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The Welsh Springer Spaniel qualifies as an amazing breed. With personality and style, the breed has accomplished the impossible, remaining virtually unknown in a world that would probably love to live with one. While a bit larger than the Cocker Spaniel, the Welsh Springer has been more zealously guarded and better breeding programs mean that the Welsh Springer is not as prone to temperament and health issues as most Cockers. While a worker of remarkably intensity and stamina, the Welsh Springer also tends toward a less hyperactive personality than the English Springer. Even so, many people look at a picture of a Welsh Springer and don't even recognize it as a purebred! This is a shame since its natural soft Spaniel temperament, devotion to family and readiness for any activity someone might want to pursue makes the Welsh Springer a good choice for many homes actively seeking a wonderful canine companion.
Overall Appearance: Compact and symmetric but not leggy. Well muscled but not overly muscled. Displays athleticism and stamina rather than power. Quintessential Spaniel expression and soft ears.
Personaility - Behavior - Training
Energy Level: moderate to high
General Nature:
kind, devoted, merry and active
with Children: generally exceptional given proper handling, socialization and well behaved, supervised children
with other pets: questionable with birds and small animals (bred to hunt these after all)
with dogs: generally good but can vary
Socialization requirements: moderate to high due to soft, sensitive nature that can lean toward shyness if not nurtured properly
Ideal home characteristics: Appreciates the happy personality and desire to be close to their people. Resources to help provide physical and mental outlets for all that energy.
Temperament Notes: Very kind, devoted, gentle and sensitive breed. Extremely intelligent and athletic. Higher than average activity level that is easy to manage with regular play/exercise.
Training requirement: moderate: socialization, basic manners and some ongoing activity like fetch, swimming, hiking or even competitive dog sport.
Trainer notes: The Welsh Springer Spaniel is so uncommon that it is rare you will see it in a performance ring, but when you do it is a treat. Even if the training has not been up to par or the dog isn't ready to be shown, the devotion and happy attitude is apparent if the training has been positive and nurtures the dog. Definitely one of the most pleasant dogs to work with always with an attitude of trying hard and seeking to please. However, the soft (also known as sensitive) nature of the breed makes them completely ill-suited for any training method that is rough (either physically or mentally). Building the Welsh Springer's confidence is important to training success and only accomplished with a good understanding of positive training methods.
Background Information
Year range of first recognition: 1500s
Country of Origin: Wales
Original Function: flushing game for hunters
History: Developed along with other cocker type breeds, complete separation from those other breeds was relatively recent in its history.
Adoption Information
Deviations from Standard:
Health Notes: epilepsy, hip dysplasia, eye problems
Health Testing: CERF, OFA, studies are underway seeking a DNA marker for epilepsy in the breed
