GENERAL APPEARANCE
Shoulder height: 46-48cm (18”-19”)
Colour: Rich red and white.
Coat: Straight, flat and thick with a silky texture.Gait: Smooth co-ordination with strong reach and drive.
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a larger dog than the English Cocker Spaniel but smaller than the English Springer, however, in type these spaniels tend to be more like the latter. They are a strong, symmetrical dog with an exuberant temperament. The slightly domed skull and the chiselled muzzle are separated mid way by a defined stop, and hazel or dark eyes which show no haw. The nostrils may be dark or flesh coloured. The smallish vine shaped ears are low set and covered with setter like feathering. The long muscular neck flows into a not overlong body, with well sprung ribs and deep brisket, strong loin and a low set tail that is customary docked. The legs are well boned, straight and moderately feathered with well developed lower thighs.
CHARACTERISTICS AND CARE
A merry active spaniel who requires plenty of exercise. Being slightly more headstrong than their cousin the English Springer Spaniel, firm control and good training is advisable. Their extreme enthusiasm is not always suited to the elderly or families with young children. In the field, these spaniels excel, as no day is too long for them. They have an excellent scenting nose and love the water. Never forgetting their lessons, makes them easy to train. Coat care is not difficult - all that is needed is periodic grooming and a regular check to see their ears are clean and healthy.
HISTORY
Sometimes known as the Welsh Starter, these spaniels are of an ancient and pure origin. In the past, they were used to ‘spring’ game, originally for the falcon and after the introduction of guns, to retrieve birds on land or water. In the Laws of Wales in 1300 AD, there is mention of red and white dogs believed to be the forerunner of the modern Welsh Springer. One cannot ignore the similarity to the Brittany Spaniel and as Flemish weavers came to Wales in 1107, it is possible some local spaniels accompanied them.