Springer Pit

35-50 lbs
19-21"
Unknown
English Springer Spaniel
American Pit Bull Terrier

The Springer Pit is a mixed dog that resulted from crossing an American Pit Bull Terrier and an English Springer Spaniel. These are big dogs with short hair and a moderate tendency to shed. They live up to 15 years, and weigh between 35 and 55 pounds. The Springer Pit is fun to be with; these dogs have really high energy levels and require a lot of daily activity to drain it. They are full of excitement, energy, and always up for an entertaining game like fetch or flyball. The Springer Pit is a very smart dog and like to follow commands, which makes them easy to train. They are also very affectionate and sensitive, and don’t do well when left alone for long periods of time.  

purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
English Springer Spaniel, American Pit Bull Terrier

Springer Pit Health

Average Size
Male Springer Pit size stats
Height: 20-22 inches Weight: 40-55 lbs
Female Springer Pit size stats
Height: 19-21 inches Weight: 35-50 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Ear Infections
  • Canine Hip Dysplasia
  • Skin Diseases and Disorders
Minor Concerns
  • Retinal Dysplasia
  • Hypothyroidism
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Entropion
  • Heart Disease
Occasional Tests
  • Skin Evaluation
  • Blood Count
  • Eye and Ear Examination
  • Heart Testing

Springer Pit Breed History

The Springer Pit resulted from crossing an English Springer Spaniel with an American Pitbull Terrier. The English Springer Spaniel is believed to be originated in Spain, thus the name. This breed is known to have a long history, traced back to 300 A.D. when Welsh law documents mention the Spaniels. Dogs looking like today’s Springer Spaniel are found in some 16th and 17th century paintings. Spaniels were used for hunting; these dogs would spring small animals or birds, and drive them somewhere they could be captured. Later, when guns were invented, these dogs assisted hunting by flushing game. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the English started to classify the Spaniels from the same litter by hunting use, instead of their breed. The small ones were destined to hunt woodcock, hence the Cocker name, and the bigger dogs were perfect for flushing game, so they got called Springers. The English Springer Spaniel was first imported to America by a Canadian breeder in 1913. Since the 1940s, two kinds of Springers are being bred; dogs for field work, and dogs for shows. The Springers that are used for field work have higher endurance, speed, and sense of smell. These two kinds of Springers are not interbred. The American Kennel Club recognized the English Springer Spaniel in 1910. The American Pit Bull Terrier comes from the Bull and Terrier breeds created in England in the 19th century, for bull and bear baiting. Later, when these spectacles became illegal, the dogs were used for dog-fighting instead. These “bull dogs” were developed for dog-fighting, but it was necessary that they wouldn’t bite their handlers, so they got a dog aggression trait, but had an opposition to attack humans. Therefore, these dogs became known as strong, protective dogs that were affectionate and family-friendly. Later, when the dogs were taken to America, people started to use them for hunting, property protection, and companionship. Here, breeders also developed a larger dog than the original English one. This larger breed got the name of American Pit Bull Terrier and it was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936, as the American Staffordshire Terrier. The name was changed intending to separate the dogs from their fighting background.

Springer Pit Breed Appearance

The Springer Pit is a big dog, with short to medium length hair. Their fur can be black, white, blue, cream, brindle, brown, and a combination of two or three colors. They have a muscular and compact build, strong legs and paws that help them run fast and swim, and a long tail. These dogs have really strong jaw muscles and their teeth meet in a scissors bite. The Springer Pit has a large head, her ears are long and floppy, and her eyes are rounded and kind. She has a long muzzle, thinner than her head, and a big, black or brown nose. 

