Welsh Springer Spaniel

Initially, these canines were bred as working gundogs and as such are lively and active dogs. However, during more recent years, this affectionate breed has found its way into the homes and hearts of many dog lovers. This is of course, due to their charming looks and reliable temperaments and also the fact that they are brilliant and sociable around children. A Welsh Springer Spaniel will be totally devoted and loyal to his owner.

Although this breed is a little mischievous at certain times, on the whole they are very playful dogs. They love to entertain and enjoy any interactive playtimes.

Above all else, these are working dogs, but they also have very gentle mannerisms. However, this mild-manner also makes them detest any harsh treatment or criticism, as they are sensitive dogs too.

These Welshies are very intelligent dogs and their aim is to please their master. In the correct environment and in the right hands, they are a delight to train. In addition to their working gundog skills, they also excel in obedience trials.

Although the Welsh Springer Spaniel is a very sociable pet, he also has an amazing nose that allows him to track down prey very easily. However, with the correct training routines, you can teach him to answer to the command “leave it” when requested.

This breed can be quite reserved around anyone other than his immediate family. To overcome this issue, early socialisation as a young puppy is imperative. This will prevent him from being shy and timid around strangers.

Due to the nature of the work they are required to do in the hunting field, these dogs often look to their masters for guidance, rather than working independently. Because of this, although they are eager to please, they are not usually strong, independent canines.

A Welsh Springer will form a strong bond with his family and likewise, he thrives on human contact. When left on his own for long periods of time, he won’t be very happy. This breed of dog is much better suited to a family where someone remains at home during the day, so the dog isn’t left for lengthy periods. He may become stressed and be destructive around the home, as a way of venting his anxieties.

Providing the pup’s training begins at a young age, this dog will be quite happy and eager to learn new tasks. The Welsh Springer is known to excel at a variety of canine agilities, including obedience skills, agility sessions and fly-ball, too. This dog loves nothing more than to train with his handler and to take part in joint tasks. A very smart dog who will be very focussed and keen to learn new skills, although try to avoid repetition and make sure to keep the training sessions interesting.  Positive reinforcement is preferred, rather than any heavy handed methods. As they can sometimes be rather stubborn at times, too, lots of understanding and patience on the handler’s part is needed.

In normal, everyday circumstances, this breed isn’t known to bark unnecessarily. However, a dog left alone for long periods can quickly become bored, often with the resulting bark to gain attention.

As a working and hunting dog, he does need lots of exercise each day. It is advisable to spend any exercise period’s off-leash in a confined location, as this breed often tends to wander.

As a high-energy and athletic dog, the Welsh Springer needs intense and adequate exercise sessions to prevent him becoming hyperactive. This hyperactivity is often the result of a bored and unstimulated dog, and can lead to chewing, digging or destructive behaviours.

Although not known to be a greedy dog, with his amazing scenting skills, he can sniff out even the smallest amount of food, especially any titbits that have fallen to the floor.

The Welsh Springer Spaniel isn’t a natural watchdog and is generally non-confrontational, although this doesn’t mean that he won’t alert his owner to a stranger in the vicinity. He is actually more likely to bark to alert you, then run up to the person at the door, with a friendly welcome.

As a dog who loves to be active and on the go most of the time, he isn’t really suited to living in an apartment or small house. He loves to roam around outside, so it’s much better if he has access to a large, enclosed, outside garden area.

This Spaniel is better suited to an owner who loves spending time outdoors and is quite active. These intelligent dogs enjoy taking part in many canine activities and sports, and if his owner is taking part too, so much the better.

This medium-sized dog is happy to be transported in the rear of a car, possibly in a dog crate. As a working dog, he is liable to get quite muddy and dirty on his hunting explorations, so this is the best way of transporting him afterwards. As a sociable pet, he is also content when travelling on public transport, but this would probably only be advised for short journeys.

As a hunting dog whose aim is to chase out game, this Welsh Springer Spaniel will possibly do the same to a strange cat they meet. However, if he has been socialised at home from being a young puppy, with a feline, they will live happily together.

As a calm, intelligent breed, the Welshie will usually get along fine with any other dogs he meets. This is certainly an advantage if he has been brought up living together with another dog in the home, from an early age.

With a friendly personality and the fact that he loves being involved in things, the Welsh Springer Spaniel is an ideal playmate for children. This is even more so, if the children love messing around in the garden, getting dirty and wet during playtimes. This energetic dog will be a willing companion. As he is sometimes quite high-spirited, playtime can often be boisterous and this means any games with a young toddler needs to be supervised.

As this dog breed requires up to two hours of energetic exercise daily, he is probably not the best choice of pet for a couch potato or someone not able to meet these needs.

These very amenable and friendly dogs love nothing better than spending time with, and entertaining their master. In most situations however, they are quite high maintenance. They require adequate daily exercise, often of a high intensity, and as intelligent dogs they need to be kept mentally active too. They really need an owner who can dedicate sufficient time to them, to meet their physical and mental needs.