Welsh Springer Spaniel
The Welsh Springer spaniel is an attractive, medium-sized dog and is
lighter and smaller than the English Springer spaniel. An adult Welsh
Springer weighs around 35 to 40 pounds for females and 40 to 45 pounds
for males. They females stand 16 to 18 inches, while the height of the
males is around 18 to 19 inches. The weight of Welsh Springer spaniels
should be in proportion to his height. However, these canines may look
long because of the well-developed hindquarters and obliquely-angled
forequarters.
Built for endurance and hard work, the breed of Welsh Springer spaniels
is not leggy, but compact and symmetrical. They are quick and active
movers, covering the ground with powerfully smooth strides. Being a
hunting dog, the Welsh Springer spaniels should maintain hard-muscled
working condition. Their neck, which is set into sloping shoulders,
should be long and muscular. The hinglegs should be straight and
muscular with deep second thighs, while the forelegs should be
well-boned and straight. The tail should never be carried above the
level of the back since the breed standard calls for a docked tail.
Eyes of a Welsh Springer should be medium to dark brown in color and
oval-shaped with an intelligent and soft expression. Eye rims are tight
with dark pigmentation, while the canine’s dangling ears frame the face
of the Welsh Springer beautifully. The coat of Welsh Springer spaniels
is medium in length, straight, silky, thick, glossy and waterproof with
moderate feathering on the chest, legs and underside of the body.
However, the coat should never be so excessive because it may hinder the
canine’s work as an active spaniel, but thick enough to protect him from
extreme weather. The color coat is rich red and white.
A look back in history: The Origins of the Welsh Springer Spaniel
The Welsh Springer spaniel may look like its cousin English Springer
Spaniel, but these dogs are smaller and lighter. Originally named “Welsh
Cocker,” this breed was renamed as Welsh Springer Spaniel in the early
1900s. Contrary to popular belief, the English and Welsh Springer
Spaniel are not varieties of the Springer spaniel. During the 14th
century, cockers and spaniels were used as gun dogs, but were eventually
divided into separated breeds. These breeds were again divided into
water spaniels and land spaniels. By the end of the 14th century, with
careful breeding, the spaniel was divided into English and Welsh
Springer Spaniel.
The Welsh Springer’s history dates back to 7000 BC, just when man
discovered these dogs can be used for hunting. As its name suggests,
this specific breed originates from Wales, being used for cattle droving
and shepherding. In the Mesolithic Age, these Welsh Springer Spaniels
accompanied men during hunting trips on the coastlines of Cornwall,
Brittany, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. In the 1800s, the upper class
opted for the English Springer and other variations of the spaniel, but
due to selective breeding, the Welsh Springer returned to being a
favorite hunting dog in Victorian England.
The breed was first imported into North America in the late 18th
century and was used for breeding and as gundogs. In 1906, they were
recognized as a member of the sporting group by the American Kennel
Club. During this time, the Welsh Springer Spaniels became a niche dog
due to its hunting instincts and versatile abilities. After the World
Wars, many people believed that the Welsh Springer breeds in the United
States have all died. However, the breed was again imported and the
Welsh Springer Spaniel parent club was formed in 1923. The name
“springer” was derived from its talent of finding and springing hidden
game. The Welsh Springer spaniel wags his tail faster when he discovers
a game. Due to its history and careful breeding, the Welsh Springer
canines are excellent trackers, hunters, retrievers and watchdogs. Also
called “Welshie,” this breed can now be seen in the show-ring or used as
a companion or work dog. The Kennel Club has classified the Welshie as
part of the gundog group. |
