A lively, medium-sized bird dog with a cheerful personality, the Welsh Springer Spaniel is renowned for his flexibility in the field, companionability at home, and dazzling good looks everywhere he goes. One of Britain’s oldest sports breeds is the Welshie. Welshies are considered to be of “handy size,” meaning that they are larger and stronger than Cocker Spaniels but smaller than English Springers, standing between 17 and 19 inches at the shoulder. Two characteristics set Welshies apart from other Spaniels: a distinctively tapered head and an eye-catching coat with striking red and white patterning. The stunning coat is more than simply a fashion statement; it also serves as waterproof, weatherproof, and thornproof clothing that allows Welshies to exhibit their legendary adaptability in all weather conditions and on all surfaces.
Welsh Springer Spaniel
reserved / happy / upbeat
Average sizes and life
expectancy of the breed.
Height
18-19 inches (male)
17-18 inches (female)
Weight
40-55 pounds (male)
35-50 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy
12-15 years
Breed Traits & Characteristics
Shedding Level
How much fur and hair you can expect the breed to leave behind. Breeds with high shedding will need to be brushed more frequently, are more likely to trigger certain types of allergies, and are more likely to require more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling.
Coat Grooming Frequency
How frequently a breed requires bathing, brushing, trimming, or other kinds of coat maintenance. Consider how much time, patience, and budget you have for this type of care when looking at the grooming effort needed. All breeds require regular nail trimming.
Drooling Level
How drool-prone a breed tends to be. If you're a neat freak, dogs that can leave ropes of slobber on your arm or big wet spots on your clothes may not be the right choice for you.
Coat Type
Corded
Curly
Double
Hairless
Rough
Silky
Smooth
Wavy
Wiry
Canine coats come in many different types, depending on the breed's purpose. Each coat type comes with different grooming needs, allergen potential, and shedding level. You may also just prefer the look or feel of certain coat types over others when choosing a family pet.
Coat Length
Long
Medium
Short
How long the breed's coat is expected to be. Some long-haired breeds can be trimmed short, but this will require additional upkeep to maintain.
Affectionate With Family
How affectionate a breed is likely to be with family members, or other people he knows well. Some breeds can be aloof with everyone but their owner, while other breeds treat everyone they know like their best friend.
Good With Young Children
A breed's level of tolerance and patience with childrens' behavior, and overall family-friendly nature. Dogs should always be supervised around young children, or children of any age who have little exposure to dogs.
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
How generally friendly a breed is towards other dogs. Dogs should always be supervised for interactions and introductions with other dogs, but some breeds are innately more likely to get along with other dogs, both at home and in public.
Shedding Level
How much fur and hair you can expect the breed to leave behind. Breeds with high shedding will need to be brushed more frequently, are more likely to trigger certain types of allergies, and are more likely to require more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling.
Coat Grooming Frequency
How frequently a breed requires bathing, brushing, trimming, or other kinds of coat maintenance. Consider how much time, patience, and budget you have for this type of care when looking at the grooming effort needed. All breeds require regular nail trimming.
Drooling Level
How drool-prone a breed tends to be. If you're a neat freak, dogs that can leave ropes of slobber on your arm or big wet spots on your clothes may not be the right choice for you.
Coat Type
Corded
Curly
Double
Hairless
Rough
Silky
Smooth
Wavy
Wiry
Canine coats come in many different types, depending on the breed's purpose. Each coat type comes with different grooming needs, allergen potential, and shedding level. You may also just prefer the look or feel of certain coat types over others when choosing a family pet.
Coat Length
Long
Medium
Short
How long the breed's coat is expected to be. Some long-haired breeds can be trimmed short, but this will require additional upkeep to maintain.
Openness To Strangers
How welcoming a breed is likely to be towards strangers. Some breeds will be reserved or cautious around all strangers, regardless of the location, while other breeds will be happy to meet a new human whenever one is around!
Playfulness Level
How enthusiastic about play a breed is likely to be, even past the age of puppyhood. Some breeds will continue wanting to play tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, while others will be happy to just relax on the couch with you most of the time.
Watchdog/Protective Nature
A breed's tendency to alert you that strangers are around. These breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. These breeds are likely to warm to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.
