Welsh Springer Spaniel

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is an energetic and lively dog that needs plenty of regular exercise, including a daily, long walk. It will greatly enjoy running off the leash in a safe area. Without enough exercise, these dogs will become bored, fat and lazy and are more likely to develop a wide variety of behavior problems.

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a hunting dog and should be in hard muscular condition. It is in no way a breed of exaggeration. It is very slightly longer than tall, compact and possessing substance without coarseness. Its strides are powerful and ground-covering. The coat is flat and straight, dense enough to protect it from water, weather and thorns but not so excessive as to be a hindrance in the dog's work as a flushing spaniel. The expression is soft.

Less exuberant that the English springer, the Welsh springer spaniel is steady and easygoing. It still needs plenty of hard exercise, however, as it loves to hunt for birds. It is extremely devoted to its family, but it is independent in nature. It is reserved with strangers; some may even be timid.

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a cousin of the English Springer Spaniel and the Cocker Spaniel, which 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 Spaniel, the Sussex Spaniel, the Welsh Springer, the Field and the Irish Water all developed from the English Springer / Cocker 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 from the English Springer. The Welsh Springer was bred to find and spring at the game. Hardy, it was 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.