The Welsh Springer Spaniel’s soft and silky coat isn’t the only lovely thing about this breed. Really, they have a little bit of everything – enchanting good looks, plenty of smarts, and a friendly and eager-to-please mentality. These pups are perfect for active individuals and families who love going on walks and hikes – easily keeping up with you on the trails, and then cozily snuggling up on the couch in the evening after a long day outdoors. Now doesn’t that sound nice?
Is a Welsh Springer Spaniel the right kind of dog for you? There are a lot of things to consider when adding a dog to your life, so we’ve covered just about everything you’ll need to know in this in-depth breed profile.
Breed Characteristics
Key
- Low
- Medium
- High
- Origin: Welsh
- Size:
- Weight: 35-55 pounds
- Activity level:
- Barking/howling level:
- Good with dogs: yes
- Good with kids: yes
- Good with cats:
- Shedding:
- Shedding: Seasonal
- Grooming level:
- Training level:
Welsh Springer Spaniel Appearance
Medium-sized and sturdy, these dogs have a beautiful coat that really sets them apart. Their coif is soft and silky, and usually colored dark red and white. They also are rockin’ distinctive feathered fur on their legs, belly, and chest. Their long, low-hanging ears promise to be super tempting for you to pet, and their large, soulful eyes will instantly convince you to be their best friend.
Though similar looking to other spaniels, they’re slightly smaller than the English Springers, and a smidge taller than English Cocker Spaniels.
Welsh Springer Spaniel Personality
Nothing says love like a sweet Welsh Springer Spaniel. Ideal companions, these pups are affectionate, sweet, gentle, and hard-working – and they want nothing more than to please their loved ones. They’re a little less outgoing than English Spaniels (but really, who isn’t?), and a bit more independent.
They also love learning new things so they’ll thrive when challenged with games and activities that stimulate their minds. They’re also a bouncy bunch, so it’s essential to give them plenty of exercise to get out all of their wiggles. Just watch out for any birds in the area, as they’re liable to take off like a shot after them.
You also can’t expect your Welsh Springer Spaniel to be the greatest guard dog – they’re a bit of a soft breed, which means they don’t get too aggressive.
Ideal Environment for a Welsh Springer Spaniel
Welsh Springer Spaniels are quite adaptable and can be happy in a variety of situations. Provide them with somewhere to run freely, the company of loved ones, and plenty of snacks, and they’ll be happy as a clam.
They make wonderful family pets since they’re great with children, but you’re going to want to keep a close eye on them around small pets (especially birds and hamsters) that may kick their prey drive into high gear. However they are generally good with other family pets, especially if they’re socialized from an early age.
Ideal Human for a Welsh Springer Spaniel
This breed’s ideal human is someone who is willing to commit sufficient time to their socialization and training. It’s also important that their “person” have plenty of energy for an active dog, as these pups will require daily exercise and regular mental stimulation. Basically they should be prepared to have a new best buddy who would love to spend as much time with them as possible.
Welsh Springer Spaniel Dog Training
Since this breed does love to spend so much time with their loved ones, they may experience separation anxiety unless they are crate trained at a very early age. Luckily, Welsh Springer Spaniels are a cinch to train because of their intelligence and their desire to please, so you should have excellent luck teaching them all kinds of commands and tricks.
It’s also important to socialize this breed, making them feel comfortable and safe with you as they explore the world and gain the confidence to be the well-adjusted, well-behaved pup you know that they can be. Above all this breed really just wants to please their loved ones, and their smarts and charm mean that any effort you put into training them will be well worth it.
Welsh Springer Spaniel Grooming
Though these aren’t the most high-maintenance dogs, they do require a bit of upkeep to keep them looking their best. In order to prevent mats and tangles from forming, you’re going to want to give them a good, thorough brushing a couple of times a week. Your best option is probably a soft brush or slicker brush, and a comb to help with any knots.
Welsh Springer Spaniels should also have their nails trimmed every few weeks, and should be bathed about every month (with safe, gentle shampoo) to make sure their coat is shiny and their skin is healthy. Make sure to check those long ears regularly as well, since they’re prone to infections, especially after playing in the water.
Welsh Springer Spaniel Health
Welsh Springer Spaniels are a fairly healthy breed since they aren’t extremely popular, and overbred – which is what can often lead to serious issues in some pups. They do have a few possible health issues that you should keep an eye out for, including hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and entropion (when the eyelid folds inward and requires surgery).
Despite sometimes encountering these health issues, using a reputable breeder (if you’re using a breeder) can help cut down the possibility of your dog having these problems. Welsh Springer Spaniels generally live from 10 to 15 years, and with the proper exercise, food, and regular trips to the vet, your pup will have a good chance at a long and happy life.
Welsh Springer Spaniel Breed History
Welsh Springer Spaniels were originally bred as a gun dog to flush or spring game in fields, making them a very popular choice for hunters. Like other spaniels, these pups originated in Spain, where they were later divided into two groups in the 1800s: one group for companion dogs, and the other for large hunting dogs. Then the hunting dogs were separated into land and water spaniels, with Welsh Springer Spaniels characterized as land spaniels.
Getting a Welsh Springer Spaniel
Welsh Springer Spaniel breeders
It’s always a good idea to meet the parents of your puppy, and to see how the litter interacts with each other. Also, a good, trustworthy breeder should have records of the parents’ lineage, too and should be able to tell you more about the specific mix of the litter.
If going to a breeder be sure to find one that supports early socialization such as ENS or Puppy culture. And one that health and genetic tests including eyes and hips of parents. Make sure you wise up on puppy mills and internet scams—following some simple steps can help avoid further funding of this terrible practice, and help you end up with a pet whose breeding and early-life experience will more reliably result in a well-adjusted dog.
Adopting a Welsh Springer Spaniel
As with many highly popular breeds, Welsh Springer Spaniels often find their way to rescue centers for a variety of reasons, including dogs being rescued from puppy mills. But often it’s the simple fact that their previous owners simply felt unable to care for them any longer, perhaps due to a change in lifestyle or health.
A Welsh Springer Spaniel can make for a wonderful friend and they’re sure to be a source of joy, with plenty of laughs and perhaps a little bit of mischief along the way. Surrendered dogs are often already well trained and simply in need of a new, loving home, so rescuing is always a wonderful option.
Whether you’re planning on adopting or finding a breeder to find a puppy, prepare yourself, your home and your heart to welcome a dog with plenty of personality and energy.
More on Welsh Springer Spaniels
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