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Welsh Springer Spaniel

dog Breed Profile

The Welsh Springer spaniel is a medium-sized dog with a red and white coat, often with freckles.

Attributes

Long back

Size

Weight

40-45 lbs.

35-40 lbs.

Height

18 in.

(at withers)

19 in.

Coat

Length

Medium

Color

Rich red and white

Care

Exercise

>40 minutes/day

Energy level

Average

Longevity

12-15 yrs.

Needs

Moderate

Traits

Barking

Low

Snoring

Low

Drooling

Low

Digging

Low

Grooming Needs

Moderate

Social Needs

Moderate

Club recognition

AKC Class.

Sporting

UKC Class.

Gun Dog

Prevalence

So-so

The Welsh Springer Spaniel Dog Breed

It has been claimed that the Welsh springer spaniel needs to be with his owner every minute that the owner is home.

About the Welsh Springer Spaniel

The Welsh Springer spaniel is a medium-sized dog with a red and white coat, often with freckles.

Welsh Springer Spaniel personality

The Welsh springer is a loving, affectionate dog who is less outgoing than the English springer spaniel. He tends to be sensitive and reserved with people he does not know and to confine displays of affection to his family alone. Although physically energetic, his temperament is relatively calm and he is known to be good with children.

Within his own family, the Welsh springer spaniel is known for his loyalty and devotion. According to the Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of America, this dog is one who needs to be with his owner every minute that the owner is home. Welsh springers follow their people everywhere, even into the bathroom. 

The Welsh springer spaniel is not aggressive, but he is alert and watchful. Count on him to announce to his family the presence of any strangers.

What to expect

If you are looking for a dog who worships the ground you walk on, consider the Welsh springer spaniel. His loyalty and devotion are renowned among dogdom.

However, the Welsh springer spaniel's reserve around people outside the family makes socialization a must. Exposing the dog to as many new people, places and situations as possible — particularly when he is a puppy — will help prevent the Welsh springer from becoming too timid.

These dogs are bred to hunt and need considerable exercise. However, off-leash exercising should take place within a confined area, because Welsh springer spaniels have a tendency to wander.

Training can help bring out a Welsh springer spaniel's many talents, which include hunting, retrieving and tracking.

Grooming is fairly easy a weekly brushing with a stiff bristle brush will do the job. Be careful to clean the ears regularly the floppy ears of Welsh springers and other spaniels may be prone to ear infections.

The average life span of a Welsh springer spaniel is 12 to 14 years.

History of the Welsh Springer Spaniel

The Welsh springer spaniel was developed in Wales, probably in the 13th century, for use as a hunting dog. The breed's history is similar to that of the English cocker spaniel, the English springer spaniel, and other spaniels that originated in Britain.

Both Welsh springer and English springer spaniels hunt game by flushing out their quarry, that is, springing on it from its hiding place. The dogs then fetch the downed game and bring it back to the hunter.

The Welsh springer is a relatively rare breed of spaniel. According to the Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of America, only about 300 puppies, or six per state, are registered with the American Kennel Club each year.

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