Welsh Springer Spaniel: History, Temperament, Care, Training & more

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Welsh Springer Spaniel Breed Information
Also known as the Welsh Springer or Welshie

Welsh Springer Spaniel
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Photo by Bernt Rostad

Welsh Springer Spaniel – Just The Facts

  • AKC Popularity:  124
  • AKC Breed Group: Sporting
  • Size of Male:  40-45 lbs.,16-17 in
  • Size of Female:  35-45 lbs., 15-16 in.
  • Color:  Red and white
  • Average Lifespan:  12-15 years
  • Breed Origin:  Wales, England
  • Purpose:  Hunting dog used to spring game, water dog, retriever

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General Description

The loyal and affectionate Welsh Springer Spaniel is an active sporting dog. They are not as common as their distant cousins, the English Springer Spaniels, but they make excellent family pets.

Welsh Springers are very friendly and loving toward their families and they love children. They are playful and fun dogs and usually get along very well with other pets.

Origin and History

Welsh Springer Spaniels are not particularly closely related to the English Springer Spaniel, although many people confuse them or believe that the Welsh Springer is a variety of the English Springer. In fact, the Welsh Springer is an older breed, probably descended from the original Land Spaniels found in England from the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods.

This dog breed, sometimes called the “Welshie,” was used to find and spring game birds into nets. The Welshie was very popular with nobles as a hunting dog in the 17th and 18th centuries. Since that time, this breed has generally lived in the shadow of his larger cousin, the English Springer Spaniel, which does similar work in the field.

Welsh Springer Spaniel Temperament

The Welsh Springer is a playful, gentle spaniel which makes a wonderful family dog. Welshies have an even disposition and they are very loyal and affectionate. They are known as “velcro” dogs because they want to be with their people all the time. They become very bonded to their owners.

They can be stubborn at times, but they do respond well to dog training, especially if it begins early. They love children and they get along well with other pets. They do require plenty of daily exercise since they are an active dog bred to hunt.

Care, Grooming, Diet & Exercise

Living Environment – The Welsh Springer Spaniel can adapt to be an apartment dog provided they get plenty of daily exercise. They will enjoy having a good run if there is a safe place for them to exercise off-leash. Welsh Springers do well in a country environment and enjoy having their own fenced yard. They do not do well as kennel dogs since they want to be close to people at all times.

Grooming – Grooming for a Welshie is not difficult, although they do have a moderately long coat that needs to be brushed once or twice a week to avoid mats and tangles. They should be bathed as necessary. Do clean their ears regularly since they can be prone to ear infections.

Diet & Exercise – Dietary needs for this dog breed are normal. They do need regular daily exercise since they are an active sporting dog. Take them for runs. They also enjoy going biking with their owner if you use a springer device on your bike. Welsh Springers have slightly webbed paws and are good swimmers.

Health – Welshies are a relatively healthy breed. They can be prone to canine hip dysplasia, glaucoma and entropion (an eye problem). If you are interested in this dob reed you should talk to a breeder about possible dog health problems.

Welsh Springer Spaniel Trainability

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is an intelligent dog and they have a strong desire to please their owners. However, they can be slightly stubborn at times. You will need to start dog training early to achieve the best success with these dogs.

They can be sensitive, so they do well with positive dog training methods (praise, rewards). Welsh Springers can also be a little wary of strangers so it’s also a good idea to emphasize socialization when they are pups.