Welsh Springer Spaniel: Your Complete Guide

The Welsh springer spaniel is a dog breed commonly utilized as a family companion. These medium-sized dogs make an especially good dog for households with children, but their adaptable nature makes them a fitting choice for a variety of individuals and families looking for an active and playful dog.

Welsh springer spaniels have many of the traits you would expect from any other spaniel, but they also have some unique characteristics that make them such fun dogs to have. For example, they have an affectionate nature (sometimes overly so), but at the same time, a tendency to be very reserved around strangers, almost like guardian dog breeds.

While this is one unique trait about the Welsh springer spaniel, there’s a lot more to cover. Read to the end as we take an in-depth look at the Welsh springer spaniel’s history, size, temperament, coat, health, grooming needs, and more.

Quick Look at the Welsh Springer Spaniel

Here’s a quick table to give you an idea of the Welsh springer spaniel’s characteristics. Our breed guide will cover each point in detail in the coming parts.

Weight/Height	35-55 pounds / 17-19 inches
Coat Type	Medium-length double coat
Grooming Needs
Shedding
Temperament	Affectionate, playful, reserved, intelligent
Good With Kids
Good With Other Animals
Intelligence
Easy to Train
Energy Level
Barking Habits
Lifespan	12-15 years

What Is the History of Welsh Springer Spaniels?

The Welsh springer spaniel is thought to be the oldest spaniel from Britain, possibly as the descendants of the ancient spaniels of the Iberian Peninsula. These dogs became the foundation stock for the spaniels, and many similar dog breeds were utilized for hunting, particularly waterfowl hunting. This makes their history go back to hundreds of years when spaniel-type dogs first arrived in Britain. 

However, while there’s a great distinction between other spaniels and the Welsh springer spaniel today, they once were considered to be the same breed as a variation of the English springer spaniel. 

The breed’s distinction came in the early 1900s, mainly due to the coat color and size, as well as due to the clear differences in their personality. For instance, the Welsh springer spaniel is smaller, comes in red and white coat color, and is more reserved than sociable. As their name makes it obvious, these types of spaniels were most commonly found in Wales.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) was one of the first to recognize their differences; the AKC officially recognized the Welsh springer spaniel as a distinct dog breed in 1906 as part of the sporting group.

What Do Welsh Springer Spaniels Look Like?

Welsh springer spaniels have one of the most distinctive and fixed coat color in the spaniel group. They come in only red and white; there are no other colors present in their coat. The red can range from rich golden-red to deep mahogany, but it must always appear warm and vibrant rather than brown or liver-toned, which are common types of reds and browns seen in many other spaniel-type dogs.

As for the pattern, white is typically the base color, with red patches throughout the body. For example, a red head with a white blaze, red ears, and red body patches throughout the body. Another typical trait in terms of color is the tail, which usually has a red base with a white tip.

What Size Is a Welsh Springer Spaniel?

The Welsh springer spaniel is a medium-sized dog breed that’s a little on the bigger end compared to dogs of similar size. Males weigh between 40 and 55 pounds, whereas females weigh between 35 and 50 pounds. The height in males and females is similar, ranging anywhere between 17 and 19 inches when measured at the shoulder. 

This weight and height range places the Welsh springer spaniel towards the bigger end of the scale among the spaniel-type dogs.

What Is a Welsh Springer Spaniel’s Coat Type and Length?

The Welsh springer spaniel has a medium-length double coat that’s wiry in texture. However, the same as many other spaniels, the ears appear almost curly in some dogs, though not nearly as much as the American water spaniel. The Welsh springer spaniel’s coat type is less prone to matting and tangles, but it still requires thorough grooming regularly – we cover the breed’s grooming needs in the coming parts below.

What Is a Welsh Springer Spaniel’s Temperament? 

The highlight of the Welsh springer spaniel’s temperament is how affectionate they are around their family members. They live and breathe to get attention from their favorite people, whether it is gentle pets, playtime, or simply cuddling on the sofa together. This personality trait, however, also makes them prone to separation anxiety, requiring owners to minimize it before it becomes a bigger issue.

With strangers, the Welsh springer spaniel’s temperament isn’t like this at all. They are reserved at first and take their time showing their true personality around unfamiliar people. However, this isn’t to say that they are shy or fearful when strangers are present. Welsh springer spaniels are more protective and watchful. If they sense something off, they are sure to bark to alert or even stand their ground.

While these can give you an idea of what these dogs are like, there’s much more to cover about their personality traits, which we dive deeper into below.

