Welsh Springer Spaniel - Overview and History
Dog Breeds
The Welsh Springer Spaniel, also known as the Starter, the Tarfgi, the Red-and-White Spaniel, the Welsh Spaniel, the Welsh Cocker, the Welsh Springer or the Welshie, dates back to the earliest time when dogs helped men with hunting. This breed is extremely versatile and can be used to hunt and/or retrieve virtually any type of game, on land or in water and over any sort of terrain.
Read More >
Introduction
The Welsh Springer Spaniel, also known as the Starter, the Tarfgi, the Red-and-White Spaniel, the Welsh Spaniel, the Welsh Cocker, the Welsh Springer or the Welshie, dates back to the earliest time when dogs helped men with hunting. This breed is extremely versatile and can be used to hunt and/or retrieve virtually any type of game, on land or in water and over any sort of terrain. The Welsh Springer Spaniel is smaller than the English Springer Spaniel but larger than the English Cocker Spaniel. The breed is known for its stable disposition and boundless energy. It gets its name from its style of hunting, which is to “spring” hidden game from places of hiding. The Welsh Springer Spaniel was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1906, as a member of the Sporting Group.
The mature male Welsh Springer Spaniel should stand 18 to 19 inches at the withers, while adult bitches should be 17 to 18 inches in height. Weight should be in proportion to height and overall balance; adults typically weigh between 35 and 45 pounds. The Welsh Springer’s coat is always white with rich, dark red markings. It is straight, soft and weatherproof, with moderate feathering.
History
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a truly ancient breed. Its ancestors date back to dogs that belonged to the people of Roman-occupied Briton. During the Renaissance, the Land Spaniel was used to make game birds “spring” from hiding, to be shot with bow and arrow or hunted by falcon and thereafter retrieved by the dog. Images and writings of the Land Spaniel appear to describe or identify a dog virtually identical to today’s Welsh Springer Spaniel.
During the 1700s, many of the great artists depicted a red-and-white spaniel whose color, conformation and type reflect the modern Welsh Springer Spaniel. This breed was popular with hunters throughout the 18th century, but by the 1800s most sportsmen in Britain preferred the liver-and-white or the black-and-white spaniels. Historians speculate that the red-and-white spaniel continued to be used in the Neath Valley of South Wales during this period. Eventually, interest in the Welsh Springer Spaniel resurfaced. The Kennel Club (England) was founded in 1873, and the red-and-white spaniel was exhibited at the club’s first show, in the same class as other spaniels. It was not until later that the Welsh and English Springer Spaniels and English Cocker Spaniels were put into separate classes and recognized as distinct breeds.
The American Kennel Club recognized the Welsh Springer Spaniel in 1906. The first of the breed was registered with the AKC in 1914. However, no Welsh Springer Spaniels were registered with the American Kennel Club between 1926 and 1948. Many breed enthusiasts today believe that by the end of the Second World War, there were no Welsh Springers left in the United States. A number were imported from Wales after the war. In 1961, the Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of America was formed. Today’s Welsh Springer Spaniel remains a wonderful hunting dog both in and out of water. He has excellent senses of smell and of sight and can be used on any type of fowl or game. He is also exceptionally gentle and good-natured and makes a kind family pet. This breed has not achieved great popularity in America.
Health
The average life span of the Welsh Springer Spaniel is 12 to 15 years. Breed health concerns may include epilepsy, distichiasis, glaucoma, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy and hip dysplasia.
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Quick Facts
-
Weight: 35-45 lbs
-
Height: 17-19 in
-
Coat: Soft feathery requires regular brushing
-
Temperament: Energetic, independent, affectionate
-
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Personality
Pictures