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Welsh Springer Spaniel Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Welsh Springer Spaniel so you can get to know the breed more.

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Welsh Springer Spaniel dog profile picture
OriginWales flagWales
Other Names
What other names does the Welsh Springer Spaniel have?
Welsh Cocker SpanielWelsh StarterWelshieWelsh Springer
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Welsh Springer Spaniel Size and Weight

Size
Is a Welsh Springer Spaniel small, medium or large dog?

How big do Welsh Springer Spaniel get?

What is the average size of a Welsh Springer Spaniel?

Medium
Weight
How much does the Welsh Springer Spaniel weigh? How much should a Welsh Springer Spaniel weight? What is the normal weight of a Welsh Springer Spaniel? How much does a full-grown Welsh Springer Spaniel weight?
Male: 40-45 pounds (18-20 kg), Female: 35-45 pounds (16-20 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Welsh Springer Spaniel?
Male: 42.5 pounds (19 kg), Female: 40 pounds (18 kg)
Height
How tall is the Welsh Springer Spaniel? Welsh Springer Spaniel height:
Male: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm), Female: 16-18 inches (41-46 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Welsh Springer Spaniel?
Male: 18 inches (45.5 cm), Female: 17 inches (43.5 cm)

Welsh Springer Spaniel Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Welsh Springer Spaniel puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Welsh Springer Spaniel in the United States? How much money is a Welsh Springer Spaniel?

Where to buy a Welsh Springer Spaniel with a good pedigree?

$1200-$1400
If you choose to purchase the Welsh Springer Spaniel, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Welsh Springer Spaniel for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Welsh Springer Spaniel gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Welsh Springer Spaniel? How many Welsh Springer Spaniel are there in the world?
Frequent: The Welsh Springer Spaniel is easier than average to get. Maybe there is some risk of overbreeding, as it is a popular breed.

Due to its popularity, inbreeding may occur. A new study shows that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful and seek the help of an experienced person or a professional, in making your decision.

Welsh Springer Spaniel Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Welsh Springer Spaniel? Is the Welsh Springer Spaniel breed dumb or smart?
Smart: The Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Welsh Springer Spaniel?
Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is Welsh Springer Spaniel good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs are not the best to protect their territory. Better to have the protection of your house and property supervised by others.

Welsh Springer Spaniel Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Welsh Springer Spaniel have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
ActivePlayfulStubbornIntelligentFriendlyAffectionateLoyal
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Welsh Springer Spaniel sensitivity:
Sensitive: Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Welsh Springer Spaniel a good family dog?
High: Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Welsh Cocker Spaniel need? Welsh Springer Spaniel social needs:
Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Welsh Springer Spaniel to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Welsh Springer Spaniel roam?
Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command. This breed is also able to cause damage to your fence.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Welsh Springer Spaniel have high prey drive?
Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Welsh Springer Spaniel Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Welsh Cocker Spaniel bark?
Average: The Welsh Springer Spaniel barks occasionally. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Welsh Springer Spaniel good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Welsh Springer Spaniel in an apartment?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Welsh Springer Spaniel breed. If you don't have a garden, think carefully about your decision, keeping Welsh Springer Spaniel indoors can cause a lot of problems.

Welsh Springer Spaniel Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Welsh Springer Spaniel be left alone? How long can you leave a Welsh Springer Spaniel alone?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem.

