Welsh Springer Spaniel

June 4, 2014

10112

Exercise:
Grooming:
Appearance: [field Appearance]

History

Like English Cocker Spaniels and English Springer Spaniels, the Welsh Springer Spaniel comes from mixed birding-bred spaniel stock common to Europe in the 15th to 19th centuries. During this time, all spaniel types were interbred, with preference given to hunting ability over breed type. When litters arrived, puppies would be separated by size and type. In Wales, smaller dogs with characteristic deep red and white colouring, a more tapered head and smaller ears were called Welsh Springers. In the late 1800s, various types of English spaniel were separated and interbreeding was forbidden. Over time, each breed became unique. By 1906, the Welsh Springer Spaniel was officially recognized. The breed came to North America in the early 1900s, but didn’t catch on and was virtually extinct by the end of the Second World War. Breed fanciers imported fresh bloodlines and brought them Welsh Springer Spaniel back to sustainable numbers. It remains an uncommon breed.

Personality

A lovely mix between hunting dog and couch potato, the Welsh Springer Spaniel is equally happy working or relaxing at home. Because he was bred as a birding dog, his hunting instincts are excellent. Outdoors he’s a tireless explorer, seeking birds to spring. He is easy to train and very attached to his people, though without good socialization he can be shy of strangers.