Welsh Springer Spaniel

If you’re looking for a happy, loyal, and affectionate medium-sized dog, a Welsh springer spaniel might be your perfect match. These sporting group dogs were bred to be bird dogs in Europe but are mostly flexible and versatile family companions today.

A Welsh springer spaniel stands out among other dog breeds for its waterproof and thornproof coat, agility across various terrains, and attractive red and white coloration. It’s easy to cuddle up to a Welsh springer spaniel at home, but these dogs require adequate exercise and training to be happy and healthy long-term.

To learn more about the Welsh springer spaniel, including the breed’s temperament, health, care, and insurance needs, check out this Healthy Paws guide.

When fully grown, an adult male Welsh springer spaniel is about 40 to 55 pounds and 18 to 19 inches tall. Adult females are 35 to 50 pounds and 17 to 18 inches tall.

Here’s how big you can expect your Welsh springer spaniel to get as the dog grows from puppyhood to adulthood:  

Something important to know about Welsh springer spaniels is that while they are affectionate with their families, they tend to be shy and reserved around strangers at first. They are versatile dogs that can thrive in a variety of conditions and are tough enough to withstand different terrain conditions while outdoors. These are good dogs to have around older children, but they may be a bit too playful and rambunctious for young children. They can do well with other pets in a household if socialized from an early age.

As you get to know a Welsh springer spaniel’s personality, here’s what you can expect based on the breed characteristics:

The Welsh springer spaniel is among the oldest British spaniels and is a descendant of the original Iberian Peninsula spaniels. Historians aren't exactly sure how or when the dogs traveled from ancient Spain to Wales. However, there is evidence of their presence in British literature and art dating back around 250 years.

In the early 1900s, Welsh and English springers emerged as distinct breeds. Welsh springer spaniels were known as beloved hunting dogs among people of nobility in history. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1914, and the Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of America formed in 1961.

At dog shows and competitions, Welsh springer spaniels are judged based on a set of criteria that describes the ideal characteristics of the breed. For example, the dog's general appearance is compact, built for endurance, and with a thick coat to protect it from harsh weather.

Here is an overview of the breed standard information for Welsh springer spaniels:

Head:

• Head is proportional to the body
• Skull has a medium length and is slightly domed
• Eyes are oval and dark to medium brown
• Ears are set on at eye level and hang close to the cheeks
• Muzzle is about equal to the length of the skull
• Scissors bite is preferable

Neck, Topline, Body:

• The neck is slightly arched and long
• Topline is level
• Loin is slightly arched and muscular
• Tail is an extension of the topline
• Tail is generally docked and has lively action

Forequarters:

• Shoulder blade and upper arm are about the same length
• Forearms are medium length and moderately feathered
• Legs are well-boned but not coarse
• Dewclaws are usually removed
• Feet are round, tight, and well-arched with thick pads

Hindquarters:

• Strong, muscular, and well-boned hindquarters
• Moderate bend of the stifle
• Rear dewclaws are removed
• Feet are the same as in front

Coat:

• Coat is naturally flat, straight, and soft
• Not wiry or wavy coat
• Coat is waterproof, weatherproof, and thornproof
• Ears and tail are lightly feathered

Color:

• Rich red and white only
• All patterns are acceptable
• White areas may be flecked with red ticking

Gait:

• Smooth, powerful, ground-covering action
• Drive from the rear
• Feet converge toward a center line as speed increases

It is important for a family to be present and active in a Welsh springer spaniel's life for the dog to be happy and healthy. These dogs prefer the company of people rather than other pets. They do well in homes with fenced yards and with consistent training that starts with early socialization. You'll need to devote significant time to exercise and mental stimulation for your Welsh springer spaniel to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Here are some general tips for taking the best care of a Welsh springer spaniel:

Best Living Environments:

• Homes with secure, fenced yards
• They can live comfortably in city apartments with proper exercise
• Active families that can provide them with plenty of exercise and prevent boredom

Type of Exercise:

• Playtime inside a house and in a yard
• Walks in the neighborhood
• Hikes on trails with family members
• Needs about 45 minutes of exercise daily 
• Can walk about eight miles per week

Mental Enrichment:

• Intelligent dogs that respond well to training
• Use positive reinforcement techniques with reward-based training
• Obedience training sessions
• Agility courses
• Hunting activities

Training Strategies:

• Start training sessions during puppyhood
• Can become “Velcro dogs” that are highly attached to certain people
• Give the dog a job to do for mental stimulation and exercise

Grooming Tips:

• Relatively easy to groom overall
• Brush the dog regularly to prevent fur matting
• Clean and check ears for debris weekly
• Bathe only when necessary
• Brush teeth daily
• Trim nails regularly when not worn down naturally outdoors

Welsh springer spaniels typically live for 12 to 15 years. These are generally healthy dogs but prone to some health conditions based on their breeding and genetics.

These are some of the most common health issues that arise with Welsh springer spaniels:

• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Eye conditions, including narrow-angle glaucoma, entropion, and distichiasis
• Ear infections
• Hypothyroidism
• Epilepsy

Adult Welsh springer spaniels need about 2.5 cups of dry dog food daily, divided into two meals. Some dogs may need slightly less food if they aren’t very active every day. Ask your veterinarian for specific recommendations about dog food brands and portion sizes.

The average daily cost to feed a Welsh springer spaniel is $1.20 to $1.40, and the monthly cost is $34 to $45.

The Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of America is the national breed club for this type of dog. The organization provides a directory of member breeders who are dedicated to responsible breeding. It also provides general information about the breed and events related to the breed’s showing and competing activities.

Springer Spaniel Rescue is a volunteer-led nonprofit that is dedicated to finding loving homes for dogs in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. It has been successfully placing springer spaniels of all ages and health needs into households with families since 2007.

Petfinder, Rescue Me, and Adopt a Pet may also help you find a Welsh springer spaniel near where you live.

If a Welsh springer spaniel sounds like the perfect dog for your lifestyle, then you might also be interested to learn about similar breeds. Here are some dog breeds that share characteristics with the Welsh springer spaniel:

• English cocker spaniel
• English springer spaniel
• Brittany
• Boykin spaniel
• Irish setter
• Irish red and white setter

To help you take the best care of your Welsh springer spaniel during all phases of life, Healthy Paws offers dog insurance that’s worth the investment in your pet. Our Welsh springer spaniel insurance comes with one easy-to-understand pet insurance policy with no costly add-ons and the opportunity to use any licensed vet you trust.

When you have dog insurance through Healthy Paws, you can get quickly reimbursed for costly vet bills related to injuries and illnesses your Welsh springer spaniel suffers from. Our plan covers everything from hip dysplasia to emergency hospitals, chronic conditions, breed-specific conditions, hereditary conditions, and alternative care.

Visit our quote page today to see your Welsh springer spaniel rates and take this vital step in protecting your pet.