Sprollies

Willow the Sprollie (Photo: @sprollie_willow / Instagram)

By helloBARK!
Updated on 17 August 2021

A Sprollie is a cross between an English Springer Spaniel and a Border Collie.

This particular crossbreed are likely to be smart dogs with an athletic appearance and striking coat colors.

The Sprollie is a popular hybrid dog given their affectionate and loving personalities.

Sometimes called the English Springer Collie, the cross breed need a lot of mental and physical stimulation.

While the English Springer Spaniel and the Border Collie are recognised by the American Kennel Club and the Kennel Club in the UK, the Sprollie hasn’t been granted status by either organization.

In this article, we’re going to take a close look at the Sprollie cross, looking at their personalities, physical characteristics, exercise requirements and maintenance needs.

We’ll hear from some Sprollie owners who will provide us with some firsthand insights into the cross breed to give us an exclusive look at the cross.

Some of the Sprollie owners that we’ll hear from include Gracie (@training.a.sprollie), Finn (@finn.the.sprollie), Willow (@sprollie_willow).

What Is A Sprollie?

Gracie the Sprollie (Photo: @training.a.sprollie / Instagram)

A Sprollie is the common name given to a dog that is result of breeding between an English Springer Spaniel and a Border Collie.

This particular cross breed is thought to have originated in the UK, although it’s unclear when this particular mix was first creted.

Sprollies, like their Border Collie parents, can make excellent working dogs, particularly in a farm setting.

The Dog Registry of America have granted the Sprollie recognition.

Sprollie Appearance

Sprollies will inherit physical traits from both the English Springer Spaniel and the Border Collie. It’s impossible to predict with any degree of certainty whether a Sprollie will have certain desired traits from either parent.

Having said that, Sprollies will usually have medium-sized floppy ears, medium-length coat with a fluffy tail. They tend to have an alert expression akin to their Border Collie.

Sprollies tend to have brown eyes and a black or brown nose with a tapered muzzle. Sprollie coat color can range from brown, white and black, with brown and white and black and white possible combinations for this mix breed.

Clare and Gracie (@training.a.sprollie):

Gracie is a medium sized dog who has silky and shiny medium length hair. Her hair is black with blue merle from her chin to chest and a little on her nose.

Finn (@finn.the.sprollie):

Black, white & brown/red highlights in his ears. His coat markings are typical to a Collie, he has a Springer Spaniel’s head.

Willow (@sprollie_willow):

Willow’s got floppy spaniel ears, a thick collie undercoat but a silky spaniel topcoat, a feathered tail and legs and her coat is tri-coloured (liver, white & caramel), she also has quite a stocky springer build!

Sprollie Temperament

Finn the Sprollie (Photo: @finn.the.sprollie / Instagram)

As we mentioned above, it’s difficult to predict which personality traits a Sprollie will inherit from their Border Collie and English Spring Spaniel parents. Having said that, there are some characteristics that the two breeds have in common.

Sprollies tend to make affectionate and loving dogs so they can thrive in a a family setting. The cross breed are usually loyal dogs that can develop a deep bond with their fellow family members, although they could latch onto one person in particular.

There’s little doubt that Sprollies are smart dogs that are quick to learn new commands. This active hybrid dog will need lots of mental stimulation to keep their brains active. If they don’t get sufficient exercise, Sprollies could become destructive.

Clare and Gracie (@training.a.sprollie):

Gracie has a very bright, sweet and obedient temperament; however, if not exercised to her usual standard she can have a large build-up of energy and become very destructive and boisterous.

Finn (@finn.the.sprollie):

Finn has a very loving nature. He is friendly, inquisitive and energetic.

Willow (@sprollie_willow):

Willow’s temperament varies by the hour – She can go from being extremely calm, docile and sweet to a crazy mad dog in no time!

How Big Do Sprollies Get?

Sprollie size will usually range between 18 and 26 inches tall, while the English Springer Collie can weigh between 30 and 70 pounds.

