Welsh Springer Spaniel

Size
Medium (11kg - 27kg)
Exercise
20 min/day
Training
Puppy school only
Size of home
House with garden
Time at home
Often alone
Grooming
Weekly
Barking preference
Low
Personality
Independent + affectionate

Darwin Photography Professionals. Nikki Peter Jones4

History

Welsh Springer Spaniels are considered among the oldest breeds in history, with mention of them dating back to 1570.

The first registered Welsh Springer Spaniel, named Corrin, was born in 1893, yet the breed wasn’t recognised by The Kennel Club (UK) until 1902. It is believed that Welsh Springers were first imported to Australia around the 1930s and 1940s, mainly for the purpose of working. The first Australian litter was registered in 1974.

Characteristics

The Welsh Springer Spaniel has an extremely keen nose and demonstrates enthusiasm and endurance, making it an ideal hunting companion. Its highly developed sense of smell also explains why this breed performs well in tracking. The breed has a merry disposition and is very active.

Temperament

The Welsh Springer Spaniel’s enthusiasm and speed explains the breed’s success in Agility. However, its most endearing feature is the breed’s love of human companionship. While the Welsh Springer Spaniel craves the company of its human family, it can be wary of strangers. The breed is not timid or shy, but can take time to accept newcomers. It has a kind, gentle expression.

Appearance

Welsh Springer Spaniels are easily recognised by their rich red and white markings. The breed has generous feathering on its chest and front legs as well as moderate feathering on the body. The breed’s ears are set low, hanging close to cheeks and are usually trimmed to demonstrate the vine shape of the ear.

Health Issues

The Welsh Springer Spaniel has a life expectancy of 12-14 years and, as with any breed, there are particular health issues, however, there are relatively few. The two main issues are Hip (and to a lesser degree, Elbow) Dysplasia and congenital eye problems including hereditary cataracts and Goniodysgenesis leading to Glaucoma. Other health issues may include Epilepsy and Thyroid disease but both of these are relatively rare in Australia.

Maintenance

The coat on the ears and top of the fore-chest should be trimmed with thinning scissors or electric clippers. The only other task is a tidy-up of the coat around the toes of each foot. Daily maintenance is a quick two to three minute comb/brush of the feathering. The coat of a Welsh Springer has a silky texture and if it gets wet and dirty through play and exercise, the dirt simply drops off as the coat dries.

Suitability

It is not a ‘guard dog’ but the Welsh Springer Spaniel is an excellent ‘watch dog’ as virtually nothing escapes its keen senses. The breed is sweet-tempered and suitable for families, as it loves company.

Being an active breed, the Welsh Springer Spaniel is best suited to a home with at least an average-sized yard where it can play. The breed is particularly active and requires daily exercise.

Words: Dr Bruce Cornish

Image: dogthelove

In Conclusion

Now you know a little about the Welsh Springer Spaniel, you may think that this is the dog for you. Before you make a decision, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Welsh Springer Spaniel and its needs, and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.

Official breed standard as recognized by Dogs NSW (Last Updated: 05 Aug 2009)

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A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

General Appearance

Symmetrical, compact, not leggy, obviously built for endurance and hard work. Quick and active mover, displaying plenty of push and drive.

Characteristics

Very ancient and distinct breed of pure origin. Strong, merry and very active.

Temperament

Kindly disposition, not showing aggression or nervousness.

Physical Standards

Head and Skull	Skull of proportionate length, slightly domed, clearly defined stop, well chiselled below eyes. Muzzle of medium length, straight, fairly square. Nostrils well developed, flesh coloured to dark brown.
Eyes	Hazel or dark, medium size, not prominent, nor sunken, nor showing haw.
Ears	Set moderately low and hanging close to cheeks. Comparatively small and gradually narrowing towards tip and shaped somewhat like a vine leaf.
Mouth	Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. Upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck	Long, muscular, clean in throat, neatly set into sloping shoulders.
Forequarters	Forelegs of medium length, straight, well boned.
Body	Not long, strong and muscular. Deep brisket, well sprung ribs. Length of body should be proportionate to length of leg. Loin muscular and slightly arched. Well coupled.
Hindquarters	Strong and muscular, wide and fully developed with deep second thighs. Hindlegs well boned, hocks well let down, stifles moderately angled, neither turning in nor out.
Feet	Round, with thick pads. Firm and cat like, not large or spreading.
Tail	Docked: Well set on and low, never carried above level of back. Lively in action.Undocked: Well set on and low, never carried above level of back. Lively in action. Feathered. In balance with the rest of the dog.
Gait/Movement	Smooth, powerful, ground covering action; driving from rear.
Coat	Straight or flat, silky texture, dense, never wiry or wavy. Curly coat highly undesirable. Forelegs and hindlegs above hocks moderately feathered, ears and tail lightly feathered.
Colour	Rich red and white only.
Size	Approx. Height: Dogs 48 cms (19 ins) at withersBitches 46 cms (18 ins) at withers

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog, and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.