Are Welsh Springer Spaniels Good With Kids?

Welsh spaniel springers are one of the best dog breeds for families with children. When these dogs grow up in a home with children, they form a special bond that lasts a lifetime for them. Coupled with their fairly protective temperament, they make such good nanny dogs, though young children and dogs should never be left alone without an adult’s supervision.

The playful side of the Welsh spaniel springer, which we also discuss below, makes these dogs the perfect addition to families with multiple kids needing a playmate. However, playtime with Welsh spaniel springers should be gentle and respectful. Every parent should teach their kids to behave nicely around dogs and respect their boundaries, like not bothering them while eating or drinking.

Are Welsh Springer Spaniels Good With Other Animals?

Welsh spaniel springers are easygoing dogs that generally enjoy meeting and playing with friendly dogs, particularly other spaniels. A well-socialized Welsh spaniel springer will see other dogs as potential play buddies rather than a challenge. However, some bloodlines show same-sex aggression, which are usually the dogs that were bred to be working dogs rather than companions.

Overall, Welsh spaniel springer owners have nothing to worry about their dogs getting along well with other dogs with proper socialization. They can also do well in households with cats, especially if raised together from a young age. The only instance to worry about is if you have small prey animals like rabbits or guinea pigs. Because they have their origins as hunting dogs, Welsh spaniel springers pack a high degree of prey drive.

Are Welsh Springer Spaniels Aggressive?

Welsh spaniel springers aren’t inherently aggressive, much like any other spaniel. They can be hyper from time to time, where they exhibit behaviors that could be mistaken for aggression, like reactivity towards strangers or other dogs, but it usually doesn’t lead to anything negative.

Due to their tendency to be reactive and aloof with strangers, socialization plays a critical role in raising a Welsh springer spaniel. Owners must take their time to socialize their Welsh spaniel springers to get them accustomed to the presence of strangers and unfamiliar animals so that they can better deal with the feelings of uncertainty and caution.

Do Welsh Springer Spaniels Bark?

Surprisingly, the Welsh springer spaniel isn’t much of a barker. These dogs are much quieter than other spaniels and usually bark when there’s a clear need for it, like someone coming very close to their territory or picking up sudden movements from strangers.

This quiet nature makes the Welsh springer spaniel an excellent breed for those living in places with noise restrictions, like condos and apartment buildings with thin walls. Still, excessive barking can be an issue with Welsh springer spaniels, especially if they lack exercise or enrichment in their life.

Are Welsh Springer Spaniels Affectionate?

As we’ve previously mentioned multiple times, the Welsh springer spaniel is a highly affectionate dog breed that enjoys both receiving and giving love to their family members. This affectionate nature makes them follow their owners everywhere they go, which can create difficulties in helping them become more independent.

To prevent your Welsh springer spaniel from developing separation anxiety, leave them alone for short periods deliberately early on to help them build confidence. Even leaving them inside their crate while you’re in another room can make a difference in ensuring they can cope with being alone at home.

Are Welsh Springer Spaniels Intelligent?

The Welsh springer spaniel is a highly intelligent and capable dog breed. They can sense the emotions of people, understand social cues flawlessly, and solve problems on their own. This intelligence is one of the main reasons why they were the most favored hunting dog for various types of game.

However, intelligence can be a double-edged sword. An intelligent dog always requires more mental stimulation and gets bored with their routine quickly. This means that they need variety in their lives, and it is up to the owner to provide it. Welsh springer spaniels requiring variety isn’t a problem if you’re exploring new places and can take your dog with you, but if you’re strict on abiding by your routine, their high intelligence can be a problem.

Are Welsh Springer Spaniels Energetic?

Welsh springer spaniels are high-energy dogs that need plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation. They need to run around chasing after a ball, find their way out of challenges, and socialize and play with friendly dogs to be satisfied. All this should total to at least an hour of quality exercise per day in order for a Welsh springer spaniel to be happy and healthy.

Like every dog, a lack of exercise, including mental stimulation, can make a Welsh springer spaniel search for ways to release excess energy, which always leads to destructive behaviors and damaged household goods. Before getting a Welsh springer spaniel, be sure to understand how energetic these dogs are to make the right choice in the end.

Are Welsh Springer Spaniels Easy to Train?

Welsh springer spaniels are intelligent, eager to please, and physically capable, which are the traits you will find in any dog with good trainability. They can learn basic commands and essential skills like leash walking without pulling and recall in just a few weeks with proper training. As long as you structure training properly and are utilizing positive reinforcement training, you will make progress easily with your Welsh springer spaniel.

