Looking for a loyal, loving canine companion? The springador — a mixed breed dog created by breeding the friendly Labrador and the playful springer spaniel — may be just what you’re looking for!
It’s always a bit tough to characterize the traits of a mixed-breed pooch, but we’ll try to help you know what to expect from these cute canines below. Hopefully, this will help you determine whether or not a springador would be a good fit for your lifestyle.
The Springador Breed Profile: Key Takeaways
- Springadors are mixed-breed dogs made by crossing a springer spaniel with a Labrador retriever. Like most other mixed-breed pups, springadors frequently exhibit a combination of traits inherited from each parent breed.
- It is difficult to predict how any mixed-breed pup will turn out. However, there are a few traits and characteristics that seem to describe most springadors, such as a high energy level and super-friendly nature.
- There are also a few other breeds and breed combinations that springador fans may want to consider. This includes purebred pups like flat-coated retrievers and lovable mixes like boradors.
What Is A Springador?
Springadors (sometimes called Labradingers) are mixed breed pups, created by crossing a springer spaniel and Labrador retriever.
While they don’t have a well-documented history, this mixed breed seems to be reasonably popular in the world of designer dogs. And it’s easy to see why — springadors are typically charming, lively pups that are bound to steal your heart.
However, while most people who bring a springador into their lives are overjoyed with their pooch, it’s important to understand both of the parents’ characteristics, habits, and needs before bringing your new buddy home.
Understanding the Parent Breeds
Anytime you’re considering a mixed-breed pupper, you should take a moment to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of both parent breeds.
We’ll help you do this below, by discussing the basics of Labs and springer spaniels.
Labrador Retriever
Half of the springador’s personality and looks can be attributed to the popular and coveted Labrador retriever. In fact, the AKC labels the Labrador as the most popular breed in the United States. Labradors are generally known for being energetic, smart, and loving dogs who do well with families or single owners, as long as their needs are met.
Labradors make great pets, but they are also known for being adept therapy and hunting dogs due to their trainability, intelligence, work ethic, and good-natured personality. As a matter of fact, Labs were originally bird hunting dogs bred to hunt and retrieve waterfowl.
These medium-sized dogs usually weigh somewhere between 50 and 80 pounds and come in golden, chocolate, or black coat variants. Labs are known for being excellent canine companions, but they need a good amount of daily exercise and playtime to stay mentally and physically fit.
Check out these breeds that look similar to Labrador retrievers!
Springer Spaniel
The springer spaniel (who’s sometimes called an English springer spaniel) is also a bird-hunting dog like the Lab. This breed is generally characterized as happy-go-lucky and gentle, making them pretty easy to train.
These dogs have a beautiful double coat that comes in a variety of colors, usually white accompanied by black or liver (a deep brown color) markings. However, they also come in tricolor or lemon (a light brown/blond color) with white. Springer spaniels usually weigh anywhere from 40 to 60 pounds.
The springer spaniel is athletic and requires lots of regular exercise to keep his tail wagging. This friendly breed is happy to hang out at home with his owners, as long as he gets plenty of chances to go outside and romp around.
Springador Traits and Characteristics
Since the springador is a mixed breed, it’s difficult to accurately predict the breed’s personality and characteristics. There’s no guarantee that any mixed dog is going to possess an even 50/50 blend of the parent’s traits.
That being said, here are some general guidelines of what to expect from a springador so that you can determine whether or not the breed is a good fit for your home.
- Size and Shape: Springadors are medium to large dogs weighing anywhere from 50 to 90 pounds. They’re usually 19 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder, though mixed breeds can certainly fall out of the predicted range. Springadors typically have a lab-like build.
- Temperament: Most springadors are devoted family companions who love being around their owners and exploring new places. This playful breed is pretty lively and needs lots of time outdoors exercising to feel their best. Springadors are friendly, loving, and loyal to their family members and want nothing more than to play fetch and spend time with loved ones. The springador doesn’t like being left alone for long periods of time and is happiest in households where there’s always something to do.
- Coat and Colors: The springador tends to take on the solid black, gold, or brown coat like his Labrador parent. Occasionally, some of the white markings from the Springer Spaniel parent may come through. The most common place to see white on these dogs is the chest. Since both parent breeds have a double-coat the springador has one too. The springador is well-suited for hot weather as well as cooler climates with his medium-length coat.
