Dog breeds / Medium breeds

What a English Springer Spaniel really costs

Springers sit in the middle on cost: puppies average about $1,550 and food for a 40-50 lb dog is moderate. The extra spending is a trim of the feathered coat every 2 to 3 months and a higher-than-average risk of elbow dysplasia, which OFA finds in about one in six dogs tested.

Size: Medium, 40–50 lb
Life expectancy: 12–14 years
Grooming: Moderate
Insurance risk: Average
Puppy price: $1,200–$2,500
Food a day: About 1,140 calories

Lifetime cost$42,000 First year $5,930Then about $2,940 a year

Where the money goes each year

A typical adult year for a English Springer Spaniel with mainstream food, a groomer, no insurance, in an average-cost area. That's $50 less than the median breed.

Illness and injury (average)$650
Food$592
Heartworm, flea and tick prevention$443
Checkups, vaccines and tests$330
Dental cleanings$283
Grooming$277
Toys, beds and everyday supplies$230
Treats and chews$118
License$20
Typical year$2,940

Most years land between $2,040 (budget food, home grooming, lower-cost area) and $4,120 (premium food, groomer, insurance, big city). Dogs over about 7 add about $180 a year for senior checkups.

The first year

Buying a puppy front-loads the bill: the price, gear, puppy shots and spay or neuter.

Bringing a puppy home

Breeder price$1,850
Crate, bed, leash, bowls and gear$550
Spay or neuter$490
Microchip$50
Puppy or basic obedience class$149
Upfront$3,090

Running costs in year one

Food$592
Treats and chews$118
Puppy vaccines and checkups$738
Heartworm, flea and tick prevention$443
Grooming$277
License$20
Illness and injury (average)$650
Year-one running costs$2,840

First-year total: $5,930. Adopting instead brings it to about $3,390.

Health costs to plan for

The Springer's main documented risks (elbow dysplasia in 16% of OFA evaluations, hip dysplasia in 12.4%, epilepsy) are significant but not extreme, so we place it at the average for a medium dog; no breed-specific insurer claim data was found.

Condition	How it affects English Springer Spaniels	Typical treatment	Cost
Elbow dysplasia	Springers rank among the more affected breeds in OFA's elbow database: 16% of 5,948 dogs evaluated had abnormal elbows. Source	Surgical diagnosis and treatment (arthroscopy), per elbow	$1,500–$4,000
Hip dysplasia	OFA graded 12.4% of 20,627 Springer hip X-rays dysplastic. Source	FHO or other non-replacement hip surgery, per hip	$1,500–$3,000
Epilepsy	Lemonade lists epilepsy as one of the more common inherited conditions in Springers; it usually means lifelong daily medication. Source	Anticonvulsant medication and monitoring, per year	$200–$5,000

The yearly estimate already includes an average allowance of $650 for illness and injury. A single surgery can cost several times that, which is the case for an emergency fund or insurance.

What drives the cost of a English Springer Spaniel

Lemonade estimates professional grooming at $300 to $600 a year: the feathered ears, feet and underside need neatening every 8 to 10 weeks, though AKC notes owners can learn to trim them.
Elbow surgery is the most likely large orthopedic bill at $1,500 to $4,000 per elbow, so ask breeders for OFA elbow results on both parents.
Field-bred Springers need a job; budget for training classes or flushing-dog training if you won't hunt, since bored spaniels chew.
Long ears mean regular ear cleaning supplies and occasional otitis visits.
Food is about $45 to $70 a month per Lemonade; a 36-inch crate fits most adults.

Breeder or rescue

Reputable breeder: $1,200–$2,500
Rescue or shelter: $75–$450
Lifetime, from a breeder: $42,000
Lifetime, adopted: $39,500

Good Dog lists Springer puppies at around $1,550 and iHeartDogs puts reputable breeders at $800-$2,500. Show (bench) and field lines are bred separately and priced differently. English Springer Rescue America charges $450, or $75 for seniors placed with adopters over 60.

Adopting vs buying: the full cost comparison

Similar-size breeds by yearly cost

Pembroke Welsh Corgi$2,880 a year
Siberian Husky$2,880 a year
Border Collie$2,920 a year
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever$2,920 a year
Samoyed$3,010 a year
Lagotto Romagnolo$3,030 a year
Compare all breeds

Common questions

How much does a English Springer Spaniel puppy cost?

A English Springer Spaniel puppy from a reputable US breeder typically costs $1,200–$2,500. Adopting one through a rescue usually costs $75–$450.

How much does a English Springer Spaniel cost per year?

After the first year, a English Springer Spaniel costs about $2,940 a year, or $245 a month, for food, vet care, preventives, grooming, supplies and average illness costs. Depending on food, grooming, insurance and where you live, a typical year ranges from about $2,040 to $4,120.

How much does a English Springer Spaniel cost over its lifetime?

About $42,000 over a 13-year life when bought from a breeder, or $39,500 if adopted, in 2026 dollars.

Sources

Prices are averages from the sources above and the cost baselines on our methodology page, in 2026 US dollars. Your vet, groomer and city will differ. Updated October 14, 2026.