Eye Color Possibilities
blue Springer Pit eyes
Blue
hazel Springer Pit eyes
Hazel
brown Springer Pit eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Springer Pit nose
Black
brown Springer Pit nose
Brown
Coat Color Possibilities
black Springer Pit coat
Black
brown Springer Pit coat
Brown
cream Springer Pit coat
Cream
brindle Springer Pit coat
Brindle
white Springer Pit coat
White
blue Springer Pit coat
Blue
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Springer Pit straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Springer Pit Breed Maintenance

This hybrid dog does not require much maintenance, which makes them great for someone who doesn’t have the time or the money to constantly groom a dog. She sheds moderately, so using a deshedder several times a week is highly recommended, as well as an occasional bath to keep her clean. Checking and cleaning her ears weekly is important to prevent any infection. You can do it with a cleaning solution damped cotton. Brushing her teeth at least three times a week is necessary for removing the tartar buildup and bacteria. You will also need to clip her nails once or twice a month, if she doesn’t wear them out on her own with activity. 

Brushes for Springer Pit
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Deshedder
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Springer Pit requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Springer Pit Temperament

The Springer Pit is a very affectionate, intelligent, energetic, and cheerful dog. She is super playful, enjoys running in a yard or park, and has a tendency to prey drive, as the English Springer Spaniel does. It is important to have a fenced yard, since this dog is prone to wander around and might get lost or hurt. She is very smart, loyal, and follows commands effortlessly, making her very easy to train. This hybrid is super friendly with other people, dogs and animals, and they are always looking to play. This dog is not recommended for property guarding, they might bark at first but shortly, they will want to play and be petted. Also, the Springer Pit is very sensitive and emotional; she doesn’t cope well when left alone for long periods of time. She may suffer from separation anxiety and if bored, she will search for things to chew and destroy. 

Springer Pit Activity Requirements

The Springer Spaniel comes from two highly active dogs, therefore she needs a lot of exercise to stay healthy, happy, and to avoid unwanted behaviors like mouthiness or excessive barking. A walk 2 or 3 times daily, a fast-walk or a jog is great for them. These dogs also need activities that demand both physical and intellectual effort. A good game of flyable, fetch, tracking activities, or other agility games would be highly appreciated. Some Springer Pits might also love to get a good swim as well, either in a big pond or a small plastic pool. These dogs live best in a house with a big yard where they can run and play freely. If you don’t have a big yard, taking them to a park where they could run free will make them happy, especially if it has a pond or lake where they can swim. 

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
15 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Springer Pit Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
2.5 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.50 - $1.90
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$34.00 - $45.00
food bag monthly cost

Springer Pit Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Springer Pit size stats at six months
Height: 15.5 inches Weight: 30.0 lbs
Female Springer Pit size stats at six months
Height: 13.5 inches Weight: 25.0 lbs
12 Months
Male Springer Pit size stats at 12 months
Height: 18.5 inches Weight: 45.0 lbs
Female Springer Pit size stats at 12 months
Height: 17.5 inches Weight: 40.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Springer Pit size stats at 18 months
Height: 20.5 inches Weight: 46.0 lbs
Female Springer Pit size stats at 18 months
Height: 19.5 inches Weight: 41.0 lbs

