springer spaniel: see English springer spaniel; Welsh springer spaniel.

Welsh springer spaniel, breed of medium-sized sporting dog developed several centuries ago in Wales. It stands about 17 in. (43.2 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs between 30 and 40 lb (13.6-18.1 kg). Its straight, dense, silky coat is rich dark red and white in color and forms fringes, or feathers, on the ears, chest, underside, back of legs, and stern. The tail is docked. A hardy, all-purpose gundog, the Welsh springer can be trained to retrieve waterfowl as well as upland game birds. See dog.

English springer spaniel, breed of medium-sized sporting dog developed in England from the broader and very old category of "springing spaniels" that produced many of the present-day land spaniels. It stands about 18 in. (46 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs about 45 lb (20 kg). Its medium-length coat is flat or wavy with a fringe of longer hair, or feathers, on the ears, chest, legs, and belly. Its coat is usually either liver and white, tan and white, or black and white. Trained as a field dog, the springer flushes game and will retrieve on both land and water. It also has enjoyed great popularity as a house pet. See dog.