<C>Height:</C> 18 to 19 inches (male); 17 to 18 inches (female).
<C>Weight:</C> 38 to 48 pounds.
<C>Size:</C> Medium.
<C>Availability:</C> Difficult to find.
<b>History:</> The Welsh Springer Spaniel is an outstanding hardy gun dog developed in Wales, probably before 1300 AD. The early history of the Welsh Springer is similar to that of the English Cocker, English Springer Spaniel and other spaniels of British origins. All the early spaniels were called Cockers, or Cocking Spaniels. There was no kennel club to regulate breeding, so the different types were often interbred. Later, spaniels were divided into Water Spaniels and Land Spaniels. Many early writings mention a "Welsh Cocker", which might have been the forerunner of today's Welsh Springer Spaniel. Through the years, more divisions were made. Springers were separated from Cockers. The Welsh and English Springers became separate breeds sometime before 1900. The American Cocker Spaniel developed even later. The Welsh Springer has great stamina and can work for hours on end without getting tired in all kinds of weather and on difficult terrain. The name comes from the fact that the breed is talented at finding and "springing" hidden game. His tail starts wagging faster when he discovers game. The jolly disposition of the Welsh Springer makes him a fine companion and family dog.
<b>Description:</> A compact, medium sized dog with a silky dark red and white coat. The hair is straight or slightly wavy, flat and medium length with feathering on chest, underside, legs and tail. The head is slightly rounded and the muzzle is fairly square. The longish pendant ears are fringed with hair, somewhat like a setter's. The eyes are either hazel or dark colored. The Welsh Springer is a bit smaller and lighter than the English Springer, and a bit taller and larger than the English Cocker Spaniel.
<b>Notes:</> Hip dysplasia is a significant problem in this breed. Buy only from OFA certified stock. Some lines are subject to epilepsy and entropion. Must be trained to hunt relatively early so he learns not to wander. The Welsh Springer's coat keeps the dog comfortable in both hot and cold weather. This breed is generally good with other pets, especially if raised with them.
<b>Personality:</> Happy, willing. Less outgoing than the English Springer. Somewhat independant, but also sensitive. Socialize well to avoid timidity. Some may be protective. The Welsh Springer needs to be included in family activities.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Excellent with children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Reserved with strangers.
<C>Trainability:</C> Easy to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Not particularly dependent or independent.
<C>Dominance:</C> Low.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Generally good with other pets.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Not generally dog-aggressive.
<C>Noise:</C> Average barker.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> A little grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> Skilled trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Feathered coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Average shedder.
<C>Docking:</C> The tail is customarily docked.
<C>Exercise:</C> Vigorous daily exercise needed.
<C>Jogging:</C> An excellent jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Fairly active indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> Best with at least an average-size yard.
<C>Climate:</C> Does well in most climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Good for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Moderately long lived (12 to 15 years).
<b>Talents:</> hunting, tracking, retrieving, and watchdog.
<b>For More Information:</>
Call the AKC Breeder Referral Hotline: 1-900-407-PUPS for the name of a breeder referral representative in your area. Cost is 99 cents per minute.
<b>Photo Caption:</> WELSH SPRINGER SPANIEL
Photo copyright: Cook PhoDOGraphy 1995. All rights reserved.
