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Welsh Springer Spaniel
Thinking of buying or adopting a Welsh Springer Spaniel?
Introduction
The Welsh springer spaniel, unlike its cousin the English springer spaniel, has a red and white coat and a slightly smaller body. However, like other spaniels, it is gentle, affectionate, intelligent, and very loyal to its family.
Good with children and not known to vocalise excessively, the Welshie is a good option for first-time owners. This is provided it is given the mental and physical stimulation it needs daily.
History
Considered amongst the oldest spaniel breeds, the Welshie is said to have been observed in artworks dating to the sixteenth century. As indicated by its name, the breed was usually seen in Wales and the western region of England. Although its exact breeding origins are not known, it is speculated to have been the result of crossing gundogs and hounds.
The Welsh springer spaniel was then utilised to herd livestock. From England, the reputation of this faithful canine spread and became a prized pooch in various parts of Britain. It later became popular beyond British shores in the ninteenth and twentieth centuries, reaching as far as India. Although originally known as Welsh cockers, the breed’s name was modified to Welsh springer spaniel. This was done in 1902, when it was acknowledged by The Kennel Club.
Appearance and Grooming
The Welshie is a medium-sized canine that has an average height of 43–48 cm and an average weight ranging from 16 to 20 kg. Its body is a bit longer than its height and is compact and strong. It has a finer head than its English cousin and is built for hard work out in the field.
Its muzzle is somewhat long, straight, and square, with noses ranging from flesh to dark colour. Its ears are on the smaller side, tapers to the tip, and folds down to rest near its cheeks. It has hazel or dark eyes and long, muscular necks.
The Welsh springer spaniel has strong hindquarters and muscular second thighs. Its powerful hind legs complete the well-developed rear trio of muscle groups. The front ones are straight, medium-length, and well-boned. These end in round-shaped feet with thick pads underneath. The tail is rather feathered.
Its coat is silky, straight, and thick, with feathering in the front and back legs as well as the ears and tail. All Welshies, as a standard, must have a red and white coat. Do Welsh springer spaniels shed a lot? This breed sheds seasonally and only needs occasional grooming. A weekly brushing can be sufficient to keep its coat tangle-free.
Temperament and Intelligence
The Welsh springer spaniel is affectionate, protective of its family, good-natured, and good with children. It also can be friendly with other animals in the home. As such, it is a fantastic pet for families, although small children should be supervised when playing with this dog. Its energetic nature might accidentally knock small kids over.
With strangers, the Welshie can be aloof and wary, even possibly barking at them when in their territory. This makes it a good watchdog. However, with its owners, it is eager to please and very devoted. Due to its tendency to form strong bonds with its humans, this canine does not thrive well being left alone.
This pooch is a moderately energetic dog with an impressive stamina and a love for the outdoors. It has impressive tracking abilities and a nose for birds. Are Welsh springer spaniels smart? Yes! Its intelligence makes it easy to train. This, plus its friendly nature, also makes it a suitable pet for first-time dog owners.
In training a Welshie, one must be firm and offer positive reinforcement. Early socialisation helps it become a balanced and more docile dog.
Nutrition and Feeding
Follow a set feeding schedule consistently and provide the same food to your dog to avoid stomach issues. However, if you need to change its diet to another type of high-quality food, do so gradually. This allows your canine to adjust accordingly without complications. Puppies must be fed 3–4 times a day, whilst adult ones can be fed twice a day.
Welsh springer spaniel puppy that’s 2–6 months old should be fed 190–300 g of food daily, depending on its size and activity level. For one that is 8–10 months old, provide 210–264 g of food daily. When it turns 12 months and beyond, you can feed it pet adult food.
The adult Welshie weighing 16 kg should be fed about 195–260 g of food daily, taking into consideration its activity level. For 20 kg and above, the average daily meal portion ranges from 230–310 g.
Health and Exercise
The average lifespan of a Welsh springer spaniel is 12 to 15 years. The breed has only a few hereditary issues to deal with, but is known to be affected by the following conditions:
- Hip dysplasia
- Ear issues
- Primary epilepsy
- Glaucoma goniodysgenesis
Being an intelligent and active dog that thrives in the outdoors, it should be exercised physically and mentally for a total of 2 hours daily. This dog can be taught tricks and can excel in agility-focused activities.
Cost of Ownership
If you are interested in purchasing a well-bred Welsh Springer Spaniel pedigree puppy, expect to pay £350 upwards for one. Other than the initial purchase, you also need to consider getting a pet insurance, which can cost anywhere from £23 a month for a basic cover up to £43 a month for a lifetime cover. These prices vary depending on your dog’s health, age, size, weight, the type of cover you choose, and whether it has pre-existing conditions.
Food cost is another matter since you need to ensure that your dog stays healthy and well-fed at whatever age. To buy high-quality dog food, you will have to spend around £40–£50 a month. You also need to factor in the initial cost for dog accessories and equipment such as food bowls, leads, collars, and beds, which will likely be about £200 depending on the brand.
Other outgoings to consider are veterinary expenses that may not be included in a pet insurance coverage such as vaccinations, routine checks, neutering or spaying, and annual boosters, which can have a combined cost of £1000 annually. On average, caring for a Welsh Springer Spaniel will cost about £70–£100 a month, depending on the type of insurance. This is exclusive of walking or grooming services that you might want to use at times.
Welsh Springer Spaniel Breed Highlights
- This spaniel type is also friendly, loving, and loyal to its family.
- It is good with children and is amiable with other pets in the home.
- Its coat does not need a lot of grooming.
- The Welshie is an active dog that requires sufficient daily exercise to be happy.
- This canine is good for first-time dog owners as long as its exercise and mental stimulation needs are met daily.
- The Welsh springer spaniel is a natural watchdog and retriever.
Are you sure the Welsh Springer Spaniel is the best breed for you? Take the Pet Breed Selector Quiz to find your perfect breed match.
Dog Breed Selector QuizAre you ready to take home a Welsh Springer Spaniel? If you are not 100% sure, try our Pet Finder for more suggested breeds.
Disclaimer:
The information, including measurements, prices and other estimates, on this page is provided for general reference purposes only.
The information, including measurements, prices and other estimates, on this page is provided for general reference purposes only.
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