The muscular frame of the Welsh Springer Spaniel is common. They are not an exaggeration-prone breed. They are somewhat taller than they are wide, compact, and have substance without being abrasive. Their strides are long and powerful, covering a lot of ground. Their coat is generally flat and straight, dense enough to protect them from water and weather. They have a soft expression most of the time.
The Welsh Springer Spaniel dog breed was created as a field gundog to flush, or spring, game. They’re a loyal friend and a favorite of discerning hunters and families.
Welsh Springer Spaniels can be found in shelters or in the care of rescue groups, despite the fact that they are purebred canines. If you think this is the breed for you, consider adopting!
Welsh Springer Spaniels have a highly affectionate side and make excellent family companions. They can even adapt to apartment life; however, they do have high energy and must stay active to be happy. They also don’t take well to staying home alone all day. But give them the exercise, training, and attention that they need, and they’ll be your best friend.
DogTime recommends this dog bed to give a good night’s sleep to your medium-sized Welsh Springer Spaniel. You should also pick up this dog fetch toy to help burn off your pup’s high energy!
The Welsh Springer Spaniel (also known as the Welsh Springer or Welshie) gets its name from the manner he “springs” at game to flush it out for the hunter. For more than 200 years, he has been a favorite with athletes. These energetic, attractive dogs excel in the field and make excellent friends and household pets.
The Welshie is a medium-sized dog with a compact physique, with a silky dark red and white coat of medium length that is dense with feathering on the ears, chest, legs, and belly. He has wide, drooping ears and a soft demeanor. Welsh Springers are smaller and lighter than English Springers, but taller and bigger than English Cocker Spaniels.
Welsh Springer Spaniels are trainable and eager to please. As a typical spaniel, they have a lot of enthusiasm. They are a little less outgoing than English Springer Spaniels and somewhat independent. They’re gentle around children if they grow up with them or are exposed to them when they’re young, and they’re affectionate toward their families. Welshies can be reserved around strangers, and early socialization is important to prevent timidity. They are generally good with other pets in the household, even small ones, although they might see birds as prey since that’s what they are bred to hunt.
Because they’re bred to be hunting dogs, Welshies require a lot more exercise than your average dog. They have a great deal of stamina and energy and can work for hours in all kinds of weather and terrain. That hunting instinct is strong, so keep them on leash or unfenced unless you want to see them take off in pursuit of a bird or bunny. Their enthusiasm for hunting is so great that they have a tendency to wander from the hunt field. Training a Welshie from a young age to come when called is a must.
The athletic abilities of the Welshie are not restricted to hunting. Many owners participate in activities including obedience, agility, flyball, and tracking.
Welshies make excellent companions and family dogs because of their upbeat personalities. Aside from chasing birds, their primary goal in life is to stay close to their people and satisfy them in any way they can.
Dog Breed Group: Working Dogs
Height:
Male: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm)
Female: 16-18 inches (41-46 cm)
Weight:
Male: 40-45 pounds (18-20 kg)
Female: 35-45 pounds (16-20 kg)
Life Span: 12-15 years
AREA OF ORIGIN: Wales
DATE OF ORIGIN: 1600s
OTHER NAMES: Welsh Starter
Temperament:
Affectionate
Loyal
Active
Friendly
Playful
Stubborn
Intelligent
Activities: Conformation, Obedience, Agility, Hunting, Tracking, Field Trials
Type: Purebred
Color: Red & White
Litter Size: 6-8 puppies
Puppy Prizes:
Average $2000 – $2500 USD
Across North America, Welsh Springer Spaniel breeders charge anywhere from $1,500 to $3,500 for a puppy. Currently, most WSS breeders charge $2,000 – $2,500. It could be more or it could be less, depending on the breeder, where the breeder lives, shipping costs and the genetic’s of the puppy.
Pros
Cons
Welsh Springers are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they’re prone to certain health conditions. Not all Welshies will get any or all of these diseases, but it’s important to be aware of them if you’re considering this breed.
Some Welsh Springer Spaniels have a tendency to gain weight. In a 1997 assessment of over a hundred dog breeds, the Welsh Springer Spaniel was placed 14th for having the worst hip score, with an average score of 18.45. The average life expectancy is between 12 and 15 years.
If you’re buying a puppy, find a good breeder who will show you health clearances for both your puppy’s parents. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. In Welshies, you should expect to see health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hip dysplasia (with a score of fair or better), elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand’s disease; from Auburn University for thrombopathia; and from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) certifying that eyes are normal. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site (offa.org).
