All 28+ Spaniel breeds with pictures [2024] –

There are a total of 28 spaniel breeds – but five of them are already extinct. In addition, there are three other dog breeds that are also incorrectly referred to as “spaniels”:

* already extinct
** not real spaniel species

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#1 American Water Spaniel

The American Water Spaniel has its origins in the USA, where it was initially used exclusively as a hunting dog. [1]

However, this spaniel breed is now also more often used as a family dog ​​due to its friendly, charming and cheerful nature.

The four-legged friends also have webbed toes and are excellent swimmers. The brown dogs are also very easy to train. [2]

Fun fact: Apples? No. Kiwis? No. Bananas? Yeeeesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss-unds-.bithmoustimes.co.uk These dogs love bananas!

#2 American Cocker Spaniel

The American Cocker Spaniel is one of the 30 most popular dog breeds worldwide. And not without reason. The animals are considered particularly trusting and playful.

In addition, they are suitable as both hunting and domestic dogs. Since the animals are also very trainable, they are frequent participants in dog competitions. [3]

What visually distinguishes the animals from other spaniel breeds is their long floppy ears. They also live up to 14 years.

Fun fact: While other dogs slide around on slippery ice and can barely stand upright, these four-legged friends are made for it. Because they have a kind of “profile” on their paws that gives them support. [4]

#3 Boykin Spaniel

The Boyking Spaniel is the only spaniel breed that even has its own national holiday. Because in South Carolina September 1st is “Boykin Spaniel Day”. [5]

The brown four-legged friends are also often used to hunt turkeys and waterfowl. They also get along well with children and other dogs.

Of all Spaniel species, this breed is also one of the best swimmers. Because they also have webbed feet between their toes. [6]

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 the 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, four-legged friends are among the top 20 most popular. They are also considered to be very sociable, trusting and gentle. [7]

In addition, they are relatively small and have comparatively long floppy ears. Not only their behavior, but also their appearance is considered particularly cute. [8]

Fun fact: Depending on the color of their fur, the animals are called different things. 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 Spaniel

The Clumber Spaniel originally comes from England and has hardly any visual similarities to the other spaniel breeds. It is also by far the largest and heaviest of them.

In the beginning, the animals were used as hunting dogs before becoming increasingly popular with the nobility. The reason? They are still very rare today and therefore “precious”. [9]

In principle, they are also suitable as family dogs. Because they are described as generous, trusting, loyal and gentle. [10]

Fun fact: “Shedding a lot” is an understatement for these dogs. With the amount of hair they constantly lose, you would think they would be a hairless dog after just a few days.

#6 German Quail Dog

The German Wachtelhund is the only spaniel breed that originated in Germany. The four-legged friends are now also represented internationally.

The dogs are very popular with professional hunters because they are very versatile. However, they also make just as good family dogs. [11]

Because they are known for their gentle, friendly and passionate nature. The brown hunting dogs also live up to 14 years. [12]

Fun fact: For Americans, the “German Wachtelhund” is a tongue twister. For this reason, the breed is now known as the “German Spaniel”.

#7 Drentse Patrijshond

The Drentse Patrijshond comes from Holland. This also explains its name. This spaniel breed is also considered relatively rare, with around 5,000 specimens worldwide. [13]

In the beginning, the furry four-legged friends primarily served as hunting dogs for birds and small wild animals. However, they also served for numerous other purposes.

What makes this type of Spaniel special, however, are its two sides. Because the dogs are super active when hunting, but at home they are very calm and relaxed. [14]

Fun fact: These dogs have a colorful past. In the past, they were used, among other things, as babysitters as well as family dogs, working dogs, sled dogs, tracking dogs, house dogs, hunting dogs 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 really became known because it can sniff out cancer with more than 80 percent certainty. [15]

The animals are also considered to be particularly trusting, loyal and cheerful. They are also easy to train, need a lot of exercise and have a strong hunting instinct. [16]

Fun fact: The animals' good trainability is often “abused”. Because, among other things, they are trained to be able to get beer out of the fridge.

#9 English Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel was initially used primarily as a tracking dog when hunting due to its excellent sense of smell. [17]

However, the animals also get along particularly well with children and other pets. This probably explains why they are now one of the 30 most popular breeds worldwide.

They are also very easy to train, but they also need a lot of exercise. They are therefore ideal as jogging partners. [18]

Fun fact: These dogs were particularly often drawn by artists in the past. 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 has its origins in France, where it is typically used as both an all-purpose hunting dog and a family dog ​​breed. [19]

This spaniel breed also has webbed feet and is one of the best swimmers. However, active dogs are less suitable for apartments.

In addition, the 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 fondness for children. The more of them jumping 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 primarily used as a hunting dog for birds and other small wild animals. [20]

This spaniel breed almost died out during World War II. Even today the dogs are still considered very rare. Their fur is always mottled brown-gray.

In addition, the dogs are considered silly, hard-working and gentle. They are also easy to train, need a lot of exercise and have a strong hunting instinct.

Fun fact: Hair on the head almost looks like a wig. Because the hair on the face is very short and then suddenly long curls appear.

#12 Epagneul Picard

The Epagneul Picard has the same fur colors as its predecessor, but does not have any protruding 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 trustworthy. [21]

This type of spaniel is also an excellent swimmer. However, without thorough drying, they often get ear infections.

Fun fact: While other breeds spend several minutes lapping in front of the water before going swimming, these dogs jump into water of any temperature without hesitation.

#13 Field Spaniels

The Field Spaniel has its origins in England. He is considered particularly sociable, cheerful and loving. However, he is usually reserved in front of strangers. [22]

Due to his friendly character, he was kept primarily as a family dog ​​from the start. However, he also occasionally served as a hunting dog.

In addition, this spaniel breed is easy to train, needs a comparatively large amount of exercise and has a strong drive to hunt. [23]

Fun fact: The long, floppy ears of these dogs often take off when running – 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 dogs originally come from Ireland. [24]

It is not only suitable for hunting, but also as a family dog ​​breed. He also hardly sheds anything, is easy to train and needs a lot of exercise.

This spaniel breed also gets along very well with children and usually other pets as well. He is generally considered to be very playful, active and silly. [25]

Fun fact: As cuddly as the fur of these animals may be, their tails resemble those of rats. Because he is particularly thin, hairless and hard. This also explains the nickname “Rat Tail Spaniel”.

#15 King Charles Spaniel

The King Charles Spaniel is often confused with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The difference? He is slightly smaller, lighter, more reserved and has a shorter snout.

This spaniel breed originally comes from Great Britain, where it served as a lap dog from the beginning. The cute little dogs can also live up to 16 years.

Since they need relatively little exercise, they are ideal for living in apartments. They are also considered friendly, playful and very calm. [26]

Fun fact: Hardly any other breed of dog looks cuter when running. Because her fluffy floppy ears and her long tongue wag wildly…