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Welsh Springer Spaniel breed guide
The American Kennel Club calls the Welsh Springer Spaniel a vigorous, medium-sized bird dog of happy disposition, known for versatility in the field, companionability at home and dashing good looks, among Britain's oldest sporting breeds.
Fans call the size handy: bigger and stronger than Cocker Spaniels but smaller than English Springer Spaniels.
Temperament
The Welsh Springer tends to be reserved with strangers, to quote the breed standard, which should not be taken as timid or shy. Interaction with their humans is the key to a happy Welsh Springer Spaniel.
Early socialization and training classes are essential. Welsh Springer Spaniels are hunting dogs with an urge to chase birds and small mammals.
Lifespan
Welsh Springer Spaniels live 12 to 15 years. Breeders test stock for hip and elbow dysplasia, autoimmune thyroiditis and eye disease.
Care
To keep the attractive red-and-white coat looking its best, the Welsh Springer needs at least weekly grooming: a good once-over with a soft brush plus a slicker brush or metal comb to work apart mats or tangles that are starting to form.
Welsh Springer Spaniels are active, energetic dogs happiest with plenty of exercise and lots of time with their people, through play sessions in a securely fenced yard or long daily walks.
History
According to leading authorities, Welsh Springer Spaniels are the oldest of Britain's spaniels, descendants of the original spaniels of the Iberian Peninsula, since the word spaniel derives from Spaniard. How the dogs traveled from Spain to Wales is lost in the mists of history.
Welsh Springer Spaniel-type dogs appear in British art and literature going back some 250 years B.C. and Welsh and English Springer Spaniels emerged as separate breeds in the early 1900s.
AKC trait ratings
| Trait | AKC rating | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Level | 4 of 5 | Couch Potato to High Energy |
| Trainability Level | 5 of 5 | Self-Willed to Eager to Please |
| Shedding Level | 3 of 5 | No Shedding to Hair Everywhere |
| Barking Level | 3 of 5 | Only To Alert to Very Vocal |
| Adaptability Level | 4 of 5 | Lives For Routine to Highly Adaptable |
| Good With Young Children | 5 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Children |
| Good With Other Dogs | 4 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Other Dogs |
| Watchdog/Protective Nature | 3 of 5 | What's Mine Is Yours to Vigilant |