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Pronunciation

Description

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a compact, medium-sized, working dog. The slightly rounded head is in proportion to the body with a slightly domed skull. The fairly square muzzle is about as long as the skull, but never longer. The nose is either black or any shade of brown with well open nostrils. The teeth meet in a scissors or level bite. The oval eyes are dark to medium brown in color. The long ears are set at eye level, hanging close to the cheeks fringed with hair. The topline is level. The tail is usually docked and is set at the topline and carried horizontally. Note: docking tails is illegal in most parts of Europe. The soft, flat, straight or wavy coat is medium in length with feathering on the back of the legs, chest belly, with lighter feathering on the ears and tail. Coat colors come in red and white in any pattern, sometimes with ticking.

Temperament

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is loyal and willing to please. Happy to be with their family, is good with children, and loves to be included in activities. They are smaller with a lower energy level than their English Springer ancestor. Independent, and needs an owner who displays leadership or they may not listen to known commands and can become over protective. Dogs who do not have humans who are consistent pack leaders, can develop protective tendencies. Can be reserved with strangers and should be socialize well to avoid timidity. They are sensitive to the tone of one's voice and will not listen if they sense that they are stronger minded than their owner, however they will also not respond well to harsh discipline. Owners need to be calm, yet possess an air of natural authority. They must be trained early to hunt, so they learn to use their skills in a positive manner, listening to commands and learning not to wander. You will never curb the hunting instinct in this dog, therefore working with his natural ability, rather than against it, will be in you and your dog's best interest. Generally good with dogs and other pets.

Height, Weight

Health Problems

Living Conditions

Exercise

Life Expectancy

Grooming

Origin

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a cousin of the English Springer Spaniel and the Cocker Spaniel who are the founders of all the English hunting spaniels. At one time the English Springer Spaniel and the Cocker Spaniel were born in the same litter. The Clumber, the Sussex, the Welsh Springer, the Field, and the Irish Water all developed from the English Springer / Cockers in Wales, probably before 1300 AD. At one time all of these dogs were considered "Cockers" or "Cocking Spaniels" and were interbred. Hunters started to divide the dogs into categories of Land Spaniels and Water Spaniels and the Welsh Springer was labeled as a Land Spaniel. The Welsh Springer Spaniel was given the name "Welsh Cocker". In the late 1800s the Welsh was separated into a different breed than the English Springer. The Welsh Springer was bred to find and spring at the game. Hardy, they were able to work in all types of weather and terrain, had great stamina on the hunt and could work for hours without resting. The Welsh Springer has a tendency to wander too far from the hunt field, and therefore it is necessary to give it constant training - beginning at about six months of age. The jolly disposition of the Welsh Springer makes him a fine companion and family dog. Some of the Welsh Springer's talents include: gun dog, tracking, hunting, retrieving and watchdog.

Group

Recognition

FCI = Fédération Cynologique Internationale
AKC = American Kennel Club
UKC = United Kennel Club
KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
CKC = Canadian Kennel Club
ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
NKC = National Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club
CKC = Continental Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
NAPR = North American Purebred Registry, Inc.

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