Photo: Marjo Jaakkola
Photo: Marjo Jaakkola
Breed club in Finland: Springerspanielit r.y. / Springer Spaniel Club of Finland
This breed is origin from Wales according to its name. It might be this breed is not as well-shaped and refined as other spaniel breeds but it is a good working dog in hunting, strong and fixed. The original population is based on the red and white spaniels in Welsh farms in the 1800th century. Welsh springer spaniel has been a working dog since beginning. Welsh springer spaniel works effectively on field, in water and in difficult terrain. The breed also is used as a shepherd in Wales.
The breed club was founded in 1907. The very famous breeders and developers of the breed were for example John T. D. Llewelyn, Blandy-Jenkins, Adams-Williams and A. T. Williams (kennel of Gerwn). In United States the first individual of this breed was registered in 1914, but there the breed has not got a big popularity. To Sweden the breed came in 1963 and to Finland these springers came more than 40 years later then english springer spaniels (during the year 1967 first welsh springer spaniels came to Finland from Sweden).
Photo: Elina Hakoila
Welsh springer spaniel is a little lower than its Englishman brother (english springer spaniel), only about 47 cm. Furthermore, it is a little rarer breed than english springer spaniel but in spite of this the breed is greatly appreciated.
The head is medium long and expressive, the stop can be discerned well. The bones and the muscles are strong. The colour of coat is heterogenous, red and white. The nose is dark or flesh coloured. Welsh springer spaniel has medium size, dark or hazel-nut coloured eyes. Ears are small for a spaniel, shaped like a wine leaf and propitious to the head. Ears are set quite down. The neck is long and muscular.
The body is medium long and back is muscular. Welsh's legs are straight and strong, paws are compact and rounded. The coat is thick, straight and silky. Tassels are found from the stomach and back of the legs. Colour is red and white.
Photo: Elina Hakoila
Welsh springers are multipurpose and functional dogs. These dogs are lively, happy and independent by nature. The raising and training of the breed require skills and patience (because it show it's feelings if it knows you handled it the wrong way). Welsh springers like the children and usually other dogs also. So the breed from its character is quite a lot like english springer spaniels even if some of the welsh springers are more resolute and more rugged than english springers. Göran Hermelin says in his book Spaniels and retrievers (Spaniels och retrievers) the welsh springer spaniel is from its temperament and behaviour a transition of cocker spaniel and english springer spaniel. By the way it is very rare to hear these dogs growling.
The breed also is mainly healthy. The hip dysplasia is found but the cases are not usually difficult. The breed has also a program against hereditary diseases (PEVISA as we here in Finland call it).
The breed is a popular show dog and the level of the appearance in Finland is good. In addition to the show rings, this dog is suitable for obedience and agility rings too. The owner has to be active, patient and the owner has to have a good sense of humour and enough time to the education. The coat requires combing couple of time a week, but it should be washed only when necessary. The trim should be done every time before going to dog show or 3-4 times in a year if the dog is not going to visit any show rings.
The breed has been accepted for the following organisations: FCI/126, AKC, UKC, KC, CKC, ANKC.
Am Ch Benton Ivy League, photo: Adrienne Bancker