Origin and History

The Welsh Springer Spaniel, known in Welsh as Llamgi Cymru or Tarfgi Cymru, is a breed with origins shrouded in mystery. It is believed to be comparable to the old Land Spaniel and shares similarities with the English Springer Spaniel. Historically, they were referred to as the Welsh Spaniel and the Welsh Cocker Spaniel. The breed gained recognition by The Kennel Club in 1902, adopting the modern name of Welsh Springer Spaniel. Their distinctive red and white coat, usually in a piebald pattern, was once also found in English dogs but had become rare by the early 20th century.

John Caius, in 1570, described spaniels with white coats and red spots, which is reminiscent of the Welsh Springer Spaniel. These dogs were known as the Land Spaniel and were thought to have been conserved in the Welsh valleys by local sportsmen and hunters. The breed was once called the Welsh Starter and was used to spring game, originally for hunters using falcons. The traditional red and white coloration was once also found in English dogs but had died out by the early 20th century.

The Welsh Springer Spaniel was relatively unknown during the 19th century but gained popularity in 1900 when Mr. A. T. Williams of Ynysygerwn won the team stake at the Sporting Spaniel Club Trials. This victory, and subsequent wins in successive years around the UK, brought the breed to prominence. The first Welsh Springer Spaniel to be photographed was Corrin, a conformation show champion dog.

After recognition by The Kennel Club, the breed was transported to America in the late 19th century and gained recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1906. World War I caused significant challenges for the breed in the UK, but it was able to restart with the remaining unregistered dogs. The breeders in the 1920s and 1930s developed these dogs into the type of Welsh Springer Spaniel that remains today. The Welsh Springer Spaniel Club (UK) was formed in 1923, and the breed was officially imported into Australia in 1973.

Appearance and Description

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a compact, solidly built dog, bred for hard work and endurance. Their body can give the impression of length due to its obliquely angled forequarters and developed hindquarters. The build should be slightly off square, with the length of the dog slightly greater than the height at the withers. Males stand at 46 to 48 centimeters (18 to 19 inches) at the withers, while females are a little smaller at 43 to 46 centimeters (17 to 18 inches). On average, members of the breed weigh between 16 and 20 kilograms (35 and 45 pounds).

Their coat is rich red and white, usually in a piebald pattern. The back of the legs, chest, and underside of the body are feathered, and the ears and tail are lightly feathered. The only color combination is white with red markings, and any pattern is acceptable. Any white area may be flecked with red ticking. The breed is often confused with the English Springer Spaniel, but there are distinct differences, such as the Welsh Springer's slightly smaller size and reddish markings on a white background, as opposed to the English Springer's black or liver-colored markings.

In conformation showing, the eyes should be brown in color, and yellow eyes are penalized. Ears are small, pendulous, vine-shaped, and with a light setter-like feathering. Nostrils are well-developed and are black or any shade of brown. A scissors bite is preferred, with an undershot jaw severely penalized. Unlike the English Springer Spaniel and English Cocker Spaniel, there is no divergence into show and field styles of the breed.

Temperament and Behavior

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is known for its active, loyal, and affectionate nature. They can become very attached to family members and are wary of strangers. The breed is well-known for being friendly and demonstrative to all members of the family, especially children, and accepts other pets of the household with a friendly, playful attitude.

They are quick to learn but can be headstrong, though with correct training, they can become very obedient. Without adequate exercise, a Welsh Springer Spaniel may appear hyperactive. Some Welsh Springers can become clingy towards their owners and suffer separation anxiety when alone.

Health Considerations

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is generally a healthy breed, but some can suffer from conditions common to many breeds, such as hip dysplasia, Canine glaucoma, and ear infections like otitis externa. Some Welsh Springer Spaniels are predisposed to become overweight. In a survey of over a hundred breeds of dog conducted in 1997, the Welsh Springer Spaniel was ranked 14th for worst hip score, with the average score of the breed being 18.45.

Welsh Springers can be prone to entropion, a disorder that affects the eyelids, causing them to curl inwards and press the eyelashes against the surface of the eye. This can lead to irritation and damage to the cornea. Symptoms can include tearing, squinting, rubbing of the eyes, thick discharge from the eyes, and rolling of the eyelid. Narrow/closed angle glaucoma is an autosomal dominant inheritable trait in the breed, a leading cause of blindness in dogs, characterized by increased fluid pressure within the eye.

Breeder Purpose and Adaptability

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a sporting breed, bred for hunting. They are not as rare as some varieties of spaniel but are rarer than the more widely known English Springer Spaniel. The breed is adaptable but requires a specific environment and lifestyle.

They are best suited for families who can provide them with the attention and exercise they need to stay healthy and happy.

Buying a Welsh Springer Spaniel

Look for breeders who prioritize health and temperament in their breeding programs. It is also advisable to meet the puppy's parents to get a sense of the breed's characteristics and potential health issues.

The breed is energetic and requires a significant amount of time and effort to keep them happy and healthy. Consider whether your lifestyle and living situation can accommodate the needs of this active and intelligent breed.

• Research reputable breeders
• Meet the puppy's parents
• Ensure the puppy is healthy and well-socialized
• Be prepared for the costs and time commitment