Welsh Springer SpanielCharacteristics, history, training and care

Welsh Springer Spaniel. · Udo Tjalsma / Wikimedia Commons, CC0 (public domain). Cropped and resized.

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a red and white spaniel from Wales, compact and built for endurance and hard work. The FCI standard describes it as a very ancient and pure breed, strong, merry and very active, with a kindly disposition, never nervous; aggression is not accepted.

Quick facts

Common name	Welsh Springer Spaniel
Scientific name	Canis lupus familiaris
Country of origin	United Kingdom (Wales)
Official recognition	FCI, definitively since 30 December 1954 (group 8, flushing dogs; standard no. 126); Kennel Club since 1902; also recognised by the AKC
Lifespan	12–15 years, according to the AKC
Size (males)	about 48 cm at the withers; 18–25 kg according to the AKC
Size (females)	about 46 cm at the withers; 16–23 kg according to the AKC
Coat type	Straight, silky, dense, with moderate feathering
Common colours	Only rich red and white
Energy level	High
Suited to an apartment?	Yes, with enough exercise
Temperament	Merry, active, kindly, never nervous
Tendency to aggression	Very low
Good with children	Very good, according to the AKC
Good with other animals	Good; hunting instinct
Genetic predispositions	Hip and elbow dysplasia, autoimmune thyroiditis, eye diseases

Primary category:Dog breeds
Explore this animal's categories:
British dog breeds Dog breeds Dog breeds good with children Easy-to-train dog breeds Hunting dog breeds Medium dog breeds Retrievers, spaniels and water dogs

History and origin

The FCI standard describes it as a very ancient and distinct breed of pure origin. Wikipedia says it has been compared with the old “Land Spaniel”, that it resembles the English Springer Spaniel and that it was also known as the “Welsh Spaniel” or “Welsh Cocker Spaniel”.

Wikipedia adds that it was little known until a series of wins at working trials raised its popularity. After its recognition by the Kennel Club in 1902, it was given its present name.

How the breed developed

Centuries ago – A working spaniel in Wales.
1902 – Recognised by the Kennel Club under its present name.
30 December 1954 – The FCI recognises the breed.

Breed rating

Feature	Stars
Training and intelligence	★★★★☆
Easy to train	★★★★★
Intelligence	★★★★★
Independence	★★★★☆
Stubbornness	★★★★☆
Behaviour and temperament	★★★★☆
Affectionate with family	★★★★☆
Friendly with children	★★★★★
Good with other dogs	★★★☆☆
Good with cats and other animals	★★★☆☆
Loyalty	★★★★☆
Tendency to be aggressive	★★☆☆☆
Tendency to bark	★★★★☆
Needs and care	★★★★☆
Shedding	★★★★☆
Needs frequent grooming	★★★☆☆
Activity and lifestyle	★★★★★
Energy level	★★★★☆
Daily exercise needs	★★★★☆
Suited to apartment life	★★★☆☆
Health and longevity	★★★★☆
Life expectancy	★★★☆☆
Predisposition to genetic diseases	★★☆☆☆
Working abilities and uses	★★★☆☆
Good hunting dog	★★★★☆
Good companion dog	★★★★☆

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

Physical characteristics

The standard describes it as symmetrical, compact, not too tall, built for endurance and hard work, quick and active. The AKC says enthusiasts call it “the practical size”: larger and stronger than the Cocker Spaniel but smaller than the English Springer, with a slightly tapered head and a red and white coat.

General appearance

The coat is straight or flat, silky and dense, never wiry or wavy. The legs are moderately feathered, and the ears and tail lightly feathered.

Feature	Welsh Springer Spaniel
Size	Medium
Height at the withers	males: ~48 cm; females: ~46 cm
Weight	16–25 kg (AKC)
Coat	Silky, with feathering
Colour	Red and white
Type	Flushing dog

The standard accepts only rich red and white.

Training and socialisation

The standard describes it as strong, merry and very active, with a kindly disposition, never nervous. The AKC says it can be reserved with strangers, but this does not mean it is shy; early socialisation and puppy classes are essential.

The AKC points out that it is a hunting dog, with an instinct to chase birds and small mammals, but most puppies quickly learn to respect the family cat or another dog in the house. The AKC gives it the top score for ease of training.

Tips for effective training

Socialise it early. It is reserved with strangers.
Use rewards. It learns easily.
Spend time with it. Interaction makes it happy.
The fence must be secure. It chases birds.

Activity needs and lifestyle

The AKC says it is active and energetic and happiest with plenty of exercise and lots of time with its people: play in a well-fenced yard or long daily walks. It is a good choice for people with an active lifestyle.

Activity	How often	Why it matters
Long walks	daily	Energy
Play in the yard	daily	Bonding with the family
Retrieving or hunting	weekly	Instinct

Tips for a balanced life

Suited to active families.
Check the ears often.
Brush it weekly.

Care and health

Coat and skin care

The AKC says the red and white coat needs grooming at least once a week, with a soft brush and a slicker brush or a comb for tangles. The nails should be trimmed every three to four weeks.

Common health problems

The AKC says the breed is generally healthy, and responsible breeders test their dogs for:

Condition	Description	Common symptoms
Hip dysplasia	The hip joint forms incorrectly and, over time, arthritis develops	Limping, difficulty getting up or jumping, hip pain
Elbow dysplasia	The elbow joint develops incorrectly and arthritis appears	Limping on the front legs, especially after exercise
Autoimmune thyroiditis	Inflammation of the thyroid	Weight gain, tiredness
Eye diseases	Inherited conditions	Poor vision

Other care

Check the ears regularly.
Brush its teeth often.
Ask for the parents' health tests.

Diet and nutrition

The AKC recommends good-quality food suited to the dog's age, and attention to its weight.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

Dog's weight	Calories per day (neutered)	Calories per day (not neutered)	Dry food per day (approximate)
16 kg	900 kcal	1,010 kcal	220–290 g
20 kg	1,060 kcal	1,190 kcal	260–340 g
25 kg	1,250 kcal	1,410 kcal	310–400 g

Treats count towards the daily portion.
Split the food into two meals a day.
A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Reproduction and development

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.