A dog trainer warns that Springer Spaniels may not be suitable for families due to their high energy and need for constant activity
London: A dog trainer has some strong opinions about Springer Spaniels. Will Atherton, a canine behaviorist, thinks they’re a “terrible choice” for families. He calls them “frenzied lunatics,” which sounds pretty intense, right?
These dogs are bred for hunting and working, weighing around 40 to 50 pounds. Atherton shared his thoughts in a TikTok video that got a lot of attention, racking up over 549,000 views.
He explained that while some people might find them great, most families would struggle. Springer Spaniels are not just cute; they need to be active and busy. Atherton pointed out that many folks get them for their looks, thinking they’ll be perfect for Instagram, but that’s not the reality.
He emphasized that these dogs were bred to work hard, not lounge around. They’re meant to be out in the field, not chilling on the couch. Atherton mentioned that trying to get a Springer Spaniel to relax at home can be a real challenge.
Some proud Springer owners chimed in, saying their dogs are actually pretty lazy. One person joked that their dog is the laziest they’ve ever seen, while another said theirs just alternates between running around and sleeping.
Despite the mixed reviews, Atherton stands by his point. He believes that these dogs need a lot of activity and can develop behavior issues if they don’t get it. The American Kennel Club describes them as energetic and smart, built for long days of work, and they really thrive on companionship.
