Welsh Springer Spaniel

also known as Welsh Starter, Welsh Springer, Welshie, Welsh Cocker Spaniel

Pros History


The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a breed of dog that has a rich history and cultural significance in Wales, United Kingdom. The breed is believed to have originated in the 16th century, and is a descendant of the Spaniel family of dogs. The Welsh Springer Spaniel is one of the oldest breeds of Spaniel and it has been used for hunting and as a companion dog for centuries.

The breed was initially developed to hunt small game such as rabbits, hares, and pheasants. They were also used for hunting waterfowl in the marshes of Wales. Their name, "Springer," comes from their ability to "spring" or flush out game from the underbrush. The Welsh Springer Spaniel was also used as a working dog on farms, helping to herd sheep and cattle.

In the 19th century, the Welsh Springer Spaniel was brought to England and became a popular breed among the upper classes. The breed was recognized by the Kennel Club of England in 1902 and by the American Kennel Club in 1906. The Welsh Springer Spaniel Club was also established in the United Kingdom in 1902, and the American Welsh Springer Spaniel Club was established in 1908.

It's worth noting that the breed faced a decline in the numbers in the mid of the 20th century, but since then has been making a comeback, and today is considered a moderate to rare breed depending on the region.

Breed Information


Type

Is Welsh Springer Spaniel a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the Welsh Springer Spaniel name? How do you say Welsh Springer Spaniels?

welsh SPRING-ur SPAN-yuhl

Purpose

What were Welsh Springer Spaniels originally used for?

bird flushing, retrieving, hunting

Lifespan

How Long Do Welsh Springer Spaniels Live? What is average life expectancy for a Welsh Springer Spaniel? How long can Welsh Springer Spaniels live?

12-15 years

The average Welsh Springer Spaniel lifespan is somewhere between 12-15 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Welsh Springer Spaniel Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Welsh Springer Spaniel?

What is the average height of a Welsh Springer Spaniel? How big is a Purebred Welsh Springer Spaniel height? Welsh Springer Spaniel dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 18-19 inches (45.7 - 48.3 cm) 14.5 inches (36.8 cm) 17.5 inches (44.5 cm) 18.5 inches (47 cm)
Female 17-18 inches (43.2 - 45.7 cm) 13.5 inches (34.3 cm) 16.5 inches (41.9 cm) 17.5 inches (44.5 cm)
What is the average weight of a Welsh Springer Spaniel? How much should Welsh Springer Spaniels weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 40-55 pounds (18 - 25 kg) 22.5 pounds (10 kg) 41.5 pounds (19 kg) 47.5 pounds (22 kg)
Female 35-50 pounds (16 - 23 kg) 20.0 pounds (9 kg) 32.0 pounds (15 kg) 42.5 pounds (19 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Welsh Springer Spaniels get fat easily?

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a breed that has an average to high tendency to gain weight if their weight is not closely monitored. It is important to maintain a balance between exercise and food intake to keep them at a healthy weight. This can be achieved by scheduling at least one daily walk and engaging in regular playtime with them.

Hypoallergenic

Are Welsh Springer Spaniels Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Welsh Springer Spaniel is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Welsh Springer Spaniel personality? What are Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs best known for?

Affectionate
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Loyal
Friendly
Stubborn

Shedding Level

Are Welsh Springer Spaniels heavy shedders? How Much Does a Welsh Springer Spaniel Shed?

Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Welsh Springer Spaniel. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Welsh Springer Spaniel dog?

Welsh Springer Spaniels are very good watchdogs. They are a vocal breed, and are wary of outsiders, so if someone approaches your home or aims to intrude, the Welsh Springer Spaniel is going to make sure everyone knows about it.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Welsh Springer Spaniels come from?

Wales

Ancestry

What are Welsh Springer Spaniels descended from?

english springer spaniel, cocker spaniel

Date of Birth

When were Welsh Springer Spaniels first bred? How old is the Welsh Springer Spaniel breed?

1600s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Welsh Springer Spaniel?

Sporting (AKC:1906)
Gun Dog Breeds (UKC)

Welsh Springer Spaniel Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Welsh Springer Spaniel eyes?

Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Welsh Springer Spaniel nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Welsh Springer Spaniel coat be naturally?

White
Red

Coat Length

How long is a Welsh Springer Spaniels coat?

The coat of a Welsh Springer Spaniel falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Welsh Springer Spaniel Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Welsh Springer Spaniel?

Wavy

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Welsh Springer Spaniel have in a litter? How many puppies can a Welsh Springer Spaniel have in her first litter?

