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."

The breed is a quick learner but is sometimes "deaf to commands", especially if there is something more interesting in the environment. With correct training, they can become very obedient dogs.

The Welsh Springer was bred for work and endurance, and as such needs exercise to keep healthy and content. Without adequate exercise, a dog may become bored and design its own (usually destructive) means of keeping busy, often to its owner's displeasure.

Health
The Welsh Springer is generally a healthy breed, but some can suffer hip dysplasia, eye problems and, like other dogs with large heavy ears, they are prone to ear infections. The average lifespan is 12 to 14 years.

History
The Welsh Springer Spaniel was originally called the Welsh Spaniel, but was also known as the Welsh Cocker. It was recognised by The Kennel Club, after the breed had gained popularity, in 1902 under the name Welsh Springer Spaniel. Until then it was shown alongside the English Springer Spaniel. It had been transported to America in the late 1800s and gained recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1906.

Some experts believe that the Welsh Springer Spaniel and the Brittany Spaniel share the same ancestry.