Welsh Springer Spaniel

Other name: Welsh Springer

Photo: adult dog of Welsh Springer Spaniel breed
© dexter_cz / Shutterstock
Photo: adult dog of Welsh Springer Spaniel breed
© el-ka / Shutterstock

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is an outstanding athlete, who is just as happy playing ball in the garden as he is flushing birds, as a hunting sport. Sometimes the breed is confused with an English Springer Spaniel, but the remarkable red and white coat distinguishes this dog. He is brilliant with children and can certainly improve the family’s fitness levels with his athletic and energetic requirement levels.

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Life expectancy

The Welsh Springer Spaniel has a life expectancy of between 12 and 14 years

Temperament

Size

Medium

Adult size

Female Between 17 and 18 in
Male Between 18 and 19 in

Adult weight

Female Between 33 and 40 lb
Male Between 40 and 44 lb
Coat colour
White Red
Type of coat
Long
Eye colour
Brown

Purchase price

The Welsh Springer Spaniel costs between £420 and £835

Good to know

The Welshie takes his name “Springer” from his movement to “spring” at any game he is hunting out. Because of his hunting capabilities, he has been a fond favourite of many sportsmen for over 200 years.

More details about the Welsh Springer Spaniel

Welsh Springer Spaniel: Origins and history

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is thought to be the oldest recognised Spaniel breed of dog. Although it was first recognised by the UK Kennel Club in 1902, images and depictions of similar dogs with red and white hair have been discovered dating back to the Renaissance period around the 16th century. He is understood to have ancestry from Roman dogs, meaning he is from an ancient breed. 
During the 18th century, many Welsh gentry owned one of these gundogs, however their popularity boomed in Britain and Europe in later years. They were originally named Welsh Cockers, however this changed to the Welsh Springer Spaniel, when recognised by the UK Kennel Club.

FCI classification of the Welsh Springer Spaniel

  • Group 8 - Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs

  • Section 2 : Flushing Dogs

Training a Welsh Springer Spaniel

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.

Welsh Springer Spaniel: Purchase price

Expect to pay between £420 and £835 depending on if the dog is a registered bloodline or not.

As a rough guide, the average monthly cost to care for and maintain a Welsh Springer dog is around £70 to £100. Of course, this depends on the type of food you give him, his veterinary care and vaccinations and his insurance policy premium.

Name ideas for a Welsh Springer Spaniel

  • Quest
  • Hope
  • Zara
  • Eden
  • Joy
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