Ratings

Breed Introduction

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a unique and ancient breed, named after its hunting ability rather than any other association. It is a charming dog, agile in structure, appearing solid without being coarse. Its body is compact, with relatively short legs, and its structure clearly shows the ability to perform strenuous work with enduring stamina. The Welsh Springer Spaniel appears longer due to the sloping front angulation and well-developed hindquarters. As a hunting dog, it should display well-developed muscles under working conditions. Its coat should not be excessively flashy, hindering its function as an active, energetic spaniel, but should possess sufficient thickness to provide adequate protection during heavy work and harsh weather conditions.

Most authorities on the breed believe that the origin of the Welsh Springer Spaniel can be traced back to the 13th or 14th centuries. The breed is mentioned in the 14th-century document ‘Laws of Wales’, but the connection of the dog described there to the modern Welsh Springer Spaniel cannot be substantiated. The ancestors of the Welsh Springer Spaniel are similar to those of the English Springer Spaniel, and in fact, their histories are essentially consistent with that of the English Cocker Spaniel, differing only in size and color. The Springer Spaniel is used to flush birds or is a type of game that hides and then ‘springs’ at the flying birds to flush them out. Over time, the Welsh Springer Spaniel and the English Springer Spaniel gradually diverged into different breeds, and by the 19th century, they were no longer regarded as the same breed.

In the late 19th century, the Welsh Springer Spaniel came to America and was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1906. However, the Welsh Springer Spaniel did not gain popularity in the United States, and by the end of World War II, it was extinct in America. They were saved from total extinction only through re-importation, and since then, while their growth has been steady but rather slow, they have gradually stabilized. Nevertheless, today in America, the Welsh Springer Spaniel remains extremely rare.