Welsh Springer Spaniel Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Welsh Springer Spaniel has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Welsh Springer Spaniel? How much bite force does a Welsh Springer Spaniel have? How strong is a Welsh Springer Spaniel bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Welsh Springer Spaniel bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Welsh Springer Spaniel measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Welsh Springer Spaniel is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Welsh Springer Spaniel bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Welsh Springer Spaniel bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Welsh Springer Spaniel puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Welsh Springer Spaniel, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Welsh Springer Spaniel bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Welsh Springer Spaniel can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Welsh Springer Spaniel bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Welsh Cocker Spaniel? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Welsh Springer Spaniel? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Welsh Springer Spaniel has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Welsh Springer Spaniel do?
Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Welsh Springer Spaniel Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Welsh Springer Spaniel breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Welsh Springer Spaniel breed? Most common health risks of Welsh Springer Spaniel:
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia HypothyroidismProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)EpilepsyEntropionElbow DysplasiaGlaucoma
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Welsh Springer Spaniel breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Welsh Springer Spaniel see the vet?
Average
The Welsh Springer Spaniel should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs live? How old can a Welsh Springer Spaniel be? What is the age limit of the Welsh Springer Spaniel? How many years can the oldest Welsh Springer Spaniel live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Welsh Springer Spaniel?

How long is the lifespan of a Welsh Springer Spaniel?

11-15 years
The average lifespan of Welsh Springer Spaniel: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Welsh Springer Spaniel can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.

Welsh Springer Spaniel Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Welsh Springer Spaniel have? What is the activity level of the Welsh Springer Spaniel?
Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Welsh Springer Spaniel need? How much exercise do Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs require per day?

Do Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs need a lot of exercises?

Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Welsh Springer Spaniel breed need?
Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you.

Welsh Springer Spaniel Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Welsh Springer Spaniel need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Welsh Springer Spaniel breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Welsh Springer Spaniel? How much food should I feed my Welsh Springer Spaniel?
1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Welsh Springer Spaniel risk for obesity:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Welsh Springer Spaniel's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Welsh Springer Spaniel weight regularly.

Welsh Springer Spaniel Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Welsh Springer Spaniel have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
SilkySoftStraight
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Welsh Springer Spaniel coats?
Red White
Grooming
How to groom the Welsh Springer Spaniel and how often? How often should I take my Welsh Springer Spaniel to the groomer?
Average: The Welsh Springer Spaniel requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Welsh Springer Spaniel, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Shedding Level
How much do Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Welsh Cocker Spaniel? Do Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs shed a lot?
Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Welsh Springer Spaniel need a bath? How often should you give a Welsh Springer Spaniel a bath? Can I bathe my Welsh Springer Spaniel every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Welsh Springer Spaniel breed hypoallergenic?
No
Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Welsh Springer Spaniel has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Welsh Springer Spaniel drool?
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Welsh Springer Spaniel could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Welsh Springer Spaniel.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Welsh Springer Spaniel Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs get along with other pets? Are Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Welsh Springer Spaniel temperament with other people:
Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Welsh Springer Spaniel temperament with children:
Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Welsh Springer Spaniel breed live with a cat?
Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Welsh Springer Spaniel good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs get along with other dogs?
Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Welsh Springer Spaniel can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Welsh Springer Spaniel breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Welsh Springer Spaniel breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs good office canines? Do Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Welsh Springer Spaniel is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Welsh Cocker Spaniel temperament with senior people? Are Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs good for elderly owners?
Welsh Springer Spaniels are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Welsh Springer Spaniel As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Welsh Springer Spaniel be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Welsh Springer Spaniel is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Welsh Springer Spaniel be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Welsh Springer Spaniel be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Welsh Springer Spaniel is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Welsh Springer Spaniel be a sniffer dog?

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Welsh Springer Spaniel breed is a good choice for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Welsh Springer Spaniel be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Welsh Springer Spaniel be a boat dog?

Not really

Welsh Springer Spaniel breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Welsh Springer Spaniel be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Welsh Springer Spaniel is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Welsh Springer Spaniel Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Welsh Springer Spaniel pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Welsh Springer Spaniel breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Welsh Springer Spaniel: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Welsh Springer Spaniel have in a litter? How many puppies can the Welsh Springer Spaniel breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Welsh Springer Spaniel have? How many puppies can a Welsh Springer Spaniel give birth to?
6-8 puppies

Welsh Springer Spaniel Recognition

AKC Group
Is Welsh Springer Spaniel recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1914 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Group
Is Welsh Springer Spaniel recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Flushing Dogs section.

