Welsh Springer Spaniel
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a dog breed which belongs to the spaniel family. Supposed to be similar to the old Land Spaniel, the Welsh Springer Spaniel is akin to the English Springer Spaniel and traditionally has been signified to as both the Welsh Spaniel and the Welsh Cocker Spaniel. They were comparatively unknown until a series of victories in dog trials by the breed enhanced its popularity.
After recognition by The Kennel Club in 1902, the dog gained its modern name the ‘Welsh Springer Spaniel’. The dog is a working pooch, originally bred for hunting, and while not as rare as some varieties of spaniel, they are scarcer than the broadly known English Springer Spaniel with which they are sometimes confused.
The breed's coat only comes in a single color blend of white with red markings, usually in a spotted pattern.
Socialization
Due to Loyal and affectionate nature, the Welsh Springer Spaniel can become very friendly like a family member but very cautious to the strangers.
Appearance
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a solid, soundly built pooch, bred for hard work and patience. It has a lengthier body due to its obliquely slanting forequarters and developed hindquarters. The shape of the dog should be slightly off square, meaning that the length of the dog should be somewhat greater than the height at the withers. But some dogs may be fair, and this is not scolded in the show ring as long as the height is never bigger than the length.
The eyes of the Welsh Springer Spaniel should be brown in color; yellow eyes do occasionally happen but are penalized in the show ring. Ears are small, drooping, vine-shaped and with a light setter-like feathering. Dissimilar to the English Springer Spaniel and English Cocker Spaniel, there is no difference between show and field styles of the dogs.
Weight and Size
The height of a male dog ranges between 18 to 19 inches (46 to 48 cm) at the withers, and height of female ranges between 17 to 18 inches (43 to 46 cm). Similarly, the average weight a breed member ranges between 16 to 20 kg (35 to 45 lbs.).
The back of the legs, chest, and the bottom of the body are feathered, and the ears and tail are lightly feathered. The only color is a rich red-and-white. But any color is suitable and any white area may be spotted with red markings.
Temperament
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is an active, reliable, and friendly dog. It can be seen barking on strangers when in its territory, or acting at a distance, cautious or cagy. The dog is well recognized for being friendly and affectionate to all members of the family, especially the children, and also tolerant of other pets of the house with sociable and playful attitude.
The dog is fast to learn but can be impetuous. It can become very obedient with accurate training. The Welsh Springer was bred for exertion and fortitude, and like as various hunting breeds, it needs regular exercise to keep the dog healthy and gratified. Lack of reasonable exercise and training, the dog may seem hyperactive. Some dogs can become anxious to their owners and suffer separation anxiety when unaccompanied.
Lifespan
The average life of Welsh Springer is 12 to 15 years.
History
The exact date of origin of the breed is unknown. Yet the dog is resembling the breed with its common red and white coat are often portrayed in old photographs and prints. This type of dog was known as Land Spaniel and is thought to be similar to the modern Welsh Springer.
In the past, the dog ‘called the Welsh Starter’ was also used to spring game, originally for hunters using falcons. The usual red and white color of the Welsh Springer was once seen in English dogs, but by the early 20th century any such breed was expected to have "died a long ago".
Also see: Cute Pictures of Springer Spaniel Puppies and Dogs