Clare and Gracie (@training.a.sprollie):

Sprollies usually grow to be medium sized dogs, about 17 – 21 inches; Gracie is about 18 inches.

Finn (@finn.the.sprollie):

Finn weighs just over 25kg so is a larger sized Sprollie.

Willow (@sprollie_willow):

I have to say, although Willow is great with kids, Sprollies wouldn’t be my first choice of a family dog as they need a lot of time and dedication for training and walks to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.

Do Sprollies Make Good Family Pets?

Gracie the Sprollie (Photo: @training.a.sprollie / Instagram)

Sprollies can make excellent family pets in a home with children. However, this active dog will do better in a house with older children that can match their energy. They may be slightly too high energy for families with small children. You should never leave a dog alone with a child – adult supervision is required at all times.

Clare and Gracie (@training.a.sprollie):

As Sprollies are very good with people and children, they would make fine family pets. However, they may not be good around small children due to their high energy. The family would also need to be dedicated and have time and energy as Sprollies are an intelligent, demanding and high energy breed.

Are Sprollies Affectionate?

Willow the Sprollie (Photo: @sprollie_willow / Instagram)

Every Sprollie is different. This is highlighted by the differing ways the Sprollie owners featured in this article receive affection from their canine companions. While Gracie and Finn appear to show affection in typical ways, Willow likes to show affection through an eagerness to please.

Clare and Gracie (@training.a.sprollie):

Gracie is my third dog after a Labrador Retriever and an English Bulljack and she is much more affectionate than them. My friends also tell me that Gracie appears to be more affectionate than their dogs and other dogs they know. Therefore, Sprollies are very affectionate.

Finn (@finn.the.sprollie):

Yes very affectionate, loves getting attention and coming for cuddles.

Willow (@sprollie_willow):

I can’t speak for all Sprollies, but my girl definitely isn’t affectionate in your typical ways (like cuddling up to you on the sofa), instead she shows her affection by being very eager to please during training, bringing me gifts from outside (like pebbles) and just following me everywhere!

Do Sprollies Have Separation Anxiety?

If you’re a dog owner, there’s a good chance you’ve experienced separation anxiety to some degree. It’s a chronic canine condition that can affect any dog irrespective of breed or mix. It occurs when a dog is left at home alone but a pup may start to show symptoms as their owners are preparing to leave. Some tell-tell signs of separation anxiety include barking, howling, whining, destructive chewing or digging and even defecating inside the home. While some Sprollies may be prone to separation anxiety, our three Sprollie contributors haven’t experienced this chronic canine condition.

Clare and Gracie (@training.a.sprollie):

Providing they have been exercised and are left with many toys to keep themselves entertained, Sprollies can be left alone. Although they are affectionate, they usually do not suffer from separation anxiety as long as they have metal stimulation because they like to be kept busy.

Finn (@finn.the.sprollie):

Ours is a lockdown puppy so he has been used to being with us more. But yes he can be left for short periods.

Willow (@sprollie_willow):

Although many people have said otherwise, they definitely can be left alone for a fair few hours- provided that they have had a good long walk prior and have something to keep them occupied (e.g. we leave dog treat puzzles out for Willow whilst we’re out at work). As long as their physical and mental needs are met, they are great on their own and we don’t have any destructive issues!

Are Sprollies Hard To Train?

Gracie the Sprollie (Photo: @training.a.sprollie / Instagram)

Sprollies are pretty smart dogs. The Border Collie is considered the smartest breed in the world ahead of the German Shepherd and the Poodle. The English Springer Spaniel was ranked at number 13 in The Intelligence of Dogs. So Sprollies will usually be a highly intelligent cross breed that are quick to learn new commands and highly obedient. Having said that, it’s a good idea to start training your Sprollie from a young age.

Clare and Gracie (@training.a.sprollie):

Sprollies are incredibly intelligent and very easy to train. Gracie learns new tricks in as little as 10-15 minutes and remembers them almost immediately the next day. They love to work and perform best when training and given commands.

