Welsh Springer Spaniel
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a breed of dog and a member of the spaniel family.
Appearance
The build of the Welsh Springer Spaniel should be slightly off square, meaning that the length of the dog should be slightly greater than the height at the withers. However, some dogs may be square, and this is not penalised in the show ring as long as the height is never greater than the length. In some countries the tail is generally docked and the dew claws are removed.
Eyes should be brown in colour; yellow eyes do sometimes occur but are not acceptable for the show ring. Ears are pendulous and lightly feathered. Nostrils are well developed and are black or any shade of brown; a pink nose is to be severely penalised in the AKC standard for the show ring, in Britain it is a recognised (and probably the original) type. A scissors bite is preferred.
• Height at withers:
- Dog: 18–19 inch (46–48 cm)
- Female: 17–18 inch (43–46 cm)
• Weight:
- 35–45 lb (16–20 kg)
The coat is naturally straight, flat, and soft to the touch; it should never be wiry or wavy. It is weatherproof and gives protection from all kinds of thorn and brush. The back of the legs, chest, and underside of the body are feathered, and the ears and tail are lightly feathered. The only colour is rich red-and-white. Any pattern is acceptable and any white area may be flecked with red ticking.
Temperament
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is an active, loyal, and affectionate breed. Some might be "reserved" with strangers, but should not be timid, shy, or unfriendly. The breed is well known for being affectionate to all members of the family, especially children, and accepting other pets of the household with a friendly, playful attitude. They can be very clingy toward their owners earning them their nickname "velcro dogs."
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