Welsh Springer Spaniel is one of Britain’s ancient sporting dog breeds, and its history begins in 7000 BC. Also called Welshie, they are similar to English Springer Spaniel, and both are often confused. Welsh Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized purebred dog known for its silky coat with bold red and white patterns, making them all the most beautiful at sight. Welsh Springer Spaniels got their name from how it used to spring at the game to flush it for the hunter. Welsh Springer Spaniels are lively pets and are wonderful family companions. Welsh Springers have compact bodies, lighter and smaller than English Springers and taller and larger than English Cocker Spaniels. Spaniels are supposed to have originated in Spain, and thus the name Spaniel was derived.
Welsh Springer Spaniels have a similar history to English Springers and other Spaniel dogs in England. Welshie dogs were found in British art and literature in 250 BC. Early breeders used to name the dog based on their function and type. Later on, they divided the Spaniels into land Spaniels and Water Spaniels. Welsh Springer Spaniels are land Spaniels and are known for their hunting skills. During the 1700s, the Welsh Springer Spaniel was the favorite hunting dog of noble families. Welshies competed with the English Springer Spaniel during the 1800s in the dog shows and were imported to America in the late 19th century and soon became a popular breed. The American Kennel Society recognized it in 1902.
It should be noted that Welsh Springers and English Springers are two different purebred dogs. The two Welsh Springer Spaniels are rare; only 300 puppies are registered with AKC annually. Though rare, they are highly affectionate and a lovely family dog to live with.
Other Names: Welsh Springer, Welsh Starter, Welshie
Original Passtime: Agility, flyball
Life Span: 10-15 years
Welsh Springer Spaniel Overview
Once hunting dogs, Welsh Springer Spaniels have become the perfect family dog. They are one of the most adaptable and loyal companion dogs in the US. They have eye-catchy red and white patterns that make them stunning. They are affectionate around children and fit into any family, big or small. They are highly energetic and active and love hiking. Welsh Springer puppies are good-natured and intelligent, making training a breeze.
Welsh Springer Spaniel Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Smart and intelligent
High exercise needs
Friendly and adaptable
High shedding
Easy to train
Separation anxiety
Welsh Springer Spaniel Highlights
Welsh Springer Spaniels are less social than English Springers. They need to be socialized at a young age.
Welsh Springer Spaniels do not respond to harsh and rude methods of training.
They are easy to train and eager to please. Yet, crate training is recommended.
They get highly excited at the sight of their owners and jump, especially as puppies. It can be controlled with training when they grow up.
They are highly intuitive to hunt and had to be in a lease while in an unfenced area.
They are prone to submissive urination.
They cannot be left alone and suffer separation anxiety.
Welsh Springer Spaniel Personality
Welsh Springer Spaniels are rectangular, medium-sized dogs with bold red and white patterns. The male Welshies are 18-19 inches tall and weigh around 40-45 pounds, while the female Welshie is 17-18 inches tall and weighs about 35-45 pounds. They are smaller than English Springers. The coat is silky, straight, and flat. They have a body longer than the English Springer Spaniel with floppy ears. The medium-sized eyes are brown in color, the ears and tail are lightly feathered, while the legs, chest, and underside are heavily feathered. They have black or brown noses.
Friendliness Overview
Affection level
High
Family-friendly
High
Kid-friendly
High
Dog-friendly
High
Stranger-friendly
Medium
Adaptability Overview
Good for apartment living
Medium to high
Good for new owners
Medium to high
Sensitivity level
High
Tolerates being alone
Low
Cold tolerance
Medium to high
Heat tolerance
Medium to high
Welsh Springer Spaniel Physical Features
Head: The head is equal to the body, with an oval-shaped skull
Neck: They bear a long, muscular, slightly arched chest
Hindquarters: They bear strong, muscular hindquarters that aid in keeping them agile
Feet: Short and sloppy
Coat: The Welshies bear a flat and soft coat.
Color: Red and white
Gait: Smooth and effortless
Welsh Springer Spaniel Temperament
Welsh Springer Spaniel is a cheerful dog that fits your home perfectly. They are very affectionate and always eager to please the owners. They crave the attention of their owners. These canines are highly energetic and need lots of activities to be happy and healthy. They are loyal, affectionate, and friendly with strangers. They are the most comfortable when they are at home with their humans. They are people-friendly and always eager to please. They are kid-friendly and a perfect family dog. These canines tend to bark to alert their owners.
Welsh Springer Spaniel Training
Welsh Springer Spaniels are easily trainable and always eager to please. They are high in energy and active. They love water and hiking. They require positive reinforcement in training and don’t respond to harsh methods. Despite being soft and easy to train, house training might be difficult. They can be recommended crate training. With proper training the Welsh Springer Spaniel can excel in field training, hunting, agility, fetch, and brisk walks, tracking, retrieving. Early socialization is mandatory for Welshies as they are reserved with people and situations.
