Breed List

Welsh Springer Spaniel

Welsh Springer Spaniels are special because they are one of the few breeds to come from Wales. With their loving expressions and beautiful, pendulous ears, Welsh Springer Spaniels are dogs that exhibit vibrant and sweet personalities. While it’s unclear exactly how old the breed is, there are many paintings spanning back hundreds of years that feature similar looking red and white dogs. It’s possible their predecessors existed in the 1500s. They are likely a mix of other European Spaniels, like the English Springer Spaniel and the French Brittany. Mostly unknown outside of the United Kingdom, Welsh Springer Spaniels gained official recognition from The Kennel Club in the early 1900s. After they began winning in field trials and conformation shows, they quickly gained popularity.

Illustration courtesy of the Swedish Kennel Club

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Quick Facts

Height

Male:: 18-19in
Female:: 17-18in

Weight

Male:: 40-44lb
Female:: 35-44lb

Fun Fact

Unlike other Spaniels, which come in a variety of colors and patterns, Welsh Springer Spaniels come in only two colors: red and white—and they have to be a mix of both colors.

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About this Breed

Welsh Springer Spaniels are special because they are one of the few breeds to come from Wales. With their loving expressions and beautiful, pendulous ears, Welsh Springer Spaniels are dogs that exhibit vibrant and sweet personalities. While it’s unclear exactly how old the breed is, there are many paintings spanning back hundreds of years that feature similar looking red and white dogs. It’s possible their predecessors existed in the 1500s. They are likely a mix of other European Spaniels, like the English Springer Spaniel and the French Brittany. Mostly unknown outside of the United Kingdom, Welsh Springer Spaniels gained official recognition from The Kennel Club in the early 1900s. After they began winning in field trials and conformation shows, they quickly gained popularity.

Welsh Springer Spaniels were originally used by hunters who employed falcons, and they were famous for their ability to “spring” game. They made their way to the United States in the late 1800s as the beloved companions of English hunters. Tragically, they almost died out during World War I and World War II, but they fortunately were saved from extinction by fanciers of the breed. They have never quite caught up with English and American Cocker Spaniels as far as popularity, and they are certainly easier to find in the United Kingdom than in the rest of the world. They do make lovely pets and certainly deserve more recognition.

Welsh Springer Spaniels are loyal, intelligent, affectionate, and biddable. They may initially be reserved with strangers but are quick to accept them. They do very well with other dogs and cats, and they are very fond of children. Because of their intense love for their family, they have a tendency to suffer from separation anxiety, so they may not be a good breed for a family that is away most of the day. They will do well in any home situation, whether in the city, suburbs, or country, as long as they are given adequate exercise and time outside.

Welsh Springer Spaniels are still not popular in the United States, so they may be harder to find than some of their more famous Spaniel counterparts. If prospective owners are willing to put in the effort, however, they’ll be rewarded with a loving and affectionate family companion.