English Sprointer
Hybrid Breed Description
The English Sprointer is a cross between the English Pointer and the English Springer Spaniel. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing an English Sprointer. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
English Pointer
English Pointers are medium to large athletic dogs built for endurance and speed. Males typically stand between 25 and 28 inches at the shoulder and weigh 55 to 75 pounds, while females measure 23 to 26 inches tall and weigh 45 to 65 pounds. Their bodies are powerful yet graceful, with compact frames featuring moderate musculature, deep chests, and strong legs designed for covering rough ground quickly. The skull is broad with a distinctive chiseled appearance, complemented by a long muzzle and fairly high-set pendant ears that hang close to the head. The breed's short, smooth coat is one of its most practical features, lying flat against the body with a natural sheen when properly maintained. Most commonly, Pointers display white backgrounds with patches of liver, black, orange, or lemon coloring, though solid colors and tricolor patterns also occur. Many coats feature ticking (small colored spots) on the white areas. The tail is long and tapers to a point, typically carried horizontally in line with the back. Their large, rounded eyes are preferably dark in color, darker than the coat shade, contributing to their alert and intelligent expression. The overall impression is one of a well-balanced hunting dog with noble bearing and athletic prowess.
Key Characteristics
English Pointers possess an even-tempered, dignified personality with a gentle and friendly disposition. They form strong bonds with their families and demonstrate remarkable affection and loyalty, though they can be somewhat reserved with strangers initially. Their breeding as working gun dogs means they maintain strong hunting instincts and an independent nature that requires respectful handling. Despite this independence, Pointers are intelligent dogs eager to please and excited to learn, responding particularly well to positive training methods. This breed exhibits high energy levels and requires substantial daily exercise to maintain both physical and mental well-being. Without adequate activity, Pointers may develop destructive behaviors or anxiety. They thrive in active households where they can participate in running, hiking, hunting, or dog sports. When properly exercised, they become calm and well-mannered companions in the home. Pointers generally get along well with children when raised with them and typically coexist peacefully with other dogs, having been bred to work alongside other canines. However, their strong prey drive may make them unsuitable for homes with small pets or birds.
English Pointers are generally healthy dogs with an average lifespan of 12 to 17 years. However, like all breeds, they have predispositions to certain genetic health conditions. Hip dysplasia is one common concern where the hip joint develops abnormally, causing laxity that can lead to arthritis and lameness. Similarly, elbow dysplasia affects the elbow joints. Both conditions are detectable through veterinary screening, and responsible breeders perform health testing to minimize these risks. Eye problems also affect the breed, including progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which causes gradual vision loss, and cataracts that create cloudiness in the lens. Gastric dilatation-volvulus, commonly known as bloat, is a life-threatening emergency that can affect this deep-chested breed. The stomach fills with gas and may twist, requiring immediate veterinary intervention. Other health concerns include hypothyroidism, where insufficient thyroid hormone production causes symptoms like weight gain and coat changes. Epilepsy and various bleeding disorders such as Von Willebrand's disease may also occur. Additionally, Pointers can experience skin allergies and autoimmune conditions. Regular veterinary check-ups, appropriate health screenings, proper nutrition, and maintaining ideal body weight all contribute to the breed's longevity and quality of life. Prospective owners should work with reputable breeders who conduct recommended health testing on breeding stock.
English Springer Spaniel
English Springer Spaniels are medium-sized sporting dogs with compact, well-balanced bodies that suggest power, endurance, and agility. Males typically stand 19 to 21 inches at the withers and weigh 40 to 60 pounds, while females measure 18 to 20 inches tall and weigh 35 to 55 pounds. Their sturdy build features deep chests, level backs, and strong, muscular legs with sufficient length to carry them with ease across varied terrain. The head is impressive without being heavy, approximately the same length as the neck, with a moderate stop and chiseled bone structure around the eyes that contributes to their characteristic kindly and trusting expression. The breed's coat is one of its defining features, consisting of a medium-length outer coat that may be flat or wavy, paired with a short, soft, dense undercoat. This double coat provides protection from water, weather, and thorns. The body coat is complemented by moderate feathering on the ears, chest, legs, and belly, while the head, front of forelegs, and below the hocks feature short, fine hair. Common color patterns include black and white, liver and white, or these combinations with tan markings typically found on the eyebrows, cheeks, inside the ears, and under the tail. Blue or liver roan patterns also occur. The breed's long, pendulous ears are set at eye level and hang close to the cheeks, reaching the nose tip when pulled forward. Their oval-shaped eyes harmonize with coat color, preferably dark hazel in liver dogs and black or deep brown in black and white specimens.
Key Characteristics
English Springer Spaniels are renowned for their friendly, affectionate, and cheerful temperament, often described as having a happy-go-lucky personality. They form deep bonds with their families and thrive on human companionship, demonstrating remarkable devotion and a strong desire to please. These highly intelligent dogs are eager learners who respond exceptionally well to positive reinforcement training, making them relatively easy to train despite occasional independent or stubborn moments. Their gentle and sweet nature combined with enthusiasm makes them excellent family companions who get along well with children, other pets, and even strangers when properly socialized. This breed possesses high energy levels and requires substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation to remain happy and well-adjusted. Originally bred as hunting dogs with exceptional scenting abilities, they retain strong working instincts and excel in various activities including field trials, agility, obedience competitions, and tracking. Without adequate physical and mental outlets, Springer Spaniels may develop destructive behaviors such as excessive barking, chewing, or digging. They are not well-suited for homes where they would be left alone for extended periods, as they can develop separation anxiety. Their playful, attentive nature and love of outdoor activities make them ideal for active families who can provide the engagement they need.
English Springer Spaniels are generally healthy dogs with an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years, though they can be predisposed to several genetic health conditions. Hip and elbow dysplasia are common orthopedic concerns where abnormal joint development leads to pain, lameness, and potentially arthritis. Early screening through X-rays helps identify affected dogs, and management may include weight control, supplements, pain medication, or surgery in severe cases. The breed is particularly susceptible to several eye disorders, including progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), an inherited condition causing gradual blindness that typically manifests between ages two to six, and cataracts that cloud the lens and may require surgical removal. Due to their long, pendulous ears, Springer Spaniels are prone to ear infections caused by poor air circulation and moisture accumulation. Regular ear cleaning and inspection are essential preventive measures. Other health concerns include phosphofructokinase (PFK) deficiency, a metabolic disorder affecting glucose metabolism that causes exercise intolerance, anemia, and muscle disease. Von Willebrand's disease, a blood clotting disorder, can also affect the breed. Some Springer Spaniels may experience skin allergies, autoimmune conditions, or heart defects. A rare condition called rage syndrome, involving sudden unprovoked aggression, has been documented primarily in show-bred lines. Responsible breeders conduct comprehensive health testing including hip and elbow evaluations, genetic testing for PRA, and ophthalmologist examinations to minimize these risks in their breeding programs.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your English Sprointer may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the English Pointer and English Springer Spaniel to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.