Springer Pit Owner Experiences

Fella
7 Years
4 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
swimming
Balls
Cuddling
Long walks
Hiking
Best dog I’ve ever had. Great nose, enjoys treat games. Extremely high energy. Love’s all people, but takes time to get to know other dogs. Raised him with cats and kids. He follows me everywhere I go, even to the bathroom.
4 days, 7 hours ago
Betty
10 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Super sweet with the family, very high prey drive, high energy
1 year, 1 month ago
Punky
11 Months
2 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Tug-of-war
Walk
Cuddling
Fetch
She was it 6 weeks when I rescued her from a neglectful home and I was instantly In love with her. She is So sweet and affectionate. Although she loves her family, she is very skiddish around other people. But all in all I am sooooo happy with my springer pit mix.
1 year, 9 months ago
Molly
11 Months
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Tug-of-war
running,
Puzzle Toys
Fetch
Best dog I could have asked for. She is great with children and adults, and plays well with other dogs. Very loving. Can be a bit apprehensive at first with certain strangers, but warms up quickly. Barks rarely (mainly at Halloween decorations). She is so well behaved I take her to my office every day, and everyone loves her. Highly recommend this breed
1 year, 10 months ago
Max
3 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Most loving dog. Accepting of all people and animals, great with kids. Would highly recommend this breed.
5 years, 10 months ago
Rosie
2 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
playing in the yard
She's a wonderful dog, but she doesn't like children or "strangers" on her property or in her home. She will jump and kiss them, then growl and snap at them for no reason. If it is a person she's known she is kissing them. She is an excape artist and loves to play and get into trouble.
4 years, 5 months ago
Candy
10 Years
5 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
They’re amazing dogs in my opinion, my dog Candy loves a good long walk and will do just about anything for food. Unfortunately she is dog aggressive, but seems to be just out of fear. She was also diagnosed with diabetes a little over a month ago and so far has been amazing with the insulin injections twice a day.
4 years, 4 months ago
Mary jane
7 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She is my best friend she’s my lover and my pal I cannot ask for a better animal highly intelligent understand silent commands hand signals with the clicks Spanish and English
4 years ago
Baby
8 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Dock diving, Tracking & Nosework, Agility, Frisbee
Sweetest dog, always happy to see everyone, always loves to play, will do playbow and lay down when seeing a strange dog, can react if they lunge at her, she likes good manners. She is a good eater, trusting of vet staff. Loves absolutly Loves children especially todlers, extremely gently, will not jump on children or elderly, Loves cats, did have some prey drive when a puppy, but never harmed, she loved to run with the squirrels, she never harmed it, never put it in her mouth. She is extremely intuative, knows not to be under your feet, or on top of you when you are doing things. She sits properly in the car and is rarely corrected for behavior. She can pull on leash when she sees someone she recognizes in the distance. She has to say hello to everyone in the neighborhood on a walk, she will even scratch on the doors of the dogs she's friends with when we pass their houses. She is very confident. Not barky at all but expressive of a soft whimper when she is trying to tell you something. She excels in whatever sport you teach her and loves to snuggle right next to you at bedtime. She shares toys and food and water with her siblings, we have 2 other female dogs, one smaller 9 boston terrier/chihuahua mix), one bigger (american bulldog) and 1 large male pit and we have a female cat who seems to be her best friend. All I can say is she is a great dog. I can see the springer spaniel in her jumping ability and agility, I can also see the bull terrier in her as she has the same physique and muscle mass and strangley shaped head and eyes. Her fur is soft like the spaniel and her ears kinda long like a spaniel. She is red and white (red like an irish setter color) with a red nose, she has yellow eyes like a wolf.
3 years, 10 months ago
Phoenix
13 Months
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playdate
Fetch
Off-leash
Dog Parks
Tug-of-war
Very easily trained, highly affectionate, separation anxiety, protective of me and my husband, Extremely sensitive/emotional, expressive, hyper until worn out with play time
3 years, 9 months ago
Bandit
17 Months
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Jogging
Walk
Doggy Daycare
Nap
Dog Parks
We adopted Bandit at 12 months and could not have gotten luckier. He is the most affectionate, sensitive, trainable companion we could have asked for. He adapts easily to any activity we do, whether we hike the entire day or stay in bed all day - he is just happy to be next to us. He is extremely sociable, with people and other dogs. Very high prey drive. Extremely easy to train as he just wants to please. Not very vocal, but will let out a bark or “talk” if he’s agitated (seldom). His most difficult trait is his separation anxiety, will destroy items if left alone - but a bone or mental game will help.
3 years, 7 months ago
spit
2 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We got a rescue dog of this breed and she is absolutely terrible. Chews up anything and everything, jumps on our guests, tries attacking other dogs and has had many viscous attacks against the family. The dog sheds constantly - like everywhere there is sooooo much hair. We really do not like her, she’s just not enjoyable to be around. She has free range of a huge yard and is outside all day but still attacks and is just so mean. No one likes her and she has serious issues. Reading other reviews make them sound great but they can be absolutely terrible. Do not buy this breed, i’m sure a few can be nice but we literally have satan as a dog.
3 years, 6 months ago
Marley
1 Year
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
going on Joggs
she is scared of the rubber squeaky chicken in the back yard.she wont go within 6ft of the chicken
3 years, 5 months ago
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