Entropion, or drooping of the eyelids, is a condition that can affect Welsh Springers. They curl inwards as a result of the disorder, forcing the eyelashes against the eye’s surface and scratching it. [28] The cornea may get irritated and damaged as a result of this. It usually only affects the lower eyelid on one or both eyes, however it can also affect the upper eyelid in some circumstances. Tearing, squinting, rubbing of the eyes, thick discharge from the eyes, rolling of the eyelids, and dampness on the hairs adjacent to the eyelids are all symptoms. Entropion has no medical treatment, and surgical correction may be required depending on the severity of the condition.
Hip dyplasia is a heritable condition in which the thighbone doesn’t fit snugly into the hip joint. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. X-ray screening for hip dysplasia is done by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. If you’re buying a puppy, ask the breeder for proof that the parents have been tested for hip dysplasia and are free of problems.
This is a syndrome that occurs when the lower eyelid folds inward toward the eye, causing chronic irritation to the eye’s surface. Surgery can be used to correct it.
This seizure disorder has been noted in some lines of Welsh Springer Spaniels and can be treated with medication. There is no cure.
The coat of Welsh Springer Spaniels is naturally straight, flat, and silky, never wiry or wavy. It’s dense enough to provide protection from rain, cold, and rocky terrain. On the backs of the forelegs, the hind legs above the hocks, the chest, and the belly, they have some considerable feathering. Ears and tail are lightly feathered as well.
The coat is a dark, rich red with a white underbelly. Red ticking may be visible in the white area.
Grooming Welsh Springer Spaniels is rather simple. Brush them on a regular basis to maintain them looking their best and avoid mats, which are especially common during shedding. To avoid ear infections, you should examine and clean your Welshie’s ears at least once a week because their ears hang down. Only bathe them when absolutely necessary.
Welsh Springer Spaniel Spaniels are enthusiastic, active dogs who thrive when they get plenty of exercise and spend time with their owners. Long daily walks with their owner or play sessions with their family in a securely gated yard work nicely. The key to a happy Welshie is interaction with their humans. The breed is ideal for those who like an active lifestyle as well as those seeking a caring family companion. These adorable spaniels will steal your heart if given the chance.
According to the breed standard, the Welsh Springer is “reserved with strangers.” This does not imply that a Welshie is timid or bashful. The importance of early socialization and puppy training sessions cannot be overstated. Keep in mind that Welshies are hunting dogs with a natural desire to chase birds and small mammals. Most puppies, on the other hand, soon learn to appreciate your pet cat or another dog. The best yard is one that is properly fenced. The Welshie excels in canine sports such as obedience, tracking, agility, and rally, as well as as a hunting partner.
A high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and consent, should be OK for the Welsh Springer Spaniel. Any diet should be tailored to the age of the dog (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to becoming overweight, so keep an eye on their calorie intake and weight. Treats can be a useful training aid, but feeding too much might lead to obesity. Discover which human foods are suitable for dogs and which are not. If you have any concerns regarding your dog’s weight or diet, consult your veterinarian. At all times, clean, fresh water should be available.
The Welsh springer spaniel is a kind, affectionate dog that is not as outgoing as the English springer. With strangers, he is sensitive and quiet, and demonstrations of affection are limited to his immediate family. His demeanor is quite calm, and he is considered to be good with youngsters despite his physical energy.
The Welsh springer spaniel is noted for his loyalty and dedication within his own family. This dog, according to the Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of America, has to be with his owner every minute he is at home. Springers in Wales accompany their owners everywhere, including the restroom.
Although the Welsh springer spaniel is not aggressive, he is a loyal companion.
Consider the Welsh springer spaniel if you want a dog who worships the ground you walk on. His dedication and loyalty are legendary among canines.
The Welsh springer spaniel’s reserve with persons outside the family, on the other hand, necessitates socialization. Exposing the Welsh springer to as many new people, places, and circumstances as possible, especially while he is a puppy, can help him avoid being too cautious.
These canines were developed to hunt and require a lot of activity. However, because Welsh springer spaniels have a tendency to stray, off-leash exercise should be done in a confined area.
A Welsh springer spaniel’s numerous qualities can be brought out with training.
Grooming is simple; all that is required is a weekly brushing with a hard bristle brush. Cleaning the ears on a regular basis is important; the floppy ears of Welsh springers and other spaniels are susceptible to ear infections.
A Welsh springer spaniel’s average lifespan is 12 to 14 years.
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a lively, obedient, and lovable breed. When visitors bark in their domain, they may become aloof, guarded, or wary. The breed is recognized for being friendly and demonstrative to all family members, particularly children, as well as welcoming other household pets with a kind, playful attitude.
