The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a unique and ancient breed, named for its hunting abilities rather than any connection to others. It is a charming dog, compact in build, appearing sturdy without being coarse. Its body is well-proportioned, with legs that are not very long, clearly structured to perform hard work and retain stamina.
The Welsh Springer Spaniel appears to have a longer body due to the slope of its front assembly and developed hindquarters. As a hunting dog, it should display developed muscles under working conditions. Its coat should not be overly exaggerated in order to hinder its function as an active, vigorous hunting dog but should have sufficient thickness to provide adequate protection from harsh working conditions and climates.
Most authorities on the breed believe that the history of the Welsh Springer Spaniel dates back to the 13th or 14th century. The breed is mentioned in the 14th-century publication of the ‘Laws of Wales,’ although the connection between the dogs described and the modern Welsh Springer Spaniel is indeterminate.
The ancestors of the Welsh Springer Spaniel are similar to those of the English Springer Spaniel; in fact, their histories are essentially the same as that of the English Cocker Spaniel, differing only in size and color. Springer Spaniels were used to flush birds, being a game that involved hiding beforehand and then ‘springing’ toward the birds to flush them.
Over time, the Welsh Springer Spaniel and the English Springer Spaniel gradually became distinct breeds, and by the 19th century, they were no longer considered the same type.
In the late 19th century, the Welsh Springer Spaniel was brought to America and recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1906. However, the breed did not gain popularity in the United States, and by the end of World War II, it had become extinct in the country.
It was only through re-importation that they were saved from the brink of extinction, and since then, while the development has been generally slow, it has gradually stabilized. Nevertheless, the Welsh Springer Spaniel remains quite rare in America today.
