Nickname        : Dog of the Celts

Breed Origins  : Wales ( 1300’s )

Breed usage     : Bird flushing and retrieving

Dog Weight      : 35 - 45 Pounds

Dog Height       : 17 to 19 inches to the shoulder

History
Welsh Springer Spaniel comes from Wales and was bred originally for bird flushing and retrieving. It’s origins can be dated back to the 1300’s. This dog is classified as one of the Sporting Dog Group . The Welsh Springer Spaniel was first Registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1914.
The word spaniel comes from the word “Espagnol” which means Spanish from where all of the Spaniel breeds hold their origins. The word “Springer” relates to the dogs ability to force its quarry to spring out of wooded areas. This is the only Welsh spaniel and was bred before the time that shot - guns were used in hunting. The dog would be expected to make the game take to flight from cover in order that the hunter’s hawk could catch and kill the prey. The Welsh Springer Spaniel is found mentioned in the laws of Wales dating back to the 1300’s. Although no records exist of its breeding it is believed to have been the result of a cross between the English and Clumber Spaniel.
Dogs in the Sporting group, which include the Welsh Springer Spaniel, can be divided into three main categories - Retrievers, Pointers and Setters. These dogs were bred primarily to work with people to hunt game birds. Some of these dogs work in water whilst other dogs are more suited to work on land and many of the dogs in the Sporting dog category are comfortable and capable of working in either land or water environments. Sporting dogs, including the Welsh Springer Spaniel, are particularly suited to wood and field activities. The Retriever, Pointer and Setter dogs and their main functionalities are as follows:

• The Retriever dog - Retriever dogs find and return killed game to the hunter. Some Retrievers are especially equipped, for instance with a water-repellent coat and webbed feet, for retrieving downed waterfowl.
• The Pointer dog - Pointer dogs stand in front of their quarry, with their nose and body rigidly still , thus directing (or pointing) the hunter to its location.
• The Setter dog - Setter dogs were originally trained to set, or crouch, in front of game preventing the escape of the quarry. The hunter would make the capture with a net.

All Information and Tips About This Dog :

• Coat and Colours information
  The Welsh Springer Spaniel ’s coat is normally a shade of rich red & white. The coat is normally straight thick & silky.

• Health information - potential problems
  Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Welsh Springer Spaniel , can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the Welsh Springer Spaniel can include:
  • Hip Dysplasia (abnormal development of hip joints)
  • Epilepsy
  • The life expectancy for this particular breed is 12 – 14 years.

• Grooming and Care
  Welsh Springer Spaniel requires weekly care and grooming. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible.