Renowned for devotion and loyalty, the Welsh springer spaniel is energetic, but possesses a calm temperament. This dog can be reserved toward strangers.
It has been claimed that the Welsh springer spaniel needs to be with his owner every minute that the owner is home.
Size:
Weight Range:
Male: 40-45 lbs.
Female: 35-40 lbs.
Height at Withers:
Male: 19 in.
Female: 18 in.
Features:
Long back
Expectations:
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:
Flushing and retrieving birds
Coat:
Length: Medium
Characteristics: Straight
Colors: Rich red and white
Overall Grooming Needs: Moderate
Club Recognition:
AKC Classification: Sporting
UKC Classification: Gun Dog
Prevalence: So-so
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.
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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
These dogs are bred to hunt and need considerable exercise. However, off-leash exercising should take place within a confined area, because Welsh springer spaniels have a tendency to wander.
Training can help bring out a Welsh springer spaniel's many talents, which include hunting, retrieving and tracking.
Grooming is fairly easy; a weekly brushing with a stiff bristle brush will do the job. Be careful to clean the ears regularly; the floppy ears of Welsh springers and other spaniels may be prone to ear infections.
The average life span of a Welsh springer spaniel is 12 to 14 years.
History:
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.
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.
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.
