Welsh Springer Spaniel

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Welsh Springer Spaniel Profile

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a very sociable and intelligent dog who thrives on human companionship. Smaller than their English cousin, they also have less feathering on the ears, more tapered heads and higher set ears. The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a medium sized dog that is muscular and has drop ears. They have brown eyes and a black or brown nose. The Welsh Springer Spaniel's tail is docked or can be natural length. With a medium length coat, the feathering on their ears and body unveil colors of vibrant red and white, with the additional red freckles. Originally used as a gun dog, today Welsh Springer Spaniels have more fame as family pets with good natures, adaptability and every ready eagerness to get up and go. The Welsh Springer Spaniel is an active dog displaying a loyal and affectionate disposition. Although Welsh Springer Spaniels are reserved with strangers, they are not timid, shy nor unfriendly. They are jovial and outgoing, active and intelligent. The Welsh Springer Spaniel exhibits an attitude very inspiring and cheerful.

Type: Gun Dog

Height: 17 - 19 inches.
Weight: 35- 50 lbs.

Colors: Rich red and white only.
Coat: Straight and flat, silky in texture; there is some feathering on the chest, underside of body and the legs.

Temperament: Welsh Springer Spaniels are attentive, friendly, cheerful, sensitive, and independent. They are quite jovial, being outgoing and agreeable. They are intelligent and active, always willing to "spring" to your side. The Welsh Springer Spaniel is highly trainable, but must remain motivated in order to be trained. They are devoted to family, get along well with children as well as with pets. They get along with everyone, making them good watchdogs but not so good guard dogs.
With Children: Yes, they are gentle with children.
With Pets: Yes, they will tolerate other pets.

Watch-dog: High. Welsh Springer Spaniels are an alert and sensitive breed.
Guard-dog: Medium - Low.

Welsh Springer Spaniel Care and Exercise: For Welsh Springer Spaniels a regular brushing with a stiff bristle brush twice a week is needed. Shedding is twice a year and needs extra attention. Bathe or dry shampoo when necessary. Occasional professional grooming is desirable. Check their ears for grass seeds and any other signs of infection. Trim hair between toes and keep the nails clipped. Welsh Springer Spaniels need regular exercise on and off the leash. Without enough exercise, they have a tendency to become fat and lazy. Welsh Springer Spaniels enjoy swimming and should be given a chance to do so.
Training: Welsh Springer Spaniel puppies need to be kept as close to people as possible for socialization. Obedience training and retrieval exercises can be started at six months of age. They have a tendency to wander and need training to prevent wandering.
Learning Rate: High. Obedience - Medium. Problem Solving - Medium.

Activity: Indoors - High. Outdoors - Very High.
Living Environment: Welsh Springer Spaniels do not do well in a kennel. They should have a house with a fenced yard. An owner of a Welsh Springer Spaniel needs to spend time providing them doing a job, whether it is hunting, retrieving, or agility work. The best owner for this breed would be an active family or individual living in a rural or suburban environment.

Welsh Springer Spaniel Health Issues: Hip dysplasia, cataracts, entropion, hypothyroidism, seizures and epilepsy.

Life Span: 12 - 14 years.
Litter Size: 6 - 10 puppies.

Country of Origin: Wales
Welsh Springer Spaniel History: Related to the English Springer Spaniel, they come from the same stock. Hunting spaniels had existed in England since the Medieval times. Welsh Springer Spaniels are mentioned in the Laws of Wales as early as 1300 A.D. Hunters kept these hunting spaniels for flushing game. Theory suggests that the breed's forefathers arrived with the Gauls in pre-Roman times. Bred in Wales for more than 400 years, there is speculation that they were crossed between the Clumber Spaniel and some indigenous Welsh Spaniels. They are certainly related to the Brittany in some way. Until the 19th century this breed was unknown outside of Wales. Before 1902, the Welsh Springer was referred to as the Welsh Cocker, even when it was recognized by the KC (UK). During the World Wars the breed's numbers diminished, but they stood through the test of time. They were first imported into the U.S. after World War II. In Wales, this breed is also known as a "Starter". Over the last 20 years or so the breed has spread from its homeland to the U.S. and elsewhere.

First Registered by the AKC: 1914
AKC Group: Sporting
Class: Gundog
Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 8), KC (GB), UKC

Welsh Springer Spaniels

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