13 spaniel breeds perfect for home or the great outdoors (2024)

Many of us grew up with a co*cker spaniel — Lady from Lady and the Tramp! — and for good reason: It’s a fun-loving family of dog breeds, easily spotted in a crowd for their beautiful silky coats and long, drooping ears. The American Kennel Club recognizes 15 types of spaniel dogs, while other groups recognize many more, well into the 20s. We take a look at 13 of the most popular spaniel breeds.

1. American co*cker spaniel

American co*cker spaniels are pleasant and fun-loving, which makes them perfect for wiggles, snuggles, and playtime. They’ve been voted America’s most popular breed many times in the past century. These dogs are family oriented and loyal. Because of their laid-back attitude, they are great to have with other dogs and even small children.

2. American water spaniel

American water spaniels were bred in the Midwest to withstand the icy Great Lakes, so these pups are excellent water dogs. They have a hardworking attitude and love their families. These spaniels are gentle and affectionate but, compared with their cousins on the list, may take longer to warm up to strangers.

3. Boykin spaniel

Boykin spaniels are a relatively new breed to the AKC. They are a hybrid of the co*cker and springer spaniels bred in Boykin, South Carolina by Alexander White in the early 1900s. These intelligent pups love playtime and training alike and will do almost anything to keep their humans happy and close by.

4. Cavalier King Charles spaniel

Cavalier King Charles spaniels are warm and cuddly with their families, definite lap pooches that want to be with you at all times. These loving dogs are energetic, playful, and just as comfortable outside on a hike as in your lap. They are also considered great emotional support dogs because of their intuitive nature.

5. Clumber spaniel

Like a few others on this list, Clumber spaniels were bred by British royalty — they were even named after a park owned by the Duke of Newcastle: Clumber Park. They are the biggest and heaviest spaniel but don’t let that fool you, they’re huge couch potatoes. Clumber spaniels are known for their striking white coat and for carrying their latest prized possession around in their mouth.

6. English co*cker spaniel

The English co*cker spaniel is the older, slightly smaller cousin of the American co*cker spaniel. They are excellent swimmers and love being outside with their families. These spaniels are excellent escape artists that can slip out at the smallest opportunity.

7. English springer spaniel

English springer spaniels are great athletes and love agility games. This breed is easy to train due to its high intelligence and eager-to-please personality. Just like the other spaniels, they are very affectionate with their families.

8. English toy spaniel

The English toy spaniel is closely related to the Cavalier King Charles spaniel. Like the Cavalier King Charles, don’t let the size of the English toy spaniel fool you. They are just as active and athletic as their larger cousins. They have distinctive “squished” faces compared to other spaniels, but they have the same loving personality. Their squashed face makes them a brachycephalic breed.

9. French spaniel

French spaniels have an even temperament and aren’t very excitable, which makes them friendly dogs to humans and animals alike. This medium-sized family dog loves spending time with their family outside or inside. This lovable breed almost went extinct until the extensive efforts of Father Fournier, a French priest who worked to preserve this old breed.

10. Irish water spaniel

Irish water spaniels are most known for their tightly curled, waterproof coat giving them their unique appearance. These medium-sized dogs were bred to hunt and retrieve in the water. They are expert swimmers and love being outside. They are affectionate and loyal to their families.

11. Sussex spaniel

Sussex spaniels are a cheerful and affectionate breed. Their bubbly dispositions are at odds with their somber face, which many pet parents find delightful. Their bright personality and talkative nature are a result of their hunting origins. These spaniels are on the shorter side and are built thick and heavy, so they had to be very vocal for their hunting party to follow them to the captured game.

12. Tibetan spaniel

Despite their name, Tibetan spaniels aren’t actually spaniels. They were bred exclusively in Asia with no shared ancestors with the others on this list. This misnomer was adopted after Westerners found them fulfilling the “spaniel role” for Tibetan monks. However, they are also very loving and affectionate, so in a way, they do fit in.

13. Welsh springer spaniel

Welsh springer spaniels have a bold and striking coat that comes in a white and red pattern. Not only is it gorgeous, but the fur’s texture and the thickness of the coat protect these dogs from weather and thorns. They shine in and out of the home, being both very companionable and highly agile. They have a very happy disposition and love being with their family.

The roles of spaniel breeds today