Welsh Springer Spaniels, or Welshies as they are often known, are the redhead of the Spaniel world. They are a little known breed that looks very similar to the English Springer Spaniel, and are often mistaken for the latter. There is also another school of thought that claims that the Welsh Springer is bred from the Brittany Springer Spaniel which explains why these two breeds are often mistaken for each other.

Despite all this, Welshies are workers with great stamina and strength and tend to be less hyperactive than the English Springer Spaniel, in fact they are typically mild mannered.

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a medium sized compact dog, big enough to be a proper dog and not a toy dog, with the most beautiful red coat. They are smaller than the working line of the English Springer Spaniel but they are harder to find as this breed has only been around for just over 100 years. With a slighter build than other Springer breeds, and angled instead of rounded ears, this version of the breed was finally recognized in 1902 as a separate and distinct breed from the English Springer. Since then this line has been bred away from its English cousins.

They are great sniffers, being able to sniff out the smallest scrap of food from 50 paces, and have one hell of a determined streak when trying to get hold of it, a bit like a beagle in that respect.

Less crazy than the English Springer Spaniel, Welsh Springers are known for their gentle personality and utter devotion to their families, making Welsh Springer Spaniels excellent family pets. They are likely to consider themselves to be another one of your children.

They are not as outgoing as the English Springer Spaniel and can be somewhat reserved with strangers, however they don't show signs of timidity, shyness or aggression. This reserved nature will not be true when he or she greets you at the door on returning home. They can be excessive in their boundless energy to show you just how much they love and missed you.

As their desire is to be with you all the time, Welsh Springer Spaniels are not good at living in kennels, they will bark until you bring them inside, so if you are planning on getting one make sure you plan on them being very much part of the family, as they will make sure that is where they fit.

Raising a Springer puppy is a delight, however he does need to be disciplined, as they will tap into their hunting instincts early and like to chase cats and birds very quickly. You must make sure they understand the rules early on, otherwise it could develop into a problem as they grow up in to adulthood. By all means encourage their hunting instinct, but in a controlled manner. Patience is not something a Welsh Springer Spaniel possesses, so be warned of this when trying to train him or her.

They are a breed with fairly high maintenance coat, that needs regular grooming to keep them in good health. Failure to take care of their coats can result in matted fur, especially around the ears and the feathers on the legs. But regular grooming easily becomes part of your daily routine with your Springer, and it will reinforce the bond between you and your dog.