Dog Breeds > Welsh Springer Spaniel

The Welsh Springer Spaniel

The Welsh springer spaniel is an amiable and jolly hunting dog that likes to be in the center of activities of its family. This dog is a very good companion and pet that is reliable and outstanding in terms of hunting skills.

Energy Playfulness Intelligence Grooming Popularity

Fascinating Facts

The Welsh springer spaniel is said to be the descendant of the English springer spaniel. Long time ago, there were no distinctions among spaniels and people simply called them “Cockers” or “Cocking Spaniels”. Eventually the hunters began to classify spaniels into two different types – the land and water spaniel. The Welsh springer spaniel was classified under the land spaniel types. 

In 1800’s the Welsh springer spaniel started to have a separate distinction from the English springer. This breed has a great deal of stamina and is therefore able to work in any type of terrain.

Physical Appearance

The Welsh springer spaniel is a medium-sized, active and robust dog. A fully-grown Welsh springer spaniel measures and weighs about 17 – 19 inches and 40 – 45 pounds respectively. The dome shaped head is proportional to the size of the body. The snout or muzzle is square shaped. The color of the oval shaped eyes is either brown or dark color.

The hairy ears are hanging on both sides of the head at eye level. In the United States, the tail of the Welsh springer spaniel is normally docked or removed but in some parts of Europe, docking the tail of an animal especially dogs are considered illegal. The color of the coat includes red and white and may come in any kind of combination. The coat has soft, wavy, flat texture.  The hair is long and feathery on chest, back of the legs and on the ears.

Grooming

The long hair of the Welsh springer spaniel requires regular brushing and combing in order to maintain top condition. Check for dead hair and tangles regularly. Also, watch out for burrs and ticks because the coat of the Welsh could easily acquire these skin pests especially during training or fieldwork.

Mood

The Welsh springer spaniel loves to please everyone and likes to be in the company of their masters. This breed is loyal, happy to serve and likes children. This breed has a great tendency to become independent that’s why the handler/trainer/owner needs to assert firm but gentle leadership. Although this breed socializes well with humans, they could be a bit distant or timid around strangers.

The Welsh springer spaniel can get along with other dogs and household pets but the owner/trainer/handler should watch out for their behavior especially if they did not get enough exercise.

With Children

This breed can play for long stretches of hours without getting tired especially around children. The Welsh springer spaniel likes to involve itself on activities that they would surely enjoy.

Training & Exercise

Just like other working dogs, this breed likes to get plenty of exercise in order to please itself. Also, exercise helps to get them on peak condition. If this breed did not get enough exercise for the day, it would channel its energy to other things such as barking excessively, biting furniture, chasing other animals and even biting strangers.

Training a Welsh springer spaniel is easy because of their need-to-please-everyone character. This breed has a tendency to become independent and they would wander off alone if they grew bored on the training routine. At least be always prepared to give them food to help them focus on training. 

Health & Life Expectancy

The Welsh springer spaniel has a life expectancy of 12 – 15 years depending on how well they are taken care of. This breed normally lives healthy but there are few illnesses you should watch out for such as entropion, epilepsy and hip dysplasia. 

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