ABOUT WELSH

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a medium sized sporting dog that has been bred to hunt birds with a flushing, or springing, action. Welsh have also been bred through the years as loyal companion dogs.

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is most often confused with the Brittany or the English Springer Spaniel. The Brittany could be described as a taller dog with less substance, less coat, and a finer head. The English Springer could be described as shorter-backed dog with more coat and longer ears. Welsh and Brittany’s have similar coloring, red and white, but English are either black and white or liver and white.

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is descended from the Land Spaniel, a bird dog of the British Isles described in the 1500's as being red and white, much like Welsh today. Over time, red and white spaniels went out of fashion in England, being replaced by black and white or liver and white spaniels. The once popular red and white spaniel was maintained in Wales, however, being concentrated in the Neath Valley of South Wales.

The Welsh Springer Spaniel was recognized as a separate breed by the Kennel Club of England in 1902 and by the American Kennel Club in 1906. Although Welsh are still a relatively rare breed, today there are Welsh and Welsh breeders around the world.

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a breed that loves to be with their family. They are gentle with children, active without being hyper, and intelligent. Welsh can be independent, but consistent and positive training approaches work well. Besides being a good family companion, Welsh are also doing well in the obedience ring, serving as therapy dogs, and gaining recognition in hunting, agility, and tracking events.