Welcome to the world of Spaniel Breeds. In total, there are 25 spaniel breeds – five of which are already extinct.
1. American Water Spaniel
The American Water Spaniel has its origins in the USA, where it was initially used exclusively as a hunting dog.
In the meantime, however, this spaniel breed is also more often used as a family dog because of its friendly, charming, and cheerful nature.
The four-legged friends also have webbed feet between their toes and are excellent swimmers. Brown dogs are also very easy to train.
Fun Fact: Apples? No. kiwis? No. bananas? Yaaaaaaaaaaaa! These dogs love bananas!
2. American Cocker Spaniel
The American Cocker Spaniel is one of the 30 most popular dog breeds in the world. And not without reason. Because the animals are considered to be particularly trusting and playful.
In addition, they are suitable both as hunting dogs and as house dogs. Since the animals are also very easy to train, they are frequent participants in dog competitions.
What distinguishes the animals visually from other spaniel breeds are their long floppy ears. They also live up to 14 years.
Fun Fact: While other dogs can slide around on slippery ice and can hardly stand upright, these four-legged friends are made for it. Because they have a kind of “profile” on their paws, which gives them support.
3. Boykin Spaniels
The Boykin Spaniel is the only spaniel breed that even has its own national holiday. September 1st is Boykin Spaniel Day in South Carolina.
The brown quadrupeds are also often used to hunt turkeys and waterfowl. They also get along well with children and other dogs.
This breed is also one of the best swimmers of all spaniel species. They also have webbed feet between their toes.
Fun Fact: These dogs love birthdays, Christmas, and other holidays. The reason? They love attention! The more people there are, the happier they are.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
In contrast to previous breeds, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel served primarily as a lap dog from the start. That probably explains their popularity.
Because of all dog breeds worldwide, the four-legged friends are among the top 20 most popular. They are also considered to be very sociable, trusting, and gentle.
In addition, they are relatively small and have comparatively long floppy ears. Not only their behavior but also their appearance is considered particularly cute.
Fun Fact: Depending on the color of their fur, the animals are given different names. The 3 color version is called “Prince Charles”. The black and brown species is called “King Charles”. The species in the picture above is called “Ruby” and in white and brown it is called “Blenheim”.
5. Clumber Spaniels
The Clumber Spaniel originally comes from England and looks very little like the other Spaniel breeds. He is also by far the biggest and heaviest of them.
Initially, the animals were used as hunting dogs before becoming increasingly popular with the nobility. The reason? They are still very rare and therefore “precious”.
In principle, they are also suitable as family dogs. Because they are described as big-hearted, trusting, loyal and gentle.
Fun Fact: “Sheds a lot” is an understatement for these dogs. With the amount of hair they constantly shed, you’d think they’d be a hairless dog after just a few days.
6. German Spaniel
The German Wachtelhund is the only spaniel breed that originated in Germany. In the meantime, however, the four-legged friends are also represented internationally.
Dogs are very popular with professional hunters because they are very versatile. However, they also make just as good family dogs.
Because they are known for their gentle, friendly, and passionate nature. The brown hunting dogs can also live up to 14 years.
Fun Fact: For Americans, the “Deutsche Wachtelhund” is a tongue twister. For this reason, the breed is now also known as the “German Spaniel”.
7. Drentse Patrijshond
The Drentse Patrijshond comes from Holland. That also explains its name, by the way. This spaniel breed is also considered relatively rare with around 5,000 specimens worldwide.
In the beginning, the hairy four-legged friends primarily served as hunting dogs for birds and smaller wild animals. However, they were also used for numerous other purposes.
However, what makes this spaniel species special are its two sides. Because when hunting, the dogs are super active and at home, on the other hand, very calm and relaxed.
Fun Fact: These dogs have a colorful past. In the past, they were used, among other things, as babysitters, and as family, working, sledding, tracking, housing, hunting, and guard dogs.
8. English Cocker Spaniel
As the name suggests, the English Cocker Spaniel originally comes from England. There he was mostly used as a hunting and family dog.
However, this spaniel breed only became really well-known because it can sniff out cancer with more than 80 percent certainty.
The animals are also considered to be particularly trusting, loyal, and happy. They are also easy to train, need a lot of exercise, and have a strong hunting instinct.