Trainability Overview
Easy to train
High
Intelligence
High
Prey drive
High
Mouthiness tendencies
Medium
Barking and Howling tendencies
High
Wanderlust tendencies
High
Welsh Springer Spaniel Exercise Needs
English Springer Spaniels are active and high-energy dogs bred for hunting. They need proper exercise to keep their mental stimulation busy. They have high stamina and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and jogging and require two hours of physical activity daily. Giving your Welshie plenty of exercise keeps him happy and prevents behavioral and anxiety problems. Welsh Springer Spaniel should be monitored while they are left off leash, as they are great wanderers.
Exercise Needs Overview
Energy level
High
Exercise needs
High
Intensity
Medium to high
Playfulness
High
Welsh Springer Spaniel Grooming
Welsies have a flat and smooth coat. They are not hypoallergenic and shed averagely. They can be bathed when needed to keep the folds clean from dirt and debris. It is essential to keep the skin dry thoroughly after a bath to prevent infections from moisture. The eye should be checked regularly for irritation, redness, or discharge. The nails need to be trimmed periodically. Brush the teeth without fail daily to prevent dental problems. Ears accumulate dirt and must be washed and cleaned to avoid bacteria and other ear-related issues.
Grooming Overview
Easy to groom
High to medium
Drooling tendencies
Low
Amount of shedding
Medium to high
Welsh Springer Spaniel Health
Welsh Springer Spaniel is a healthy and active dog. Yet, it’s always wise to be aware of the health conditions they are prone to.
Health Overview
General health
Medium to high
Weight gain tendencies
Medium to high
Size
Medium
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is outwardly a painful disease that occurs when the bones of the back legs do not fit properly in the joints. While some dogs will exhibit symptoms, the majority of canines will not. Hip dysplasia is primarily genetic, although other causes such as accidents, excessive weight gain, and inappropriate training can also cause it. Even though this disease is fatal, therapies range from medicine to hip replacement surgery. To avoid this problem, avoid breeding dogs with hip dysplasia parentage and get annual examinations.
Elbow Dysplasia: Elbow dysplasia occurs when the elbow joint bones don’t align properly. This misalignment causes abnormal pressure at the joint, leading to chronic rubbing and severe osteoarthritis.
Symptoms:
Mild to moderate pain
Lameness in the forelimbs
Although the symptoms begin to show as early as four months, some dogs will not show these signs until later in life. Further, it involves both elbows, of which one may be heavily affected.
Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a condition in which a dog’s metabolism is slowed due to the lack of thyroid hormone production. Among the signs and symptoms are:
Lethargy
Gaining weight
Reluctance to work out
Hair Loss
Glaucoma: Glaucoma is an eye condition that affects both dogs and humans and needs medical attention. Signs such as squinting, pain, watery eyes, and redness can indicate glaucoma, leading to blindness. Regular health tests can aid in recognizing and curing glaucoma at an early stage.
Epilepsy: This is also called idiopathic epilepsy, causes seizures for no reason, and is less dangerous.
Entropion: The lower lid folds inward towards the eye resulting in chronic eye irritation. This can be treated with surgery.
Welsh Springer Spaniel Diet and Nutrition
Welsh Springer Spaniel requires a daily amount of 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dog food divided into two meals. They are active dogs and need the right amount of nourishment. However, every dog’s diet depends on size, age, metabolism, and activity level. They love to eat and are prone to obesity. They can be kept healthy and in shape with the nourishing and right amount of meals.
Welsh Springer Spaniel Living Condition
The English Springer Spaniel loves to be around people and is an outdoor dog. They are eager to please people, fun-loving, and have massive stamina for outdoor activities. They can adapt to any family and love to be near their owners. They require large spaces and a yard and don’t fit in apartments. They are sensitive and suffer separation anxiety when left alone. They tolerate both cold and hot temperatures moderately.
Did You Know?
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is classified under the Mammalia class of the Canidae family.
The Welshie loves water and needs to be introduced to water as a puppy
During 13 the century, they were mainly known as the hunting dogs of Wales
Welsh Springer Spaniel Club Recognition
ACA = American Canine Association Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry
AKC = American Kennel Club
ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry, Inc.
CKC = Canadian Kennel Club
CKC = Continental Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
FCI = Fédération Cynologique Internationale
KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
NAPR = North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
NKC = National Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club
UKC = United Kennel Club
Adding a Welsh Springer Spaniel to Your Family
Things to remember before adding a Welsh Springer Spaniel to your family
Getting a Welsh Springer Spaniel from a reputable breeder is best to prevent unavoidable circumstances like health and vaccination. It is best to check with the puppy’s parents to cross-check its health and happiness.
Cost of a Welsh Springer Spaniel Puppy
The Welsh Springer Spaniel puppy ranges in price from $800 to $1800.
