Welsh Springer Spaniel

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The Welsh Springer Spaniel undoubtedly bears a superficial resemblance to his English cousin, but the two breeds have developed quite independently over the centuries. Red and white dogs of spaniel type are seen in paintings dating back to the 16thC and the Welsh Springer has been used in Wales as a working gundog for many years. 

There are records that date back to the 1800s belonging to the family of a Mr A T Williams of Neath, South Wales, which show the Welsh Springer Spaniel can be traced back as a distinct breed type with certainty to the 18thC. However, after the 1914 - 18 war there were no registered dogs, so the Welsh Springer was forced to re-establish itself from a handful of un-registered dogs.

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. 

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

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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