Fun fact: The good trainability of the animals is often “abused”. Because, among other things, they are trained to be able to get beer out of the fridge.
9. English Springer Spaniels
The English Springer Spaniel was initially used primarily as a tracking dog for hunting due to its excellent sense of smell.
However, the animals also get along particularly well with children and other pets. This probably explains why they are now among the top 30 most popular breeds in the world.
They can also be trained very well, but they also need a lot of exercises. They are therefore also ideal as a jogging partner.
Fun Fact: In the past, these dogs were particularly often drawn by artists. The reason? The animals are so obedient that they can easily sit still for several hours.
10. Epagneul Bleu de Picardie
The Epagneul Bleu de Picardie originated in France, where it is typically used as both a general-purpose hunting dog and a family dog breed.
This spaniel breed also has webs and is one of the best swimmers. However, active dogs are less suitable for apartments.
In addition, dogs are considered very playful, calm, and protective. Long walks or a large garden are almost a must here.
Fun Fact: These dogs have a thing for children. The more of them jump around them, the happier and happier they are.
11. Epagneul de Pont-Audemer
The Epagneul de Pont-Audemer originally comes from France, where it was mainly used as a hunting dog for birds and other small wild animals.
This spaniel breeds almost died out during World War II. Even today, dogs are considered very rare. Their fur is always mottled brown-grey.
In addition, the dogs are known to be silly, hard-working, and gentle. They are also easy to train, need a lot of exercise, and have a strong hunting instinct.
Fun Fact: The hair on the head almost looks like a wig. Because the hair on the face is very short and then long curls suddenly appear.
12. Epagneul Picard
While the Epagneul Picard has the same coat colors as its predecessor, it doesn’t have any spiky hair on its head. This spaniel breed also comes from France.
To this day, it is still used primarily as a hunting dog for small wild animals such as rabbits and birds. He also gets along very well with children and is considered to be trusting.
This spaniel species is also an excellent swimmer. Without extensive drying, however, they often get ear infections.
Fun Fact: While other breeds take several minutes to do laps in front of the water before going for a swim, these dogs will jump into the water at any temperature without hesitation.
13. Field Spaniels
The Field Spaniel originated in England. He is considered to be particularly sociable, cheerful, and loving. In front of strangers, on the other hand, he is usually reserved.
Due to his friendly character, he was kept primarily as a family dog from the start. Occasionally, however, he also served as a hunting dog.
In addition, this spaniel breed is easy to train, needs a lot of exercise, and has a strong urge to hunt.
Fun fact: These dogs’ long floppy ears often flap when they run—like the wings of an airplane.
14. Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel is the only hypoallergenic breed among the spaniel species. As the name suggests, the curly-haired dogs originally come from Ireland.
It is not only suitable for hunting but also as a family dog breed. He also hardly sheds hair, is easy to train, and needs a lot of exercise.
This spaniel breed also gets along very well with children and usually also with other pets. He is generally considered to be very playful, active, and goofy.
Fun Fact: As cuddly as these animals’ fur may be, their tail resembles that of a rat. Because he is particularly thin, hairless, and hard. This also explains the nickname “Rat Tail Spaniel”.
15. King Charles Spaniels
The King Charles Spaniel is often confused with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The difference? He is a little smaller, lighter, more reserved, and has a shorter snout.
This spaniel breed originally came from Great Britain, where it was used as a lap dog from the very beginning. The little sweet dogs are also up to 16 years old.
Requiring relatively little exercise, they are ideal for apartment living. They are also known to be friendly, playful, and very calm.
Fun Fact: Hardly any other breed of dog looks cuter when running. Because her fluffy floppy ears and her long tongue wag wildly in the air.
16. Kooikerhondje
The Kooikerhondje originated in the Netherlands, where it was formerly used as a farm and working dog. Internationally, however, the animals are still relatively unknown.
In addition, they are considered to be very intelligent, sociable, and benevolent. They are also very greedy compared to other spaniel breeds.
They also need a relatively large amount of exercise, are easy to train, and get bored with monotony. They, therefore, like excursions and adventures.
Fun Fact: While other dogs just can’t wait to see other dogs and children, this breed remains aloof and skeptical for the first few minutes.
