Welsh Springer Spaniel

Temperament and Personality

The Welsh Springer Spaniel temperament is loyal, lively, and friendly. They’re always up for an adventure and have a natural enthusiasm for life, making them a beloved family pet or working dog. 

Also known as Welshies, these energetic dogs thrive on keeping busy, stemming from their background as a gundog flushing out game birds all day long. This boundless energy means Welsh Springer Spaniels love to explore the great outdoors, often with their noses pressed firmly to the ground.

They love to spend their days running, swimming, hiking, retrieving, tracking, and playing games with their owners. The fun literally never stops, and their stamina might surprise you! These dogs can go for hours in all types of weather, and across all types of terrain. They’re hard workers and need a full day of activities before they’re ready to chill and unwind.

Although bouncy and playful, Welsh Springer Spaniels aren’t as outgoing as their English Springer Spaniel cousins. They’re more sensible and cautious, and tend to be reserved with strangers. However, they’re people pleasers to the bone, and their loyalty to their family runs deep. Often referred to as ‘velcro dogs’, Welsh Springer Spaniels are definitely happiest when they’re with their humans, whether that’s out on the field or cuddled up at home.

This devotion to their owners means Welshies hate being left alone, and are prone to suffer from separation anxiety. This causes a dog great distress, leading to destructive behaviours like chewing on furniture or excessive barking. 

As with all dogs though, early socialisation and consistent training is key to raising a confident and well-mannered pooch. So, if you’re looking for a furry best friend that loves to work and play, the Welsh Springer Spaniel could be the breed for you.

What’s the difference between Welsh and English Springer Spaniels?

They are two distinct, separate breeds, with differences in their size, personality, and characteristics. The Welsh Springer Spaniel size is slightly bigger than a Cocker Spaniel but not as large as an English Springer Spaniel. Welshies also have a more tapered head and their coat is always red and white. The Welsh Springer Spaniel isn’t as exuberant as its English cousin, and tends to be reserved or timid when it comes to strangers. They’re both extremely high-energy dogs though, and need an immense amount of exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Welsh Springer Spaniel paw-sonality traits

• Loyal to owners

• Sweet-tempered and gentle

• Eager to please

• Very people-oriented

• Bouncy and playful

• Very energetic

• Always down for activities

• Keen and quick to learn

• Highly intelligent and trainable

• Amazing sense of smell

• Strong prey drive and hunting instincts

• Hates being left alone

• Reserved with strangers

• Can sometimes be timid

• Thrives on human companionship

• Needs a lot of physical and mental exercise

Welsh Springer Spaniel pros and cons

Are Welsh Springer Spaniels good family dogs?

Yes, Welshies are a wonderful addition to active families who can dedicate time to exercising, training, and playing with their pooch. They have boundless energy and need lots of physical and mental stimulation, so they’re an ideal companion for people who either work outside or lead an outdoorsy lifestyle. Welsh Springer Spaniels also hate being left alone and suffer from separation anxiety, so they need someone by their side most of the day. 

Are Welsh Springer Spaniels good with children?

Yes, Welsh Springer Spaniels are known to be gentle and patient with children of all ages, making them a great buddy for teens and toddlers alike. They’re a lively, active breed though, so their high energy levels may be too demanding for a family with very young children. 

Are Welsh Springer Spaniels good with other pets?

Yes, the Welshie tends to get on nicely with other dogs if they’ve been properly socialised and well trained. They can also live with cats and other small animals if they’re raised together from puppyhood. However, due to their strong hunting instincts and history of flushing out game birds, they’re not suited to households with budgies, canaries, parrots, or other feathery friends. 

Care Requirements

We all want our doggos to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a Welsh Springer Spaniel properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered. 

How much exercise does a Springer Spaniel need?

A lot! When fully grown, these active guys and gals need around 2 hours of physical and mental exercise a day. They're the opposite of a couch potato, and make an ideal companion for people who spend a lot of time outdoors.

Long brisk walks, jogging, swimming, hiking, games of fetch, tracking scents, and romps around a secure back garden are some fun ways to tire your Welshie out. Canine sports such as agility, flyball, and obedience training are also good outlets for this highly energetic breed.

