Welsh Springer Spaniel

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is the red-and-white flushing spaniel of Wales — older than its English relative and quite separate from it.

History

Red-and-white spaniels appear in Welsh manuscripts and tapestries from centuries before any registry existed, and the breed was worked in Wales as a hardy all-weather gun dog. It was shown as a variety of the English Springer for a time and recognised separately in 1902; unlike that breed it has never split into distinct working and show types.

Temperament

The breed is known for being loyal, hard-working and rather more reserved than the English Springer — devoted to its own household and slower to greet strangers.

Care and training

It needs substantial exercise and work for its nose. The moderate coat is easier than a Springer's and the ears want the same routine checking. Training suits gentle consistency; it is a sensitive dog.

Health

Generally sound, with hip dysplasia, ear infections and hereditary eye conditions among the known tendencies. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.