17. Markiesje
The Markiesje originated in Holland. According to paintings, this spaniel species has been around since the 17th century. However, it has only been actively bred since the 1970s.
The dogs are primarily used as companion dogs. In concrete terms, this means that you are not used to working, but “only” provide camaraderie.
In addition, they are considered to be very cheerful, playful, and friendly. As a rule, they also get along well with other pets.
Fun Fact: At 150 words, these dogs have by far the shortest description on Wikipedia of any spaniel breed.
18. Papillon
The Papillon is one of two species of continental toy spaniel. His name is French for “butterfly” – his ears explain why.
Originally, the dogs were kept indoors to keep mice and rats away. This also explains why they still like to bark to this day.
The little four-legged friends can also live up to 17 years and are among the top 10 most intelligent dogs in the world.
Fun Fact: Many beginners get a Papillon in hopes that their size will make them the ideal lap dog. Wrong thought! These dogs are far too energetic to sit still.
19. Phalene
The Phalène is the second subspecies of the continental toy spaniel. What makes him different? Its ears are droopy compared to the pricked ears of the Papillon.
In a direct comparison, this breed is also much less popular. The dogs are suitable as lap dogs, family dogs, and guard dogs.
Due to its good trainability and ease of care, this spaniel breed is also suitable for beginners. They are also known to be trusting, playful and calm.
Fun Fact: These dogs are living proof that little ones don’t automatically make them cute and loving. Because they often react extremely aggressively toward other dogs.
20. Russian Spaniel
The Russian Spaniel was originally bred specifically for hunting birds and smaller game. However, he is also suitable as a family and guard dog.
He is also considered to be very loving, good-natured, and trusting. This probably also explains why they get along so well with children.
The coat of this spaniel breed can take on a wide variety of colors. However, its head and ears are usually dark or even black.
Fun Fact: These dogs are particularly prone to food allergies. It is most common in chicken and carrots.
21. Stabyhoun
The Stabyhoun originally comes from Holland and served, among other things, as a family and hunting dog. The latter is mostly for birds and other smaller animals.
Never heard of it? No wonder. Because these four-legged friends are among the 5 rarest dog breeds in the world. They are also deliberately rarely kept.
Normally, this spaniel breed also tolerates other pets and children. Incidentally, some of them can live up to 15 years – despite their size.
Fun Fact: These dogs enter menopause around the age of 9 and then become infertile. All other breeds are usually sexually mature by the time they die.
22. Sussex Spaniels
The Sussex Spaniel, while well known internationally, is statistically one of the top 20 most disliked breeds in the world.
The spaniel breed has its origins in England, where it is primarily kept as a family and house dog. Rarely, he also serves as a hunting dog.
In addition, the sweet four-legged friends are known for their cheerful, friendly, and calm nature. As a rule, they also get along well with other pets.
Fun Fact: From the side, these dogs bear resemblances to a brown mop. Because you often don’t even see her legs for the sheer hair.
23. Welsh Springer Spaniels
As the name suggests, the Welsh Springer Spaniel comes from Wales. The red and white dogs were originally bred for working and hunting.
This spaniel breed is also considered to be very happy, cheerful, trusting, and friendly. However, they are usually reserved and skeptical towards strangers.
They are easily trainable, accept children and other pets, and need a lot of exercises. Even beginners will have fun with these dogs.
Fun Fact: These dogs want to be near their master at all times – even when he or she is going to the bathroom.
24. Chinese Spaniel
The Chinese spaniel is most commonly called “Pekingese” internationally. It originated in China, where it is primarily used as a lap and house dog.
However, it is not officially recognized as a Spaniel breed. What makes him special is his almost flat face – very untypical for dogs.
In addition, the animals are considered to be very good-natured and trusting. However, they can sometimes react aggressively toward other dogs.
Fun Fact: When these dogs sleep on the floor, it’s very easy to mistake them for a floor mop.
25. Japanese Spaniel
The Japanese Spaniel has many official names. In Germany, however, he is mainly known as the “Japan Chin”. However, it is not a real spaniel breed.
In his homeland, he serves primarily as a lap and companion dog. Because he was specially bred to entertain his masters.
His behavior is very similar to that of cats. He is also considered to be very intelligent, independent, and loving.
Fun Fact: These dogs are from Jap… No! Paradoxically, they are originally from China.