These intelligent dogs also need a lot of mental stimulation too. Play hide-and-seek in the house using toys and treats, or give them sniffing games and interactive puzzles to ensure their brains get a good workout too. 

While you don’t need to climb a mountain every day to meet your Welshie’s exercise needs, it’s vital they get enough varied exercise each day to prevent them from getting bored and putting on weight. An understimulated Welsh Springer Spaniel that’s not given enough exercise is a destructive one, so keep them busy with plenty of activities so they don’t destroy your furniture or bark excessively.

How do you train a Welsh Springer Spaniel?

With a rich hunting heritage and desire to please their owners, Welsh Springer Spaniels are easy to train pups. They love to learn and thrive in busy environments where they have a job to do. However, they can have a stubborn streak and get bored very easily, so training your Welshie requires lots of time, patience, and paw-sitivity!

Unleash your pup’s potential with these Welsh Springer Spaniel training tips. 

1. Be positive. Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and delicious treats, such as these Duck & Rosemary Meaty Treats. Welshies are very sensitive and don’t respond well to harsh corrections or heavy-handed methods, so a gentle but firm approach works best. 

2. Channel their instincts. Use their hunting and retrieving instincts to your advantage by incorporating scent work, flyball, agility training, hide-and-seek, and fetch into their training routine. This will give both their brains and bodies a good workout!

3. Provide lots of mental enrichment. Give them puzzle toys that require problem solving, or set up a DIY obstacle course in the garden using chairs, hula hoops, and cones. They’ll love the challenge, and it’ll help burn off some of their boundless energy too.

4. Prioritise recall. One whiff of a scent or a glimpse of a bird and the Welsh Springer Spaniel is off! Use a long-line lead, clear vocal commands, and high value treats, or a toy covered in a strong scent, to get them to come back to you.

5. Teach them the ‘drop’ command. Welshies were born to flush out and retrieve prey, so they love carrying things around in their mouths. Make sure they learn this command so you’re able to get back your socks or slippers without any fuss!

6. Teach them to ‘wait’ before retrieving a ball. This will help them understand they need to obey you first before chasing after an interesting scent.

7. Be consistent. Welsh Springer Spaniels are an intelligent breed and learn quickly, so they’ll pick up bad habits just as fast as they can learn good ones. Consistency and ongoing training from a young age is essential.

8. Socialise from the start. Socialisation is still crucial, especially as the Welshie is naturally reserved and cautious when it comes to strangers. Expose them to new people, children, dogs, animals, smells, and situations from an early age to help them become calm and confident canines.

9. Be patient with their separation anxiety. While they should never be left alone for hours on end, you can help your Welshie be more comfortable with their own company by gradually increasing the amount of time you're away from home. Start with small increments (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and make sure they have a toy or puzzle to keep them busy.

How much grooming do Welsh Springer Spaniels need?

Welshies have a flat, glossy, double coat that needs a fair bit of grooming. It’s waterproof, weatherproof, and thornproof, helping to protect them from the elements while out in the field. However, dirt, debris, and burrs are easily trapped in their fur, leading to tangles and irritability.

Also, Welsh Springer Spaniels shed moderately throughout the year, so they need regular brushing to keep their coat healthy.

Here are some Welsh Springer Spaniel grooming tips to keep them looking their best at all times.

• Use a metal dog comb followed by a slicker brush a few times a week to keep their coats shiny and tangle-free.

• Brush more frequently during shedding seasons.

• Their ears, legs, chest and belly have feathering, which protects them from scratches when running through fields. Make sure to comb through these areas after a walk to remove any debris and prevent matting. Remember to check their paw pads too as they might have trodden on something nasty.

• Always check their ears for signs of infection when grooming.

• Welshies are attracted to bodies of water, so bathe regularly using a dog-friendly shampoo (just not too regularly though, as this could disrupt the Ph balance of their skin).

• Trim around the head, ears, neck, tail, and feet using rounded scissors.

• Trim their nails every month if they don’t wear them down naturally. It’s important you know what you’re doing when it comes to nail trimming, so learn from a professional or let the groomers take care of it.

• Some owners prefer their dog to be clipped by a professional groomer every 3 months, resulting in a short hair Welsh Springer Spaniel. This groom will also include a nail trim and the opportunity for a groomer to spot anything that might need your vet’s attention.

