The English Springer Spaniel is the oldest and best-established sporting gun dog. It is the taproot of all the sporting land spaniels (except the Clumber Spaniel).
The name undoubtedly comes from his actions afield where he springs at his quarry and flushes it for the net, falcon or greyhound. Today he is used as a flusher and retriever. The breed's popularity has given way to the Cocker, but still remains in the top 30 most popular breeds of dogs. The English Springer Spaniel was recognized by the AKC in 1910.