The breed is intelligent and fast to learn, yet it can be stubborn at times, though with proper training, it can become highly obedient. The Welsh Springer was bred for work and endurance, and like many other hunting dog breeds, it needs to be exercised on a regular basis to stay healthy and happy. A Welsh Springer Spaniel may appear hyperactive if not given enough exercise.
Welsh Springer Spaniels are recognized for being lively, eager, and affectionate.
While they get along with other dogs, they are mostly a people-oriented breed. Welshies are not dogs who should be left alone for long periods of time.
They form deep ties with their owners and enjoy being surrounded by human company, making them a typical’velcro’ dog. If kids do not receive the care they require, separation anxiety can become an issue.
They can be a little reticent among strangers, and they need early and appropriate socialization as well as regular training to avoid becoming anxious.
Welshies have a mild temperament and can get along well with children who are courteous.
They are, nevertheless, noted for their energy and proclivity for being overly enthusiastic. Working on keeping all four paws on the floor will be useful to them and will assist them avoid accidently knocking over or scratching any young family members.
They’re also highly energetic, so they’ll thrive in a home where they can get enough of exercise outside. They have the potential to be fantastic dog sports competitors.
Because of their hunting inclinations, you should train hard to develop a strong recall, and you should not allow them out in regions where there are many opportunities to chase small animals.
They have a proclivity for digging and are recognized for their alert barking. If both of these things are allowed to develop unchecked, they can become problems.
Providing kids with different sources of stimulation, such as a specific digging sandpit, can be beneficial. Rewarding alternate, more desired behaviors instead of excessive alert barking is an effective strategy to reduce excessive alert barking.
They are, however, eager to please and intelligent, and they respond well to gentle, non-coercive tactics.
If they are raised with children or are exposed to them when they are young, Welsh Springers are gentle with kids. They’re normally good with other pets in the house, even small ones, if they’ve been reared with them since puppyhood, though they may perceive birds as prey because that’s what they’re bred to hunt.
| Welsh Springer Spaniel Names | ||
| Rank | Boy Names | Girl Names |
| 01 | Max | Bella |
| 02 | Charlie | Lucy |
| 03 | Buddy | Molly |
| 04 | Cooper | Chloe |
| 05 | Bentley | Zoey |
| 06 | Dexter | Sophie |
| 07 | Louie | Coco |
| 08 | Murphy | Roxy |
| 09 | Duke | Luna |
| 10 | Oscar | Abbie |
A near relative of the English Springer Spaniel is the Welsh Springer Spaniel. They have a long history together, and while the Welshie, as they are frequently called, is slightly smaller and only comes in red and white, they have several personality qualities in common.
Most spaniels are assumed to be descendants of the Iberian Peninsula’s original historic hunting spaniels, and their name comes from the term ‘Spaniard.’
While Springer varieties can be traced back to the 16th century in the United Kingdom, the red and white variant unique to Wales has only been documented since the 18th century.
They were prized for their eager hunting skills and were popular among nobles and gentry throughout this time. Prior to the widespread use of weapons, they were meant to leap up and propel their prey, allowing them to be trapped in a net or grabbed by a falcon. They have excellent scenting abilities, and their webbed feet allow them to swim well and recover objects from the water.
However, by the turn of the century, the English Springer Spaniel had surpassed them in popularity. The Kennel Club of the United Kingdom recognized Welsh and English Springer Spaniels as two distinct breeds in 1902.
They were first brought to the United States in the late 1800s, and the American Kennel Club recognized them in 1906.
Although they were not as well-known as some of their other Spaniel ancestors, World Wars I and II took a toll on their worldwide breeding efforts, and their numbers plummeted. Until World War II, it was thought that no dogs remained in the United States, and it was only after new dogs were imported that some dedicated breeders were able to bring the breed back to life.
Despite the fact that their numbers have grown, they remain a rather unusual breed, especially when compared to the far more popular English Springer Spaniel. Despite the fact that they are recognized for being a touch more relaxed back than their English counterparts.
Size, proportion, and substance: A dog should be 18 to 19 inches tall at the withers, while a bitch should be 17 to 18 inches tall. Any animal that falls short of the ideal will be fined correspondingly. The weight of a person should be proportional to his or her height and overall balance. The distance between the withers and the base of the tail is slightly longer than the distance between the withers and the ground. The body length can be the same as the height but never shorter, keeping the Welsh Springer Spaniel’s rectangular appearance.
