Welsh Springer Spaniels

Appearance:

Body: Compact, strong, and well balanced with a level back, well-developed chest, well-sprung ribs, and long sloping shoulders.

Coat: Straight, flat, abundant, and soft; weather-proof, water-proof, and thorn-proof.

Color: Rich red or white only

Ears: Small, low set, taper to the tip, hang close to the cheeks, and are feathered.

Eyes: Medium size, oval-shaped, dark or hazel.

Feet: Round, compact, and cat-like with thick pads and well-arched toes.

Head: Medium length, well proportioned to the body, slightly domed skull, well-chiseled below the eyes, well-defined stop, moderately long, square muzzle, strong jaw and liver or black nose.

Legs: Forelegs are straight, moderately long, well-boned, elbows held close, and feathered. Hindquarters are strong, well-muscled, and well-boned with well let down hocks, and moderately bent of stifles.

Neck: Long and well-muscled, slightly arched, and gracefully set into long, sloping shoulders.

Size:
Weight: 35 - 45 pounds
Height: 17 - 19 inches

Tail: Extended from topline, lightly feathered, and carried out but never above the backline.

Behavior

Recommended for novice dog handlers.

A water-loving dog with incredible endurance, the Welsh Springer Spaniel is an affectionate, active dog with a well-tempered, boisterous, and loving personality. He is good with children and other animals, and is well known for his distinctively beautiful coat of long silky white hair with rich red markings.

AKC Standard says, "The Welsh Springer is an excellent water dog, a keen, hardworking dog-no day is too long, no country too rough-and under all circumstances he is a faithful and willing worker for man. He has an excellent nose. He can be used on any kind of game; the well-trained Welshman compares with any gundog."

He is an outstanding hunter with keenly developed instincts, the ability to tolerate varying climates and terrains, and is easily trained but can be a lot of dog to handle if not properly disciplined and reared as a pup. He is more restrained than his cousin the English Springer Spaniel and can be handled by a novice dog handler. However, he needs an owner who loves participating in outdoor activities and is willing to spend a considerable amount of time running and exercising him.

This is a family dog, not a kennel dog, who is devoted and loyal to his owners. He is also independently-minded, intelligent, and sensitive. Obedience training should be upbeat with positive encouragement, reward-type treats, and lots of praise for a job well done. Harsh treatment will likely result in a reserved dog with a lack of the confidence he was bred to possess.

Breed Type

AKC Group: Sporting Group

Bred as a gun dog for work and endurance.

Care and Grooming

Exercise: Vigorous daily exercise is necessary for this tireless breed.

Grooming: Brush two to three times weekly. He loves water but be sure to dry him thoroughly after getting wet, including his ear canals.

His coat has a protective oily base allowing dried mud to be brushed off without dirtying his hair.

Health

Life Expectancy: 12 - 14 Years

Possible Problems:
Entropion - eyelids turn inward
Epilepsy
Hip Dysplasia - degenerative joint disease

Recommended Certificates:
CERF - for the eyes
OFA - for the hips

Country of Origin

Wales - 1600s