing 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing in between 45 and 65 pounds. They’re big enough for adventure but not too big to hog the whole backseat—unless they really stretch out (which they will).
Looks? Chocolate brown, crisply curled coat with a skinny tail that looks like it missed the memo on fluff.
Personality? Witty, clownish, and highly intelligent—think “class clown who aces every test.”
These dogs were bred for water work, and they take that job seriously. Toss a ball in a lake, and they’ll dive in like Olympic divers. But when they’re not making a splash, they’re making you laugh with their goofy antics and expressive faces.
They’re also wonderfully intuitive, making them superb emotional support companions, with extra curls for comfort.
Why You’ll Love Them:
✔ Hypoallergenic-ish coat = curls without the sneeze-fest.
✔ Hilarious personality: you’ll never need TikTok again.
✔ Devoted and affectionate, with a flair for the dramatic.
✔ Excellent swimmers who will politely suggest adding a backyard pool.
The IWS can be a great companion, though some tend to bond more closely with a single person. Smart and attentive, they’ve got the instincts to be solid watchdogs—even if guarding the house isn’t their main gig.
Around their family, they have a friendly nature and are laid-back, but when it comes to strangers, they can be a bit cautious, and occasionally a little too bold about it.
Warning: They’re part dog, part water sprite, and 100% mischief when bored. Keep them engaged, or risk finding your shoe in the bathtub.
Conclusion
Spaniel dog breeds, such as the Cocker Spaniel, Welsh Springer Spaniel, American Cocker Spaniel, and Brittany Spaniel, are known for their sweet expression, intelligence, and ability to flush game and retrieve fowl. Recognized by the American Kennel Club, these breeds—along with the Field Spaniel, Sussex Spaniel, English Toy Spaniel, and rarer types like the Rat Tail Spaniel—share closely related origins and similar characteristics.
Spaniels have a rich history as hunting dogs and thrive with active owners who provide mental stimulation and avoid harsh training methods. Whether it’s a toy spaniel from Clumber Park or a small spaniel with a curly coat, these dogs are loyal family members and get along well with other animals. With many other spaniel breeds and dogs to explore, spaniels remain a beloved choice for those seeking companionship, agility, and versatility.