Head: The head of the Welsh Springer Spaniel is distinct and should not be compared to that of other spaniel breeds. The overall balance of the system is crucial.
The head is proportionate to the body, never too large or too thin to appear racy. The skull is medium in length, slightly domed, and has a distinct stop. It has a chiseled appearance beneath the eyes. The top plane of the skull is slightly divergent from the muzzle, although there is no tendency for the skull to seem down-faced. A short, fat head is really unattractive. The eyes should be oval, dark to medium brown in tone, and have a pleasant expression. Darker eyes are preferred, but lighter brown tints are okay. Eyes that are yellow or have a threatening appearance will be severely punished. They are medium in size, neither prominent nor recessed, and they do not show haw. The rims of your eyes are a little too tight.
The earlobes are at eye level and hang near to the cheeks. The leather is relatively short and does not reach the nose. They are formed like vine leaves and are gently feathered, gradually thinning near the tip. The muzzle is approximately the same length as the skull, although it is never longer. It’s straight, square, and devoid of excessive ornamentation. Nostrils are black or any shade of brown in color and fully formed. A person with a pink nose will be harshly punished. It’s best to take a scissors bite. A jaw that is undershot will be harshly fined.
Long and slightly arched, with a clean throat and long, sloping shoulders, the neck is placed into long, sloping shoulders. The topline is very straight. The loin is strong, somewhat arched, and close-coupled. The croup is gently rounded, never steep or descending. The topline, when combined with correct angulation fore and aft, creates a rectangular shape. With a pronounced forechest, well-sprung ribs, and brisket reaching to the elbows, the chest is well developed and muscular. The topline continues into the tail. When the dog is eager, the carriage is nearly horizontal or slightly elevated. The tail is usually docked and moves around a lot.
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a unique breed with a long history and a name that refers to his hunting style rather than his kinship with other breeds. He’s a lovely, small dog with substance but no coarseness. He’s built for hard work and endurance, and he’s compact rather than lanky. The obliquely slanted forequarters and well-developed hindquarters of the Welsh Springer Spaniel provide the impression of length. Because he is a hunting dog, he should be exhibited in a firm muscled working condition. His coat should be thick enough to protect him from heavy cover and the elements, but not so thick that it interferes with his duties as a flushing spaniel.
Coat: The coat is naturally straight, flat, and silky, never wiry or wavy. It’s dense enough to be watertight, thornproof, and weatherproof. Moderate feathering can be found on the backs of the forelegs, the hind legs above the hocks, the chest, and the underside of the torso. The ears and tail have a faint covering of feathers. Coats that are excessive to the point of being a hindrance on the field should be avoided. Barbering that is obvious should also be avoided.
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a breed that is not widely known. To get a puppy, you may have to join a waiting list or go a little further.
Allowing your eagerness and impatience to entice you into cutting corners is not a good idea. Finding a professional and ethical breeder is critical not only for your puppy’s health and wellbeing, but also to prevent terrible puppy farms and backyard breeders from flourishing.
The Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of America is a fantastic place to start your study.
There are also many lovely Spaniels available for adoption at rescue organizations across the country.
If you love spaniels but want to consider some other similar breeds, you could also look into:
English Cocker Spaniel
Clumber Spaniel
Brittany
There are lots of wonderful dog breeds out there. By doing your research, you will find one that will be best suited to having a forever home with you.
Are Welsh Springer Spaniel’s apartment-friendly?
If properly exercised, the Welsh Springer Spaniel will do fine in an apartment. It is fairly active indoors and prefers a yard of at least average size. The coat of the Welsh Springer keeps the dog cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather.
Are Welsh Springer Spaniel’s child-friendly?
This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them. It is also shy toward strangers.
How much exercise do Welsh Springer Spaniel need?
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is an active and energetic dog who requires plenty of exercise on a regular basis, including a daily long walk. It will have a terrific time running off the leash in a safe environment. These dogs will become bored, overweight, and lethargic if they do not get enough exercise, and they are more likely to develop a range of behavioral issues.
They need at least 40 minutes a day of exercise.
How much grooming do Welsh Springer Spaniel need?
Grooming should be done on a regular basis to keep the fur in good condition. Trimming or stripping by a professional is required.
How much do Welsh Springer Spaniel shed?
This dog will shed on a regular basis. Prepare to vacuum frequently. Brushing your dog’s coat will reduce shedding and make it softer and cleaner.
What were they originally bred for?
Flushing and retrieving birds
Are Welsh Springer Spaniel Clingy?
It has been claimed that the Welsh springer spaniel needs to be with his owner every minute that the owner is home.