Welsh Springer Spaniel Picture Gallery

Welsh Springer Spaniel Breeders

Welsh Springer Spaniel Clubs/Associations

The Full Welsh Springer Spaniel Description

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is an eager and quick learner, extremely affectionate, and devoted. He is smaller than the English Springer, but stronger than the Cocker Spaniel. All Welshies are distinguished by their beautiful coats -- always red with white.

Did you know?

The history of the Welsh Springer Spaniel begins as far back as 7000 B.C.

So you want to own a Welsh Springer Spaniel?

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a very energetic sporting dog who needs daily vigorous exercise.
The Welsh Springer Spaniel makes an excellent pet for children, although puppies may have too much energy and strength for very young children. They make wonderful house dogs and can live in city apartments as long as they are given lots of attention and exercise.

Indicative Breed Standard

General Appearance

Symmetrical, compact, not leggy, obviously built for endurance and hard work. Quick and active mover, displaying plenty of push and drive.

Characteristics

Very ancient and distinct breed of pure origin. Strong, merry and very active.

Temperament

Kindly disposition, not showing aggression or nervousness.

Head and Skull

Skull of proportionate length, slightly domed, clearly defined stop, well chiselled below eyes. Muzzle of medium length, straight, fairly square. Nostrils well developed, flesh coloured to dark.

Eyes

Hazel or dark, medium size, not prominent, or sunken, or showing haw.

Ears

Set moderately low and hanging close to cheeks. Comparatively small and gradually narrowing towards tip and shaped somewhat like a vine leaf.

Mouth

Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck

Long, muscular, clean in throat, neatly set into sloping shoulders.

Forequarters

Forelegs of medium length, straight, well boned.

Body

Not long. Strong and muscular. Deep brisket, well sprung ribs. Length of body should be proportionate to length of leg. Loin muscular and slightly arched. Well coupled.

Hindquarters

Strong and muscular, wide and fully developed with deep second thighs. Hindlegs well boned, hocks well let down, stifles moderately angled, neither turning in nor out.

Feet

Round, with thick pads. Firm and cat-like, not large or spreading.

Tail

Customarily docked. Docked: Well set on and low, never carried above level of back. Lively in action. Undocked: Well set on and low, never carried above level of back. Lively in action. Feathered. In balance with the rest of the dog.

Gait/Movement

Smooth, powerful, ground covering action; driving from rear.

Coat

Straight or flat, silky texture, dense, never wiry or wavy. Curly coat highly undesirable. Forelegs and hindlegs above hocks moderately feathered, ears and tail lightly feathered.

Colour

Rich red and white only.

Size

Approximate height: dogs: 48 cms (19 ins) at withers; bitches: 46 cms (18 ins) at withers.