Adaptability Level
How easily a breed handles change. This can include changes in living conditions, noise, weather, daily schedule, and other variations in day-to-day life.
Trainability Level
How easy it will be to train your dog, and how willing your dog will be to learn new things. Some breeds just want to make their owner proud, while others prefer to do what they want, when they want to, wherever they want!
Energy Level
The amount of exercise and mental stimulation a breed needs. High energy breeds are ready to go and eager for their next adventure. They'll spend their time running, jumping, and playing throughout the day. Low energy breeds are like couch potatoes - they're happy to simply lay around and snooze.
Barking Level
How often this breed vocalizes, whether it's with barks or howls. While some breeds will bark at every passer-by or bird in the window, others will only bark in particular situations. Some barkless breeds can still be vocal, using other sounds to express themselves.
Mental Stimulation Needs
How much mental stimulation a breed needs to stay happy and healthy. Purpose-bred dogs can have jobs that require decision-making, problem-solving, concentration, or other qualities, and without the brain exercise they need, they'll create their own projects to keep their minds busy -- and they probably won't be the kind of projects you'd like.
About the Breed
What To Expect When Caring For a Welsh Springer Spaniel
Owning a dog is not just a privilege; it’s a responsibility. They depend on us for, at minimum, food and shelter, and deserve much more. When you take a dog into your life, you need to understand the commitment that dog ownership entails.
Health
Welsh Springer Spaniels are typically healthy dogs, and ethical breeders screen their stock for diseases including autoimmune thyroiditis, hip and elbow dysplasia, and eye disorders. Regular examination of a Welshie's ears for infection symptoms and frequent brushing of the teeth with canine-specific toothpaste are recommended. To ensure the dog has a long and healthy life, regular trips to the vet for checks and parasite management are recommended.
Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club:
- Hip Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
- Thyroid Evaluation
- Elbow Evaluation
Grooming
The Welsh Springer Spaniel requires grooming at least once a week to maintain the best appearance of his lovely red-and-white coat. This can be accomplished with a thorough brushing with a soft brush and the use of a metal dog comb or slicker brush to remove any mats or tangles that are beginning to form. Every three to four weeks, the nails should be clipped, and a bath with a light shampoo made for dogs once a month or so can help keep the coat and skin clear and wholesome.
Exercise
Welsh Springer Spaniels are lively, athletic dogs who are happiest when given lots of exercise and quality time with their owners. Long daily walks with their owner or play sessions with their family in a securely fenced yard are also effective. A Welshie will only be content if they are interacting with their owners. The breed is a great option for those who lead an active lifestyle and for those looking for a devoted family pet. If given the chance, these adorable Spaniels will win your heart.
Training
According to the breed standard, the Welsh Springer has a tendency to be "reserved with strangers." This does not imply that a Welshie is timid or reserved. Puppy training sessions and early socialization are crucial. Bear in mind that Welshies were developed as hunting dogs and have a natural desire to pursue small animals and birds. However, most puppies pick up on respect for your pet cat or another dog quickly. The ideal yard has a fence around it. The Welshie is an excellent hunting partner and does well in dog sports like obedience, tracking, agility, and rally.
Nutrition
The Welsh Springer Spaniel should thrive on premium dog food, whether it is produced commercially or is made at home under the guidance and agreement of your veterinarian. Whatever the dog's age (puppy, adult, or senior), the diet should be suitable. Watch your dog's calorie intake and weight level because certain dogs are prone to obesity. Treats can be a valuable training tool, but offering them in excess might lead to obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. If you have any worries about your dog's weight or diet, consult your veterinarian. Fresh water that is clean should always be accessible.
History
Leading authorities claim that Welsh Springer Spaniels, who are descended from the original spaniels of the Iberian Peninsula (the word “spaniel” is derived from “Spaniard”), are the oldest of Britain’s spaniels. Welshie-type dogs first appear in British art and literature around 250 years BC. How these dogs got from Spain to Wales in antiquity is one of those canine riddles that historians chalk up as “lost in the mists of history.” In the early 1900s, Welsh and English Springers developed into distinct breeds.