Finn (@finn.the.sprollie):

They are very good at training as they have two very intelligent breeds. They learn new tricks and commands quickly.

Willow (@sprollie_willow):

Definitely not- Willow picks up new skills and tricks extremely fast! The only thing I do notice in her is a slight stubborn streak that sometimes comes out during training that makes her very strong minded!

Are Sprollies Picky Eaters?

Willow the Sprollie (Photo: @sprollie_willow / Instagram)

Proving that Sprollies can have different characteristics and traits, Gracie and Finn aren’t picky when it comes to their food but Willow has shown some fussiness in the past. However, Willow’s picky days appear to be over since making the switch to a raw food diet.

Clare and Gracie (@training.a.sprollie):

Gracie is not a picky eater and eats everything I give her. She usually gets two meals a day as well as a few healthy treats throughout the day. In the morning she gets dry food called nugget delights which is full of protein and nutritious additives from a company called bluegrass. In the evening she gets a mix of fresh boiled vegetables with added nutrition and either chicken, meat or fish.

Finn (@finn.the.sprollie):

Ours is not and will eat anything. Finn is fed on meat, biscuits and chicken as we find that suits him the best.

Willow (@sprollie_willow):

From what we’ve found with our Sprollie, yes she was VERY picky! We went through several, top quality wet and dry foods as Willow would go off her food every couple months. She is now raw fed and has never loved her food more, as well as her coat becoming much shinier and she’s calmed down massively! We alternate between Henley raw dog food and natures menu.

How Much Mental And Physical Stimulation Do Sprollies Need?

Finn the Sprollie (Photo: @finn.the.sprollie / Instagram)

Border Collies and English Springer Spaniels are sometimes dubbed as dogs that require a lot of mental and physical stimulation. With a high IQ, working dog breeds can resort to destructive behaviours if their brain cells aren’t being tested or getting sufficient stimulation when they exercise.

Finn (@finn.the.sprollie) is an example of a Sprollie who needs a lot of stimulation:

They need plenty to keep them occupied. We stuff kongs and hoofs with treats & meat. You can freeze these too, so it keeps them occupied for longer. We play lots of games and do training everyday to keep him brain working.

Are Sprollies Hypoallergenic?

Gracie the Sprollie (Photo: @training.a.sprollie / Instagram)

Sprollies aren’t an example of a hypoallergenic cross breed given neither the Border Collie nor the English Springer Spaniel is hypoallergenic.

Clare and Gracie (@training.a.sprollie):

Neither the Springer Spaniel or Border Collie which the Sprollie has originated from are hypoallergenic; therefore, Sprollies are highly unlikely to be hypoallergenic.

Do Sprollies Shed?

Sprollies are moderate-to-high shedders so you should be prepared for a hybrid dog that will leave hair on your clothes and furniture, especially during shedding season.

Clare and Gracie (@training.a.sprollie):

Gracie only sheds in the changing of the seasons, Spring and Autumn, and during this time the amount of hair loss is minimal.

Finn (@finn.the.sprollie):

Sprollies shed a lot of fur. We vacuum at least every other day.

Willow (@sprollie_willow):

They do shed a fair amount because of their thick undercoat, however this can be managed by using a grooming ‘rake’ which works wonders to help remove dead hair that a normal brush wouldn’t.

Do Sprollies Require A Lot Of Grooming?

Finn the Sprollie (Photo: @finn.the.sprollie / Instagram)

As dogs that do tend to shed especially during the changing of the seasons, Sprollie owners will need to be prepared to brush their dogs regularly. Sprollies will benefit from a few brushing sessions each week to remove dead hair and debris.

Clare and Gracie (@training.a.sprollie):

Gracie does not require any grooming as she has a soft medium length coat. However, some Sprollies do have longer coats which may need brushed or trimmed.

Finn (@finn.the.sprollie):

They don’t require a lot of grooming. But we brush ours at least 2-3 times a week outside to try keep the amount he sheds inside the house down a bit.

