Renowned for devotion and loyalty, the Welsh Springer Spaniel is energetic, but possesses a calm temperament. This dog can be reserved toward strangers and early socialization is imperative.

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The Welsh Springer is a relatively rare breed of Spaniel. According to the Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of America, only about 300 puppies, or six per state, are registered with the American Kennel Club each year.

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Welsh Springer Spaniel at a Glance

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It has been claimed that the Welsh Springer Spaniel (also known as the "Welshie") needs to be with his owner every minute that the owner is home.

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Size:

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Weight Range:

Male: 40-45 lbs.
Female: 35-40 lbs.

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Height at Withers:

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Male: 19 in.
Female: 18 in.

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Expectations:

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Exercise Requirements: >40 minutes/day
Energy Level: Average
Longevity Range: 12-15 yrs.
Tendency to Drool: Low
Tendency to Snore: Low
Tendency to Bark: Low
Tendency to Dig: Low
Social/Attention Needs: Moderate

 

Bred For:

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Flushing and retrieving birds

 

Coat:

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Length: Medium
Characteristics: Silky & Straight
Colors: Rich red and white
Overall Grooming Needs: Moderate

 

Club Recognition:

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AKC Classification: Sporting
UKC Classification: Gun Dog
 

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The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized dog with a red and white coat, often with freckles.

The coat is silky, naturally straight and flat to the touch rather than wiry or wavy. The downward-drooping ears are smaller and the body longer than those of the English Springer Spaniel. The eyes are medium to dark brown. The ears and tail are lightly feathered, while the legs, chest, and underside are feathered more heavily.

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The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a vigorous, medium-sized bird dog of happy disposition, known for versatility in the field, companionability at home, and dashing good looks anywhere. The Welshie is among Britain's oldest sporting breeds. Standing between 17 and 19 inches at the shoulder, Welshies are described by their fans as being of 'handy size': bigger and stronger than Cocker Spaniels but smaller than English Springers. Welshies have two hallmarks that distinguish them from other spaniels: A uniquely tapered head and an eye-catching coat of bold red and white patterns. The beautiful coat isn't just ornamental'it's a waterproof, weatherproof, and thornproof suit that enables Welshies to show off their renowned versatility in all climates and on all terrains.

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A full-grown male Welsh Springer Spaniel is 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 40 to 45 pounds. A full-grown female is 16 to 18 inches tall and weighs 35 to 45 pounds. Welsh Springers are slightly smaller than English Springer Spaniels.

 

Personality:

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The Welsh Springer is a loving, affectionate dog who is less outgoing than the English Springer spaniel. He tends to be sensitive and reserved with people he does not know and to confine displays of affection to his family alone. Although physically energetic, his temperament is relatively calm and he is known to be good with children.

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Within his own family, the Welsh Springer spaniel is known for his loyalty and devotion. According to the Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of America, this dog is one who needs to be with his owner every minute that the owner is home. Welsh Springers follow their people everywhere, even into the bathroom, hence they have been nicknamed "velcro dogs".

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The Welsh Springer Spaniel is not aggressive, but he is alert and watchful. Count on him to announce to his family the presence of any strangers.

 

Living With:

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If you are looking for a dog who worships the ground you walk on, consider the Welsh Springer Spaniel. His loyalty and devotion are renowned among dogdom.  However, the Welsh Springer Spaniel's reserve around people outside the family makes socialization a must. Exposing the dog to as many new people, places and situations as possible — particularly when he is a puppy — will help prevent the Welsh Springer from becoming too timid.

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These dogs are bred to hunt and need considerable exercise. However, off-leash exercising should take place within a well confined area, because Welsh Springer Spaniels have a tendency to wander and have a high prey drive. Welsh Springer Spaniels are active, energetic dogs who are happiest when they have plenty of exercise as well as lots of time with their people. Play sessions with their family in a securely fenced yard or long daily walks with their owner work well. Interaction with their humans is the key to a happy Welshie. The breed is an excellent choice for those with an active lifestyle, as well as those looking for a loving family companion. Given the opportunity, these lovely spaniels will steal your heart.

 

Training can help bring out a Welsh Springer Spaniel's many talents, which include hunting, retrieving and tracking.

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To keep his attractive red-and-white coat looking its best, the Welsh Springer Spaniel needs at least weekly grooming. A good once-over with a soft brush should work well for this, along with a slicker brush or metal dog comb to work apart any mats or tangles that are starting to form. The nails should be trimmed every three to four weeks, and a bath every month or so with a gentle shampoo meant for dogs will help to keep the coat and skin clean and healthy. Be careful to clean the ears regularly; the floppy ears of Welsh Springers and other Spaniels may be prone to ear infections.

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The average life span of a Welsh Springer Spaniel is 12 to 14 years.

 

History:

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The Welsh Springer Spaniel was developed in Wales, probably in the 13th century, for use as a hunting dog. The breed's history is similar to that of the English Cocker Spaniel, the English Springer Spaniel, and other Spaniels that originated in Britain.

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Both Welsh Springer and English Springer Spaniels hunt game by flushing out their quarry, that is, "springing" on it from its hiding place. The dogs then fetch the downed game and bring it back to the hunter.

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Training

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The Welsh Springer tends to be "reserved with strangers," to quote the breed standard. This should not be taken to mean a Welshie is timid or shy. Early socialization and puppy training classes are essential. Keep in mind that Welshies are hunting dogs, and the urge to chase birds and small mammals has been bred into them. Most puppies learn quickly to respect your pet cat or another dog, however. A securely fenced yard is best. The Welshie excels as a hunting companion and at canine sports such as obedience, tracking, agility, and rally.

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Nutrition

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The Welsh Springer Spaniel should do well on a high-quality dog food (not grain free), whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian's supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog's age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog's calorie consumption and weight level. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

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* Some information provided courtesy of www.akc.org & www.hillspet.com.au

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