English Springer Spaniel
A joyful, tireless sporting dog with soulful eyes and a wagging tail. English Springer Spaniels are eager to please, love the outdoors, and make wonderful active family companions.
VS
Labrador Retriever
America's most beloved family dog, known for a friendly temperament and eager-to-please attitude. Labs excel at everything from hunting to therapy work and are incredibly versatile.
Quick Answer
Choose English Springer Spaniel if you want less shedding. Choose Labrador Retriever if you want a great companion.
Quick Comparison
English Springer Spaniel
Attribute
Labrador Retriever
medium
Size
large
18–25 kg (40–55 lbs)
Weight
25–36 kg (55–79 lbs)
46–51 cm (18–20 in)
Height
55–62 cm (22–24 in)
Better12–14 yrs
Lifespan
10–13 yrs
5/5
Trainability
5/5
5/5
Energy
5/5
5/5
Good with Kids
5/5
Better3/5
Shedding
4/5
3/5
Grooming
2/5Better
2/5
Apartment
2/5
3/5
Health
3/5
$800–$2,000
Price
$800–$2,000
Attribute Comparison
Grooming & Shedding
Labrador Retriever sheds more; English Springer Spaniel is easier to maintain.
English Springer Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
Shedding
Better3/5
vs4/5
Grooming Needs
3/5
vs2/5Better
The Labrador Retriever sheds a bit more (4/5) than the English Springer Spaniel (3/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the English Springer Spaniel has a slight edge.
Family & Social Life
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
English Springer Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
Good with Kids
5/5
vs5/5
Good with Dogs
4/5
vs5/5Better
Strangers
4/5
vs5/5Better
Both breeds score 5/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Size & Appearance
Labrador Retriever is the larger breed; English Springer Spaniel is more compact.
English Springer Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
Weight (kg)
18–25
vs25–36
Height (cm)
46–51
vs55–62
The English Springer Spaniel stands 46–51 cm (18–20 in) and weighs 18–25 kg (40–55 lbs), while the Labrador Retriever measures 55–62 cm (22–24 in) and 25–36 kg (55–79 lbs). The Labrador Retriever is the larger of the two, though not by a dramatic margin.
Health & Lifespan
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
English Springer Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
Lifespan (years)
Better12–14
vs10–13
Health Robustness
3/5
vs3/5
Lifespan is a near-tie: the English Springer Spaniel lives roughly 12–14 years while the Labrador Retriever averages 10–13 years. Neither breed has a clear longevity advantage, so other factors should drive your choice.
Cost of Ownership
Both breeds cost about the same to own.
English Springer Spaniel
Avg. Purchase$1,400
Annual Food$600
Annual Vet$450
Annual Grooming$250
Annual Total$1,300 ✓
Labrador Retriever
Avg. Purchase$1,400
Annual Food$720
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$150
Annual Total$1,370
Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $800–$2,000 for a English Springer Spaniel and $800–$2,000 for a Labrador Retriever. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
Temperament & Personality
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
English Springer Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
Playfulness
5/5
vs5/5
Barking Level
3/5
vs3/5
Energy
5/5
vs5/5
English Springer Spaniels from the Sporting group carry a friendly, playful and obedient personality, shaped by their heritage as sporting dogs. Labrador Retrievers, belonging to the Sporting group, are friendly, outgoing and active — reflecting their own distinct breeding history.
Exercise & Activity
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
English Springer Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
Energy Level
5/5
vs5/5
Exercise Needs
5/5
vs5/5
Apartment Friendly
2/5
vs2/5
Both breeds share identical exercise needs (5/5) and similar energy levels (English Springer Spaniel: 5/5, Labrador Retriever: 5/5). Your daily exercise routine will look the same regardless of which breed you choose — plan for at least 60 minutes of vigorous daily activity.
Training & Intelligence
Both breeds are equally trainable.
English Springer Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
Trainability
5/5
vs5/5
Intelligence
5/5
vs5/5
Both breeds score 5/5 for trainability — you'll have a similar experience training either one. Both are cooperative, eager learners.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the English Springer Spaniel if you value less shedding (3/5).
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The English Springer Spaniel and Labrador Retriever are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose English Springer Spaniel if...
- ✓You have other dogs at home — English Springer Spaniels tend to get along well with other dogs (4/5).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Choose Labrador Retriever if...
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Labrador Retrievers tend to get along well with other dogs (5/5).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Neither may be right if...
Both the English Springer Spaniel and Labrador Retriever have high energy needs (5/5 and 5/5 respectively). If you live in a small apartment without park access or can't commit to 60+ minutes of daily exercise, consider a lower-energy breed like a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Shih Tzu instead.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, English Springer Spaniel or Labrador Retriever?
The English Springer Spaniel scores 5/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Labrador Retriever at 5/5. The English Springer Spaniel is specifically recommended for families.
Is a English Springer Spaniel or Labrador Retriever easier to train?
The English Springer Spaniel is equally easy to train with a score of 5/5, matching the Labrador Retriever. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well.
Which costs more, a English Springer Spaniel or Labrador Retriever?
A English Springer Spaniel puppy costs $800–$2,000 while a Labrador Retriever costs $800–$2,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,300 for the English Springer Spaniel and $1,370 for the Labrador Retriever. The Labrador Retriever costs more to maintain annually.
Do English Springer Spaniels or Labrador Retrievers live longer?
The English Springer Spaniel lives 12–14 years on average, while the Labrador Retriever lives 10–13 years. The English Springer Spaniel generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a English Springer Spaniel or Labrador Retriever live in an apartment?
The English Springer Spaniel is equally suited for apartments (2/5) as the Labrador Retriever (2/5). Neither breed is ideal for apartments — both prefer more space.