Welsh Springer Spaniel
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is an efficient gun dog, bred primarily for flushing or retrieving game. Besides its silky red and white coat that gives it an attractive appearance, the other features include a well-built squarish body, rounded head, square-shaped muzzle, hazel or brown-colored oval eyes, and an elevated tail. Its attractive traits and pleasant disposition make it a preferred choice in-house pet for many.
Welsh Springer Spaniel Pictures
Quick Information
Other names | Welsh Springer, Welsh Starter, Welsh Cocker Spaniel |
Coat | Waterproof, straight, flat and soft |
Color | Red and white |
Type | Purebred |
Group | Spaniel, Sporting |
Size | Medium |
Lifespan/ Life Expectancy | 12-15 years |
Height | 17-19 inches |
Weight | Male: 40 – 55 pounds Female: 35-50 pounds |
Litter size | 4 – 8 puppies |
Behavioral Characteristics | Playful, enthusiastic, affectionate, loyal, independent and sometimes reserved |
Good with children | Yes |
Climate compatibility | Can bear all climates because of their weatherproof and waterproof coat |
Barking | Low (only when required) |
Shedding (Does it shed) | Seasonally |
Hypoallergenic | No |
Competitive Registration Qualification/ Information | FCI, CKC, ANKC, AKC, NZKC, KC, UKC |
Country | Wales, United Kingdom |
Welsh Springer Spaniel Puppies Video
History
Though the exact origin of this breed remains untraced, dogs bearing a resemblance with them also having a red and white coat could be found in pictures as well as prints of the olden times. This breed had an unique hunting style that involved springing the hidden game from its hideouts and bringing it to their masters. They were previously known as Welsh Spaniel and Welsh Cocker and were even added to Kennel Club’s studbook by the name of Cocker spaniel. In fact, Cocker Spaniel actually did not refer to a particular breed but rather indicated the size of the canines. Being a favorite hunting dog during the 1700s, they made appearance in dog shows alongside the English Springer Spaniel, with their colors being different. It was not much popular in the 19th century, but the initiatives taken by a certain breeder named A.T.Williams helped them in attaining fame. He owned a Welsh Springer Spaniel named Corrin, which was the first of this breed to be photographed and even one of the main stud dogs for this breed.
After the First World War, their numbers declined in the United Kingdom, with breeders taking initiatives in re-developing this breed in between the 1920s and 1930s. In the year 1923, the Welsh Springer Spaniel Club in the UK had been formed, with efforts being made to increase their registrations. However, all their records perished in the Second World War after there was an air raid. Apart from the United Kingdom, the breed was also imported to the United States, Canada, and Australia. However, their numbers at present remain extremely low. In fact, in 2016, the total registered Welsh Springer Spaniels were as low as 299, qualifying them to be included in Vulnerable Native Breed list of the Kennel Club.
Temperament
This active, energetic breed enjoys bonding with members of its family but can be aloof or wary about confronting strangers. The very sight of an unknown face makes the dog bark to alert its master. However, their shy nature prevents them from emerging as excellent guard dogs. They even share a pleasant demeanor with children mainly if they are brought up with them. The Welsh Springer Spaniel also gets along well with pets of the family but needs to be kept away from birds, because of their inherent chasing instinct. Though not as outgoing as the English Springer Spaniel, this breed is a lot more independent, headstrong and impulsive. They are great observers and love looking out of the window and keeping a watch on things going around. They have an above-average intelligence level but can get easily distracted.
Care
Exercise
The Welsh Springer Spaniel has great stamina and high energy levels, thus needing adequate exercise to channelize their physical and mental energy in a proper way. A long walk for about 40-45 minutes every day alongside sufficient playtime would help channelize its energy well. Make sure that you keep it in a fenced yard else they may be on the run on spotting a bunny or bird.
Grooming
Being easy to groom, the Welsh Springer Spaniel needs to be brushed on a weekly basis so that its coat is devoid of mats and tangles. Bathe them only when they get dirty and also wipe their ears and eyes on a regular basis to keep infections at bay. Other hygiene needs include trimming their nails as well as brushing their teeth.
Health Problems
Though healthy, some of the common problems observed in this breed include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, canine glaucoma, autoimmune thyroiditis, eye ailments as well as ear infections like otitis externa. In a survey conducted in 1997 including more than 100 breeds, Welsh Springer Spaniel attained the 14th rank regarding the worst hip score, with 18.45 being their average.
Training
Because of their impulsive and headstrong nature, training the Welsh Springer Spaniel can be a bit challenging, requiring a firm trainer who can handle it tactfully.
- Giving Welsh Springer Spaniel puppies socialization training is essential to help them get over their shy and reserved nature. Apart from taking them out, try acquainting them with different kinds of people as well as experiences, so that they would be able to distinguish the good from the bad and friend from a foe.
- Since they are good hunters and chasers leash training them since their puppy days is of utmost importance.
Feeding
Feed the Welsh Springer Spaniel with 1.5-2.5 cup dry dog food on a regular basis.