Are You An Ideal Owner Of Welsh Springer Spaniel Puppies?

Let’s face it. No matter how much you want to adopt a Welsh Springer spaniel, there may be cases that you can’t. Springer Spaniel rescue organizations don’t just give away Welshies to everyone. These organizations look for an ideal owner who can ensure the dog’s physical and mental health will be provided from pup to his senior years. If you are planning to adopt a Welshie, make sure you learn what it takes to take care of one.

Are You an Ideal Owner?

Naturally enthusiastic and filled with energy, the Welsh Springer Spaniel should be placed in a home without younger children and elderly. Since these dogs often lie around, they can become a problem to small children and people who are mobility impaired. Kids aged six and above can play, bond and cope with the energetic puppies.

An ideal owner of a Welsh Springer Spaniel should be physically active and enjoy the outdoors enough to keep the dog in tip-top shape. The owners can work in an office, but may pass overtime to care for the canines. As long as the owner is consistent with his/her presence, time given for activities and has an occasional firm hand, even a first-time dog owner can encourage the Welsh Springer Spaniel to grow up a healthy and happy canine.

Welsh Springer Spaniels are hard to find and often involves a potential owner to be included in a waiting list. When buying from a responsible breeder, potential owners are often required to complete an interview. This is important because while a potential owner may feel that he/she is committed to bringing home, taking care, training and raising a Welsh Springer Spaniel, the breeders may deem his/her lifestyle may not match the needs this type of canine require.

Welsh Springer Spaniel Health Problems and Other Concerns

If you believe you are an ideal owner of a Welsh Springer spaniel, you still need to learn if you can handle taking care of one. All dog breeds have their respective health problems and other concerns and the Welsh Springer Spaniel is no exception. Below is a checklist of the things a Welsh Springer Spaniel require and some concerns you should know before adopting one.

• Mental and physical activities – This breed requires regular exercise to vent their energy and encourage thinking. Otherwise, Welsh Springer spaniels could become bored, which they express by destructive chewing and barking. If you can’t provide enough time for activities such as running, hunting, swimming or obedience training, your house or yard may be in trouble. Generally, an hour or two a day of exercise is enough to keep the Welsh Springer Spaniel happy and well-behaved indoors.
• Grooming – This breed does not require plenty of grooming, but their feathering would need regular combing and trimming to keep hair coat free of tangles and mats. Generally, brushing the coat two or three times a week could keep the coat in good condition. To prevent infections, the ears should be trimmed regularly. People with allergies are not recommended to adopt a Welsh Springer spaniel because this breed are considered medium shedders. Be aware that during shredding season, combing should be a daily routine.
• Shedding – When you pet Welsh Springer Spaniels, their hairs come off on your hands and could stick to clothing, furniture and carpet. If vacuuming regularly is a problem, it is better to choose another breed to adopt.
• Feeding – Welsh springer spaniel puppies require feeding at least three times a day. As they mature, the meals can be reduced to once a day, which include a balanced diet of dry dog food, cereals and canned food. It would cost around $8 per week to feed one Welsh Springer Spaniel.
• Socialization – Aloof by nature, the Welsh Springer Spaniels require plenty of exposure to people, pets and unusual sounds and sights. If not, their natural caution may turn into shyness, which can be a problem for owners. Encouraging socialization at an early age ensures the canine grows up confident.
• Separation anxiety – Welsh Springer Spaniels require a lot of time with company and don’t like being left alone in the house. In fact, the Welsh Springer Spaniel has been dubbed the “Velcro dog” in modern times for their desire to be near their respective owners all the time. If an owner works all day, the dog can express his unhappiness through destructive means or excessive barking. This breed is not recommended for people who cannot accompany their pets most of the day.
• Health problems – Generally, Welsh Springer spaniels can live up to 12 to 15 years. However, this particular breed can face several types of health conditions, such as hip dysplasia, epilepsy, thyroid problems and various eye disorders like entropion, cataracts, glaucoma and otitis externa. To ensure you adopt a healthy Welsh Springer spaniel, look for OFA and CERF certificates of his parents.