Welsh Springer Spaniel
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a strong merry, active spaniel easily identified by its rich red and white coat and comparatively small ears. It is smaller than the show-bred English Springer, dogs measuring approximately 48cms (19 inches) at the withers (shoulders) and bitches 46cms (18inches).
In 2000 The Kennel Club registered 424 Welsh Springers and 12599 English Springers. This shows why the Welsh Springer is not as well known as its cousin.
This type of dog was bred for hunting rabbits, birds and other game in the undergrowth and getting them to run or fly, originally for the falcon but nowadays, for the gun. This was the original meaning of springing and hence the term Springer. In the Principality of Wales, the Welsh Springer was known as a separate and distinct variety and can be traced with certainty to the eighteenth century, although the term spaniel was first found in the 1300's.
Many dogs are still used for their traditional purpose and certainly an active outside life suits the breed, with at least one good free run daily. They are happy to live in the home, preferably with a companion, although they have a tendency to be noisy if bored.
Even if you do not wish to work your Welsh Springer, a degree of training using kind but firm methods is essential in order to have a sociable and socialised pet. Welsh Springers, particularly males, have immense energy and a strong nose for following game scents, even if that is not your interest!
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.HEAD & SKULL
Skull of proportinate length, slightly domed, clearly defined stop, well chiselled below eyes. Muzzle of medium length, straight, fairly square. Nostrils well developed, brown to dark.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 bisket, 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. Hind legs 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
Customarily docked.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.COLOR
Rich red and white only.SIZE
Approximate height:Dogs 48 cms (19 ins) at withers. Bitches 46 cms (18 ins) at withers.