- Intelligence: Luckily, the springador is naturally intelligent so these pups are pretty easy to train, and they make great working dogs. These people-pleasing pooches are happy to learn just about any trick or skill if it means winning you over. Your springador will also appreciate having a variety of puzzle toys on hand to keep him mentally stimulated throughout the day.
- Training Challenges: While springadors are generally very teachable, they face their own set of training challenges just like any other dog. The high-strung springador may, for example, be prone to developing separation anxiety. They also have high prey drives, so springadors should be socialized around cats and other small animals from an early age if they’ll be expected to live alongside them.
- Grooming: You’ll want to make sure you brush your springador’s coat at least once a week to prevent any matting. The mixed-breed has a medium-length coat that sheds year-round. The springador also has large, floppy ears that should be cleaned regularly (especially after swimming) to prevent ear infections. Don’t forget to brush your dog’s teeth on a daily basis and make sure he’s bathed monthly.
- Health: As with any dog, it’s important to find a reputable breeder to make sure your puppy is on the path to good health. Springador dogs are generally healthy and live anywhere from 10 to 14 years. That being said, they are more susceptible to the ailments faced by Labrador retrievers and springer spaniels, such as hip dysplasia and eye problems. As with any dog, you’ll want to make sure your springador is up to date on his vet visits to keep him in tip-top shape.
Springadors are family-friendly pups who are usually great with kids.
But, as with all dogs, it’s important that they learn to be careful around small children as their boundless playfulness could lead to accidental injuries.
Best Families / Owners for Springadors
Are you ready to welcome one of these sweet springadors into your life? Here is a quick check to make sure the springador is the right dog for your home.
- You love exercising or getting out and about. Springadors are naturally lively and need regular exercise to feel their best. If you’re looking for a dog hiking buddy or a canine to keep you company on your runs, a springador is a great choice.
- You have a lively household. Springadors thrive in homes where someone is always around to interact with. If you’re looking for a super independent pooch that’ll need to spend lots of time on his own, the springador isn’t a great fit. This mixed breed likes spending time around his owners as much as possible.
- You’re ready to invest time in training. Springadors have an innate thirst for knowledge and do well in homes where they have the opportunity to learn lots of tricks. In addition, focused training is critical if you have small animals at home as the springador has a high prey drive.
- You’re ready for a life-long companion. These beautiful mutts are eternally devoted to their families and will make sure you know it. It’s easy to fall for one of these friendly, playful, and loving dogs.
It’s always a good idea to meet the parents of any pooch you intend to bring home.
This is especially helpful when you’re thinking about a mixed-breed doggo, as they can be a little harder to predict. But, by meeting ma and pa (and verifying that you like them both), you’re more likely to end up with a dog that fits well into your family.
Similar Breeds (and Mutts) to Consider
Not sure if the springador is the dog of your dreams? Here are some other similar breeds and mixed breeds to consider.
- Beagador: This is another Labrador mix that’s crossed with a beagle, giving you a loyal, adventurous family dog.
- Spanador: Spanadors are crosses between Labradors and the cocker spaniel, a relative of the springer spaniel. These canine cuties are loving and intelligent companions.
- Borador: The borer-collie-Lab-Mix is exceptionally smart, sweet, and always ready for a long run or hike.
- Goldador: This cross between a Labrador and golden retriever gives you a caring canine companion that will always brighten your day.
- Curly-Coated Retriever: This pure-bred pooch is just as sweet and lively as a springador, but a little more on the independent side. These tireless dogs love intense, regular exercise.
- Flat-Coated Retriever: These playful pooches retain a puppy-like spirit well throughout their lives. Flat-coated retrievers are happy go lucky dogs that are sure to keep you entertained.
- Spangold Retriever: The spangold retriever is the adorable cross between a springer spaniel and golden retriever. These good-natured dogs are great family companions.
- Springerdoodle: This cross between a springer spaniel and poodle is highly intelligent and an active companion. These sporty dogs are super versatile and love being around family members and other dogs.
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All in all, the springador is a lovely mixed breed that is bound to flourish in the right environment. These sweet, playful pups are bound to make life a whole lot of fun!
Do you have one of these cute canines at home? Does he show more of his Labrador or springer spaniel side? We’d love to hear all about it in the comments below!
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