Welsh Springer Spaniel Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Smart: The Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs have great intelligence.
  • Trainability: Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs are easy to train.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Watchdog Ability: Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Adaptability: Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Welsh Springer Spaniels are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog: After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: Not an apartment-friendly dog the Welsh Springer Spaniel breed.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Welsh Springer Spaniel's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
  • Office Friendly: Welsh Springer Spaniel is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Welsh Springer Spaniel History

It is thought by many people that most spaniels are descendants of the original ancient hunting spaniel of the Iberian Peninsula and that their name is derived from the word ‘Spaniard’. The Welsh Springer Spaniel can be traced backed to the 18th century in Wales, but go back much further in the United Kingdom, at least to the 16th century. Their coat only comes in a single color of white with red markings and they have been common in the mixed pool of hounds and gundogs in Europe for the same time. Their origin is unknown but according to experts, it is most likely that they were already present during the early Middle Ages in Western Europe. The actual date cannot be traced, however, dogs resembling the breed with its distinctive red and white coat are frequently depicted in old pictures and prints. John Caius, writing in 1570 said: “Spaniels whose skins are white if marked with any spotted they commonly red”. It is thought that these Spaniels made their way into the Welsh valleys where local sportsmen and hunters managed to conserve them in a pure state.

Moreover, during the 18th century, they were popular with nobility and gentry and prized for their enthusiastic hunting skills. They were designed to spring up to push their prey to allow them to be trapped in a net or captured by a falcon before the use of guns became common. They also have great scenting abilities, and their webbed feet mean they are strong swimmers that can also retrieve from the water. They are wary of strangers at first and can have a reserved nature but they are very loyal to their owners. They are rarer than the more widely known English Springer Spaniel with which they are sometimes confused.

During the 19th century, there were several different varieties of ‘Cocker Spaniel’, including the ‘English’, the ‘Welsh’ and the ‘Devonshire’ as the term was used to describe the size of the dog rather than the breed. However, the Welsh Springer Spaniel’s popularity increased when Mr. A. T. Williams of Ynis-y-Grewn won the team stake at the ‘Sporting Spaniel Club Trials’. The trials were held on Mr. Williams’ own estate and it was thought that when his team defeated eight well-known teams it was because of the home advantage. This was disproved when dogs from the same kennel went on to win in successive years around the UK. His confirmation show champion dog ‘Ch. Corrin’ was the first Welsh Springer Spaniel to be photographed. After the breed had gained popularity, in 1902 they were recognized by The Kennel Club under the new name of ‘Welsh Springer Spaniel’. Until then the breed was actually shown alongside the English Springer Spaniel. The Welsh Springer Spaniel was transported to America in the late 19th century and finally gained recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1906. Unfortunately, World War I caused huge problems for the breed in the UK, just like for any other breed. When the war was over there were no dogs whose parents had registered pedigrees. The breed restarted with the remaining unregistered dogs and the breeders in the 1920s and 1930s developed these dogs into the type of Welsh Springer Spaniel that remains today.

Furthermore, the Welsh Springer Spaniel Club (UK) was formed in 1923 and registrations slowly increased between the wars. However, all records held by the breed club were destroyed in an air raid during World War II. Following the World Wars, it was thought that no Welsh Springer remained in the USA. The breed was reintroduced and the descendants of those dogs make up the breed today in both the USA & Canada. In 2000, The Kennel Club only registered 424 Welsh Springer Spaniels, compared with 12,599 English Springer Spaniels, and 13,455 Cocker Spaniels. Numbers remained steady with 420 Welsh Springer Spaniels being registered in 2004, but numbers of the English Springer Spaniels increased. The breed, however, continues to remain slightly more popular than some other breeds of Spaniel including the Clumber Spaniel, Field Spaniel, Sussex Spaniel, and Irish Water Spaniel.

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