If you’re looking for guidance on dog training, Dog Academy has you covered. We’ve got various online dog training courses on basic obedience, puppy training, psychiatric service dog training, crate training, and more. All our courses follow positive reinforcement training and include video lessons you can follow step-by-step to train your Welsh springer spaniel.

Are Welsh Springer Spaniels Good Watchdogs?

Welsh springer spaniels are naturally good watchdogs. They observe their surroundings constantly and bark to alert. If you want a dog to alert you when someone comes close to your property, you will find the Welsh springer spaniel to be a good fit. However, they alert, and their job is finished there; you shouldn’t expect guarding duties from Welsh springer spaniels.

Are Welsh Springer Spaniels Good Service Dogs?

It would be wrong to say that Welsh springer spaniels are commonly utilized for service dog work. This is because service dogs must be calm and on task no matter what’s happening around them. Given that Welsh springer spaniels are aloof with strangers and have a high prey drive, their reliability becomes a question in streets or buildings full of strangers and small animals.

Even though Welsh springer spaniels are intelligent, highly trainable, and hard-working dogs, they aren’t the best choice for service dog work due to these qualities.

How to Care for a Welsh Springer Spaniel?

Although our article touched on some of the care needs of Welsh springer spaniels in terms of socialization, training, and exercise, there’s more to cover. Here are a few notes on their basic care needs to help you build a complete picture of what it is like to have a Welsh springer spaniel.

Do You Need to Groom a Welsh Springer Spaniel?

Welsh springer spaniels have grooming needs like any other dog, but fortunately, they aren’t high-maintenance in this regard, unlike their exercise or mental stimulation needs. They should be brushed about two times a week, teeth brushed ideally every day, nails trimmed as needed, and ears cleaned about every two weeks. 

You don’t need to take Welsh springer spaniels to a professional groomer frequently, but you may do so for deshedding treatments. A professional groomer can also help you with their basic care needs, but you can learn everything with our General Canine Grooming course for a fraction of the cost of visiting a grooming salon.

Do Welsh Springer Spaniels Shed?

Welsh springer spaniels are average shedders – much of their shedding isn’t even noticeable for most parts of the year, but during seasonal changes, it becomes very apparent. With regular brushing and deshedding treatments, you can minimize shedding and keep your home clean. Nonetheless, they aren’t hypoallergenic; Welsh springer spaniels aren’t the best choice for those with pet allergies.

What Health Problems Do Welsh Springer Spaniels Have?

Welsh springer spaniels are among the healthiest spaniels. They are prone to develop very few health issues, which are also the health issues commonly seen in spaniels, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy, and thyroid issues. With proper care and routine vet visits, you don’t have anything to worry about these health issues, as many Welsh springer spaniels live through life without any apparent issues.

While their floppy ears give them an adorable appearance, Welsh springer spaniels are also prone to ear infections. You should regularly check for any signs of ear infection to provide them with the help they need to prevent discomfort.

How Long Do Welsh Springer Spaniels Live?

Welsh springer spaniels have an average lifespan, both compared to other spaniels and other dog breeds in general, with an expected life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. However, genetics, diet, lifestyle, and environment also have a big impact on lifespan. It isn’t a range that applies to all the Welsh springer spaniels.

What Should a Welsh Springer Spaniel Eat?

Welsh springer spaniels need to eat a diet that supports their well-being and lifestyle. With highly energetic dog breeds like this, you can even feed them the same dog food or diet that’s formulated for working dog breeds. That’s, of course, as long as they get to burn the calories they take. Otherwise, feeding a Welsh springer spaniel high-calorie dog food designed basically for canine athletes will lead to excess weight gain.

Is a Welsh Springer Spaniel the Right Dog for Me?

The Welsh springer spaniel is an active, intelligent, and highly capable dog that pairs best with individuals and families who can keep up with their physical and mental needs. For example, you will find the Welsh springer spaniel to be an excellent addition to your family if you regularly go out for hikes, camping, and other outdoor adventures.

If you’re leading a calm life and want a dog to provide companionship rather than get you moving, then the Welsh springer spaniel isn’t the dog for you. The same goes if you’re not going to be able to meet their training and socialization needs early on, which require a significant amount of involvement. 

With all this to keep in mind, we can conclude by saying that the Welsh springer spaniel is a dog only for those who can welcome a high-maintenance dog in terms of exercise, mental stimulation, training, and socialization.