Welsh Springer Spaniel
Also known as Welsh Springer
- Height at the withers
- 43 to 48 cm
- Weight
- 16 to 20 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- Wales
- FCI group
- 8 · Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
A compact, medium-sized hunting dog with a distinctive red and white coat and straight, silky feathering. Known for its cheerful temperament, boundless energy and versatility in the field.
History and origins
An old Welsh breed developed to flush and retrieve game birds; spaniels are already mentioned in Welsh laws from the 10th century. The British Kennel Club recognized it as a separate breed in 1902.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Glaucoma
- Epilepsy
- Hypothyroidism
- Ear infections
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Long, silky coat. Moderate shedding, average coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Rarely, 2 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Welsh Springer Spaniel FAQ
How big does the Welsh Springer Spaniel get?
The Welsh Springer Spaniel stands 43 to 48 cm at the withers and weighs 16 to 20 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Welsh Springer Spaniel shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs average care.
Can the Welsh Springer Spaniel live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the Welsh Springer Spaniel need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Welsh Springer Spaniel good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Welsh Springer Spaniel live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and glaucoma.
