Gundog American Cocker Spaniel Bracco Italiano Brittany Chesapeake Bay Retriever Clumber Spaniel Cocker Spaniel (English) Curly Coated Retriever English Pointer English Setter English Springer Spaniel Field Spaniel Flat Coated Retriever German Short Haired Pointer German Wire Haired Pointer Golden Retriever Gordon Setter Hungarian Vizsla Irish Red and White Setter Irish Setter Irish Water Spaniel Italian Spinone Kooikerhondje Labrador Retriever Large Munsterlander Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Sussex Spaniel Weimaraner Welsh Springer Spaniel

He is smaller than the English Springer Spaniel at 48cm at the withers and with finer bone and a less profuse coat. His coat is the single colour combination of a rich red and white. Although not numerically a very strong breed - just 424 puppies were registered in 2000, he has a strong band of followers. 

The Welsh Springer was originally bred for hunting rabbits and feathered game by getting them to run or fly - known as "springing", originally for the falcon but now to the gun. Many dogs are still worked and the Clubs organise Field Trials and assessments to give show dogs a taste of hunting. Whether or not new owners choose to try their dogs in these Field, it should be remembered that they have a long history of working and if their energy and intelligence is not channelled he will discover his own outlets!

He makes a good family pet, but must be given the opportunity to have ample exercise; he also tends to get lonely so two would probably be better than one, especially if he is to be left alone for part of the day. The Welsh Springer Spaniel Breed Club sites are very helpful and should be your first stop for more information.

To read the Kennel Club Breed Standard for the Welsh Springer Spaniel click here. 

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Selected Books

The time to make sure that this is the right breed for you is before you bring him home; if you and your Welsh Springer are to be happy together there is plenty of research to be done.  Even if you do not intend to work him, having an appreciation of Gundog Training will help you understand why he behaves as he does. 

In addition to learning what kind of behaviour is specific to Gundogs, understanding your dog, and what his motivations are on a more general level can save a lot of confusion and misunderstandings for both you and him. Many mistakes can be avoided, and quick solutions reached if you have the basics of puppy training to guide you through all the early settling in difficulties.  It helps, too, to have some idea of basic healthcare so you can make informed judgements about whether a visit to the vet is necessary or if there is a simple remedy.  For example, many cases of upset tummies are best cured by 24 hour starvation.  The books we have chosen will be able to guide you as to whether your dog can be treated at home, or a visit to the surgery is necessary.

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Welsh Springer Spaniel Breed Clubs

• NORTH OF ENGLAND WELSH SPRINGER SPANIEL CLUB     Mrs Butler-Holley 01226 282097
• SOUTH EASTERN WELSH SPRINGER SPANIEL CLUB    Mrs Revill 01621 854765
• WELSH SPRINGER SPANIEL CLUB OF SOUTH WALES    Mrs Jones 01495 772681
• WELSH SPRINGER SPANIEL CLUB    Mrs T J Short 01424 75123

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Welsh Springer Spaniel Rescue and Rehoming

Contact a Breed Club. They should be able to give you information about dogs requiring homes and procedures for re-homing; if you are in the unfortunate position of having to re-home your own Welsh Springer, please go through breed rescue. They will not be judgmental and are best able to find the right permanent home for your dog.

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Welsh Springer Spaniel Breeders

Bushwacker

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If you are looking for a puppy contact the Breed Clubs and the Breeders listed and visit the puppyfinder website where there is a great deal of information on hereditary conditions.  If you are a Breeder and wish to advertise your puppies puppyfinder is an excellent showcase.