12-15 puppies per pregnancy

A Welsh Springer Spaniel can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Welsh Springer Spaniels are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Welsh Springer Spaniel Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Welsh Springer Spaniels have a lot of health problems?

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Welsh Springer Spaniel?

Hip Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Welsh Springer Spaniels?

Entropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Cataracts
Glaucoma

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Welsh Springer Spaniel breed?

Eye
Hip
Elbow
X-Rays
Eye Examination

Welsh Springer Spaniel Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Welsh Springer Spaniels have a lot of energy?

Welsh Springer Spaniels are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do Welsh Springer Spaniels need socialization? How social are Welsh Springer Spaniels?

Welsh Springer Spaniels have average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be less active and independent than other breeds, and they are content with spending time alone and with their human family.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Welsh Springer Spaniels get?

The Welsh Springer Spaniel dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Welsh Springer Spaniel have? Do Welsh Springer Spaniels sleep a lot?

Welsh Springer Spaniels are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Welsh Springer Spaniel drool a lot?

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Welsh Springer Spaniels tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Territorial

Do Welsh Springer Spaniels exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs are not known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They may not be the best choice as guard dogs as they may not have a strong drive to defend their territory.

Mouthiness

Are Welsh Springer Spaniels mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Welsh Springer Spaniel running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Welsh Springer Spaniels enjoy doing? How do I keep my Welsh Springer Spaniel busy?

Tracking, Barn hunt, Obedience, Rally, Field work, Trick Dog, Reading to, Conformation

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Welsh Springer Spaniel? How much energy does a Welsh Springer Spaniel have?

Medium

Welsh Springer Spaniels are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Welsh Springer Spaniel walk each week? How many miles should a Welsh Springer Spaniel walk every week?

8 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Welsh Springer Spaniel, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Welsh Springer Spaniel should exercise a day? How much activity does a Welsh Springer Spaniel need?

45 minutes

In general most Welsh Springer Spaniels usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Welsh Springer Spaniel?

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Welsh Springer Spaniel?

Weekly

Welsh Springer Spaniel should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Welsh Springer Spaniels?

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Welsh Springer Spaniel eat?

2.5 cups

For an average 40-55 pound (18 - 25 kg) Welsh Springer Spaniel feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Welsh Springer Spaniel Cost Daily?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Welsh Springer Spaniel is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Welsh Springer Spaniel Cost Per Month?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Welsh Springer Spaniel is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Welsh Springer Spaniel Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Welsh Springer Spaniel?

The Welsh Springer Spaniel breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Welsh Springer Spaniel dog?

This dog breed is particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. It can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, and unfamiliar people or animals. This dog is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Welsh Springer Spaniel do well in apartments? Are Welsh Springer Spaniels good indoor dogs?

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is not an apartment-friendly dog breed. This dog breed is best in a home with a large, fenced-in yard. They are not suited for apartment life and can become destructive due to pent up energy from being in a small space.

Child Friendly

Are Welsh Springer Spaniels good with kids? Are Welsh Springer Spaniels good around children?

A Welsh Springer Spaniels typical characteristics indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans

Senior-friendly

Are Welsh Springer Spaniels good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Welsh Springer Spaniels good with cats? How friendly Welsh Springer Spaniels are toward cats?

Welsh Springer Spaniels are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs get along with other dogs? Are Welsh Springer Spaniels OK with other dogs?

Welsh Springer Spaniels are very friendly towards other dogs. This breed typically have a happy and affectionate temperament around dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Welsh Springer Spaniels friendly with strangers?

Welsh Springer Spaniels are below average friendly around strangers. Keen of eye and sharp of tongue, most Welsh Springer Spaniels are very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some Welsh Springer Spaniels will be friendly and outgoing. But many others have the standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.

Playfulness

Do Welsh Springer Spaniels like to play? Are Welsh Springer Spaniels playful?

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Welsh Springer Spaniel is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

Are Welsh Springer Spaniel easily trained?

Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Intelligent
    Easy to train, suitable for obedience and agility training
  • Good with children and other pets
    Making them a great family pet
  • Affectionate
    Loyal towards their owners, making them great companion dogs
  • Active
    Enjoys participating in activities such as hiking and swimming

Cons

  • Tendency to gain weight
    A Welsh Springer Spaniel's weight can easily become an issue if left unchecked.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Welsh Springer Spaniels may not be able to handle the distractions of an office.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    If you have allergies, you may want to avoid Welsh Springer Spaniels, as they have been known to cause allergic reactions.
  • Not Apartment Friendly
    Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs may not be the best choice for apartment dwellers.