Willow (@sprollie_willow):

Most Sprollies require a fair bit of grooming; brushing them through every couple of days to keep their coats knot free and raking out their undercoat in the summer months, however you don’t need to have your Sprollie’s coat clipped at the groomers.

Sprollie Breeders

Willow the Sprollie (Photo: @sprollie_willow / Instagram)

If you’re looking to add a Sprollie to your home, you should start your search by looking for a English Springer Collie that needs a forever home in a rescue shelter. If you can’t find a Sprollie to rehome, you’ll have to research a dedicated breeder of this particular mix. It’s a good idea to contact a few breeders and ask to visit their home to meet their Sprollies and puppies. You should ask to see a puppy interact with its mother as well as proof of vet checks and health records.

Clare and Gracie (@training.a.sprollie):

I’m not sure if there are many Sprollie breeders; but as the breed is becoming more popular, I suppose there are a decent number.

Willow (@sprollie_willow):

From what I know of-no. Sprollies are most commonly advertised as ‘on off’ litters and usually are put consistently bred by the same breeder.

Sprollie Price

Based upon the feedback from our Sprollie owners featured in this article , you can expect to pay between £1000 and £3000 for a Sprollie puppy.

Clare and Gracie (@training.a.sprollie):

When I bought Gracie two years ago, she was about £200. The breed has rapidly been increasing in popularity since then and Sprollies now cost an estimate of £1500 with some costing £3000.

Willow (@sprollie_willow):

At the moment, Sprollies have been going for between £1,000-£2,000.

Sprollie Costs

Gracie the Sprollie (Photo: @training.a.sprollie / Instagram)

While you may have budgeted for the cost of purchasing your Sprollie pup, there are other expenses that you’ll need to consider on a monthly basis.

Clare and Gracie (@training.a.sprollie) provided some examples of costs associated with owning a Sprollie (or any dog):

We have ours on the Pet Health club plan at our vets. This covers us on flea and worm treatment, vaccinations and check ups. Peace of mind every month that it’s all covered. Then there’s cost of toys and foodie factor in. But I don’t think it costs us too much a month, no different from any other dog breed.

Would You Recommend A Sprollies To A First-Time Dog Owner?

Finn the Sprollie (Photo: @finn.the.sprollie / Instagram)

Clare/Grace:

Sprollies are very loving and easy to train. They are also very manageable when it comes to health and grooming; however, I personally would not recommend them to a first-time owner. This is because they are highly energetic and require long hours of exercise a day. If they do not get their desired amount of exercise, they become very boisterous and destructive which would be a hard for first-time owners. Also, as they are so intelligent, they can be crafty which could be hard for a first-time owner to understand and address.

Finn:

They definitely need lots of training and exercise, which is maybe more than some other breeds. Do your research before you get one and, try to speak to any other Sprollie owners.

Holly/Willow:

I have to say, I probably wouldn’t. Sprollies are a LOT of work, especially if they come from a working background. Their personality can be harder to predict as most often they take different characteristics from each breed. I would only recommend a Sprollie to a first-time dog owner if they have a very active lifestyle and are prepared to go further with training (I do gundog training with Willow).

Sprollie Pros And Cons

Willow the Sprollie (Photo: @sprollie_willow / Instagram)

Pros

Clare/Grace: Intelligent and easy to train; Friendly with both people and other dogs; Low maintenance coat.

Finn: Pros are that they are affectionate, fun, gets you out, always puts a smile on your face, loyal and good with other dogs.

Holly/Willow: They are very easily trainable; They are super friendly dogs; They have boundless energy (great for people with active lifestyles); Fairly low maintenance.

Cons

Clare/Grace: Require a high amount of exercise; Constantly need mental stimulation.

Finn: They shed a lot of fur!

Holly/Willow: Sprollies often find it hard to ‘switch off’ and relax; They require a lot of mental and physical stimulation to be happy; Because of their energy, they may not be suitable around young children; They can be quite territorial of their home (may bark).