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Sporting breeds: Welsh Springer Spaniel
Origin
The Welsh Springer Spaniel's history begins as far back as 7000 B.C. He hunted with man in Brittany, Cornwall, Wales, Ireland and Scotland in the Mesolithic period. By 250 B.C., he had developed into the Agassian hunting dog in the wild tribes of Roman-occupied Britain. He is mentioned in writings of this period. During the Renaissance, he is shown many times in woven tapestries. He was known as the Land Spaniel at that time. He was popular as the Red and White Spaniel in the 1700s. By the 1800s he lost popularity in England, but was maintained in the region of South Wales known as the Neath Valley. He was shown at The Kennel Club's first show in 1873 in the same classes as the English Springer. The only difference between the breeds being the color. They were later separated. They gained popularity in the United States in the late 1800s. The AKC recognized them in 1906.
There were no dogs registered between 1926 and 1948. Many believed that by the end of the war, there were no Welsh left. In 1949, 11 dogs were imported and registered with the AKC. The Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of America was formed in 1961.
General description
Height: 17-19 inches
Weight: 35-45 pounds
Color: The only color allowed is rich red and white in any pattern. The white area may be ticked with red.
Grooming requirements
The Welsh Springer Spaniel needs to have his body and his ears brushed daily. A metal comb must be run through the coat after brushing and it needs to touch all the way to the skin in order to be sure there is no matting present. They need to be groomed by a professional groomer every 4-8 weeks in order to keep them in the proper cut for the breed. As for the ears, food does get caught in them if a spaniel bowl is not used when feeding. This needs to be removed with a slicker brush and a metal comb. Wetting the area will help the debris come out. The ears must be cleaned every two weeks in order to avoid any type of infection. The top one-third of the ear must be shaved in order to allow air to flow to the ear canal.
Health considerations
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a very healthy breed. He has a tendency toward several eye problems and his parents should be CERFed and clear of cataracts and glaucoma. He should be regularly CERFed. The parents should also be OFA clear of hip dysplasia.
Breed characteristics and personality
An independent dog, susceptible to wandering. Requires a fenced yard. Needs training starting by six months of age. Lives equally well kenneled or in the home. He is a good guard dog, but gentle with children and other animals.
The Welsh is cheerful, sensitive and independent. He is an active dog with a loyal and affectionate disposition. He is reserved with strangers but not timid, shy or unfriendly.
Uses
The Welsh is adapted to hunting and retrieving over the most difficult terrain and resistant to most bad weather. He is an excellent water dog with a keen nose. He is tireless, and no day is too long for him. He is a faithful and willing worker. He can be used on any kind of game. He should be trained early as he has a tendency to wander too far from the hunt field.
Web links
AKC Welsh Springer Spaniel page
The Welsh Springer Spaniel Club
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