Dog trainer calls out the breed he would not have as a family pet
Canine behaviourist Will Atherton warns against the energetic Springer Spaniel as a family pet.
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Choosing the right dog breed for your family is more than just picking a pet -it’s about matching energy levels, training needs, and daily lifestyle.
Clinical Canine behaviourist Will Atherton, who shares advice with nearly a million followers on TikTok, has named a breed he advises most people to avoid bringing into busy family homes: the charismatic but high-octane Springer Spaniel.
Atherton often helps prospective owners select dogs suited to their way of life.
In one of his most-viewed videos, a viewer asked, “Why do you hate spaniels so much?” Atherton responded plainly: “I promise you that isn’t the case whatsoever,” clarifying that his caution is not rooted in dislike
Still, he admits the breed can be a poor fit for many households. “There aren't actually any breeds that I hate, but I just strongly believe that breeds have a purpose,” he says, and warns that “for most people the Springer Spaniel is a terrible choice.”
Their relentless energy and ingrained instincts make it challenging to simply relax with one on the sofa.
At his canine behaviour centre, Atherton frequently encounters owners who struggle with their spaniels' inability to settle.
He notes that while some Springer Spaniels are calm exceptions, they are not the norm, and many people get them because they “look awesome”, not because they’ve thought through what owning one really entails.
Owners in the comments section reflect a mix of agreement and pushback. One wrote, *“My Springer must be a bit dodgy… as soon as he's home… all he wants is sleep and hugs.” Another shared, “I have two spaniels and I completely agree,” while yet another noted their Springer simply needs high engagement and enrichment, and runs with them to burn off some of that energy.
These stories are echoed by experts who emphasise how strongly such breeds are wired for work.
Spaniels were bred for hunting; their drive to retrieve, sniff and work doesn't fade in a domestic setting. Without structure, their high energy often leads to behavioural issues like poor recall, frustration or possessiveness.
Canine behaviourists advise that what most spaniels really need is not more activity, but to learn how to switch off.
Teaching them to relax is a key skill - often through calm, clear interaction. Without this, over-stimulation can turn into stress, anxiety, and sometimes reactivity.
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