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July 1999 Breed of the Month

welsh_springer_spaniel
WELSH SPRINGER SPANIEL

The Welsh Springer Spaniel was acknowledged by the Kennel Club as a separate breed in 1902, but there are reports of dogs being worked in Wales for some years before that. in Wales, the Welsh is still known and referred to as a "starter." One theory suggests that the breed's forefathers arrived with the Gauls in pre-Roman times, and the Welsh Springer's closeness in many ways to the Brittany lends credence to this.

In general, the Welsh Springer has a good temperament, although a few are occasionally wary of strangers. Welsh puppies are extremely boisterous, thrive on human companionship and must have early socialization. They are certainly not an ideal breed for the household where they might need to spend hours alone each day.

Normally the breed is very healthy, but can suffer from hip dysplasia. Ideally, only dogs that have had their hips X-rayed and have scores lower than the breed average should be bred from. There is a small incidence of epilepsy. A list of animals that have produced "fitting" progeny is published by the parent club of the breed in the United Kingdom. Breeding should be researched and undertaken with care. Advice from responsible breeders should be sought.

The Welsh Springer always has a rich red and white coat, which is flat, straight and silky to the touch. its coat must be kept clean and well brushed. The breed thrives on exercise and, although generally thought of as a dog for the country, is now often found in the town where two or three long walks each day seem to suffice. it can, of course, be trained as a working gun dog and its natural instincts in this field are still very evident.

The original use for the Welsh Springer was as a gun dog, where it startled game, making it fly up in the air for the guns. Today it is even more acclaimed as a family pet, with a kindly disposition and ever-ready eagerness to get up and go.

The general appearance of the Welsh Springer is that of a symmetrical, compact dog that is obviously built for endurance and hard work. It is a fast and active worker with hindquarters showing plenty of drive. It has a kindly expression and should never show aggression or he nervous. The muzzle should be of medium length and the nostrils may be from brown to dark, mirroring the eyes which may be hazel or dark, but must not show any haw. The ears should hang close to the cheeks and be shaped somewhat like a vine leaf, much smaller than those of the English Springer. The jaws are strong, and the teeth set in a perfect scissors bite. The neck is set into sloping shoulders and the front legs should be straight and well boned. The body of the Welsh needs to be strong and muscular with a deep brisket and well-sprung rihs. It should have catlike feet, round with thick pads. It is important that its movement is ground-covering with plenty of drive from powerful hindquarters. Color is the characteristic that most identifies the Welsh Springer. It is only ever a very rich red and white. In size, the dog measures about 19 inches/48 cm at the shoulder, while the bitch stands about 18 inches/46 cm. There is no weight requirement.

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