The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a small spaniel with instinctive hunting abilities. The Welsh is a gun dog which is referred to in Wales as a "starter". This is the type of hunting dog which will startle the birds, causing them to fly up for the hunter. Like most of the spaniel breeds, he is dog that is agile and quick to quarter, with a good nose and desire to work for the hunter as a partner in flushing up the birds. The Welsh Spaniel needs to be trained to the gun early to prevent "gun shy" behavior. He is a hunting breed of great perseverance. Of course he possesses a good "nose" and should also be of a fearless nature, enthusiastic and willing to hunt for hours. His numbers are not populous and this has helped to protect his strong hunting instincts. The "show breeders" of the Welsh Springer Spaniel have not placed an over emphasis on coat, or head type, which can sometimes lead to a lessening of the instinctive qualities of the dog. Nor has this dog been over bred because of extreme popularity. Thus this is a spaniel which has retained its natural abilities and can be relied on to perform the task for which he was bred. The Welsh Springer is somewhat lighter boned and more refined in appearance than his cousin the English Springer Spaniel. The coat is a rich red and white, no other color being accepted. The correct coat will be somewhat weather resistant and naturally clean. The breed is easy to keep with few genetic conditions, although hip dysplasia may be present and there is a small incidence of dogs of this breed being susceptible to epilepsy. The "rage syndrome" which has been reported in the English Springer Spaniel does not appear to be present in the Welsh Springer. He is a compact dog that should have the appearance of symmetry and balance. Tail is docked as a protection against the brush and thickets. Ears are lop and are smaller than those of the English Springer. The legs are strong and the rear quarters should have a good angle of the stifle for ground covering movement which is necessary for the function of the breed. The expression should be kindly and sweet. The Welsh Springer makes a fine family pet. He is curious and lively, eager and playful. This is not a dog that should be left alone for hours, he needs human companionship and delights in long walks and playtimes with his family. He is easy to train, generally accepting of strangers and not overly noisy or threatening to other dogs in the household. This is a dog which endears himself to his owners after he is grown, but can be boisterous as a puppy and needs to be kept confined to a pen when he cannot be supervised. He is easy to train however and is usually very anxious to please and eager to learn. Once trained he is steadfast and steady both in the field and in the home. |
