Welsh Springer Spaniel
Other names: Welsh Springer

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.
Key facts about the 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 breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 8 - Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs
Section
Section 2 : Flushing Dogs
Physical characteristics of the Welsh Springer Spaniel
Adult size
Female : Between 17 and 18 in
Male : Between 18 and 19 in
Weight
Female : Between 33 and 40 lb
Male : Between 40 and 44 lb
Coat colour
Kennel Club registration only accepts Welsh Springer Spaniel canines with the coat colour rich red and white.
Type of coat
Medium length hair.
This breed has a stunning, silky coat, which feels flat or wavy when touched, rather than wiry. It is also quite dense to provide protection against the chilly and wet weather. Feathering is present on the dog’s tail, ears, underbody, chest and legs.
Eye colour
This dog’s eyes are medium to dark brown in colour.
Description
Certainly a working dog, the Welsh Springer is of a medium size with a compact body. His slightly rounded head sports a square muzzle and either a brown or black nose. He has oval-shaped brown eyes and long ears that hang down the side of his face. The dog’s stunning, soft coat appears in a red and white pattern, often with ticking shading too. There is feathering around his tail and ears, belly, chest and on the back of the legs.
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.