Welsh Springer Spaniel Dog Breed Information

Posted on May 9, 2019, Modified : Nov 22, 2019 Zina

Welsh Springer Spaniel history and behavior

Breeds

Country of Origin	Wales
Nicknames and Other Names	Welshie Welsh Starter Welsh Springer Welsh Cocker Spaniel
Scientific Name	Canis lupus familiaris
Breed Type	Purebred
Group	Sporting Group Gun Dogs
Bred For	Retrieving both on land and water
Size	Medium-sized
Recognized By	AKC, ANKC, CKC, UKC, NZKC, KC
Life Span	12-15 years
Ideal Weight	Male: 40-55 pounds Female: 35-50 pounds
Ideal Height	Male: 18-19 inches Female: 17-18 inches
Fur Type	Welsh Springer Spaniel
Common Colors	Red and White
Markings	None
Availability	Moderately available
Achievements	None
Suitable for Apartments	No
Used in World War	No
Most Similar To	Brittany

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized hunting dog. It is also called by names like Welsh Springer, Welsh Cocker Spaniel, and Welsh Starter. Being a medium-sized, it is best suited as a family companion and also because of it’s happy, fun, and active nature. The name “Springer” is given to it due to its style of hunting which is to “spring” hidden prey from their place.

The Welsh Springer Spaniel has an attractive appearance. The head is proportional to the body which is not too broad or too narrow. The ears are set nearly to the eyes level which hangs close to the cheeks. The ears are lightly feathered. The body is slightly arched and is compact and muscular. Their coat is straight and soft to touch which is dense and slightly long.

Origin and History

The origin of the Welsh Springer Spaniel is in Wales, United Kingdom and are around from centuries. It is believed to be descended from the original spaniels of the Iberian Peninsula. They were used as hunting dogs that retrieve game both in the land and water. At first, the Welsh Springer Spaniel was only famous in Wales but after a few dog shows, their popularity grew in other countries.

Welsh Springer Spaniel history — Welsh Springer Spaniel.
Image Source: akc

The American Kennel Club recognized the Welsh Springer Spaniel in 1906 as a member of the Sporting Group. It currently ranks (April 2019) 123 of 193 American Kennel Club registered breeds.

Is Welsh Springer Spaniel Child-Friendly?

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is generally good with children if raised together from their young age. They are active and playful, which makes them a great companion for children. Although they are a friendly dog, their interaction with kids should always be supervised. Small kids might play rough around them and your dog may not tolerate it.

Welsh Springer Spaniel is child friendly — Welsh Springer Spaniel with a girl.
Image Source: miothewelsh

Temperament, Behavior, and Personality

Temperament: The temperament of the Welsh Springer Spaniel is happy but reserved. They love to be around family members and are a great companion. However, they are shy and reserved around unfamiliar people. Therefore, a proper introduction is necessary.

Behavior: The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a very shy dog and is very reserved around strangers. They can even be nervous and have anxiety in front of unfamiliar people. Therefore, proper socialization with a variety of people at a young age is necessary.

Personality: The personality of the Welsh Springer Spaniel is lively and active. They are smart and quick to earn a new thing. They become very attached to the family and if they are left alone without any human interaction, they can get separation anxiety.

Trainability

Training Welsh Springer Spaniel is easy but they are independent and are quite stubborn sometimes. Therefore, firm leadership is needed to train them. Carry a lot of treats in your hand and as soon as they complete a task, reward them with a treat. This will motivate and encourage them to learn more commands. Be gentle with them and never use harsh words or a forced hand.

Facts

Between 1926-1948, there was no Welsh Springer Spaniel registered by the American Kennel Club.
It is believed to be one of the oldest of the Spaniel breeds.
One distinctive trait of the Welsh Springer Spaniel is its red-and-white coat.

Health Issues

General Health	Healthy
Common Health Issues	Cataracts, Glaucoma, Epilepsy, Hip Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, Entropion, Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hypoallergenic	No
Vaccination Required	Canine Distemper, Canine Parvovirus, Rabies, Kennel Cough, Canine Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Canine Parainfluenza,
Shedding	Moderate Shedder
Drooling	Low Drooler
Grooming	Average Grooming Required
Weight Gain Potential	Average to High
Separation Anxiety	Moderate Chance
Allergies	None
Diets and Supplements	Protein: 20% Fat: 5% Multivitamins Fish Oil Milk Thistle

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is usually a healthy breed that has a life span of 12-15 years. However, during these years, they might suffer from some possible canine diseases which are listed below:

Entropion: It is a condition where the lower eyelid of your dog folds inwards causing irritation and tearing. It can be treated with surgery and it is not a dangerous or life-threatening condition.
Epilepsy: It is a condition that is caused by a seizure disorder. It is not a life-threatening situation and can be controlled by medication. However, there is no cure.