• Don’t forget their teeth and gums. Use a dog friendly toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent stinky Spaniel breath.

• Give them a healthy dental stick once a day to keep the doggo dentist at bay!

Health and Wellness

Properly looked after, loved and cared for, the Welsh Springer Spaniel lifespan is 12–15 years. However, like all beautiful purebreds, they’re prone to a few certain health conditions.

Common Welsh Springer Spaniel health issues

• Hip Dysplasia. This is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit together properly, potentially leading to arthritis and mobility issues. Those looking to bring a Springer puppy home should aim to buy from reputable breeders who disclose the hip scores of the parents. Due to their active nature, Welsh Springer Spaniels may also suffer with chronic joint pain in their senior years, which can really impact their quality of life. Diseases of the joints can usually be managed with a combination of pain relief, anti-inflammatories, joint supportive diets, and joint supplements.

• Elbow Dysplasia. This is similar to hip dysplasia but affects the elbow sockets.

• Ear Problems. Welshies are prone to ear infections due to the poor ventilation of the ears, and the fact that the ear canals tend to become moist and humid. This provides the ideal environment for yeast and bacteria to grow. 

• Distichiasis. This is a condition where the eyelashes grow inside the eyelid as opposed to the regular lash line. It leads to inflammation of the eye, excessive discharge and a lot of pain for your pooch. If left untreated, it can cause corneal ulceration. Treatments vary depending on the severity of the symptoms.

• Entropion. This is where the eyelid grows inwards, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea. It can be corrected through surgery.

• Narrow-angle Glaucoma. This type of glaucoma occurs when the iris blocks the drainage angle in the eye, causing eye pressure to rise. It can be gradual, but it usually happens suddenly, and is considered an emergency. Blindness can set in within days, so if you notice redness, cloudiness, or an obvious loss of vision, take your Welshie to the vet immediately.

• Epilepsy. This seizure disorder is seen in some Welsh Springer Spaniels, usually developing before the age of 5. In most cases, seizures can be successfully controlled with medication.

Food and nutrition

Feeding your Welsh Springer Spaniel a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their coat stay shiny to maintaining healthy joints, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant! 

How much should a Welsh Springer Spaniel eat in a day?

The amount you feed your Welshie will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their activity levels, and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed.

A good rule of thumb is to feed these active pooches twice a day – in the morning and evening – to fuel them for all their activities. Due to their intense energy levels, you might want to consider high protein dog food, which is good for optimal muscle growth, immune strength, and a glossy coat.

You'll find a handy feeding calculator at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt, helping you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!

Keep your hound healthy with these preventative tips:

Feed a balanced diet

Choose a high-quality, vet recommended dog food that meets your Welshie’s nutritional needs, and consider adding natural supplements to their diet such as Salmon Oil to boost their physical and mental health.

Regular exercise

These athletic doggos need lots of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy, which includes mental stimulation too. 

Protect their joints

To help keep the hip and elbow dysplasia at bay, consider feeding Welshies a Joint Care Dry Food, or add Joint Tablets to their diet as an extra preventative measure. Also, puppies should never be over exercised while they’re still developing.

Monitor weight

A healthy Welsh Springer Spaniel weight is anywhere between 16kg and 20kg. Make sure they get the exercise they need to prevent them from packing on the pounds though, as extra weight puts pressure on a dog’s joints and organs, reducing their quality of life.

Look after their eyes

Regular eye tests can help detect any early signs of eye conditions, and a balanced diet rich in omega-3s (found in fish) can help support eye health.

Care for their ears

Welshies have long, luscious ears that are prone to infection, so make sure to dry their ears thoroughly after swims or baths, and clean their ears regularly.

Take them to the vet

It might not be their favourite place in the world but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.

Living Conditions

Take a look at the Welshie’s dream home.

Cost of Ownership

The unconditional love of a Welsh Springer Spaniel is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one. 

How much is a Welsh Springer Spaniel puppy?

The price of a Welsh Springer Spaniel can cost anywhere between £350 and £1,000. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The average monthly total cost for owning a Welshie is between £80 and £100.

Set up costs

Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), bedding, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training. If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.

Ongoing costs

When it comes to food, these pooches need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. This can cost anywhere between £50 and £80 per month. On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.

Insurance costs

As this breed is prone to a few hereditary health problems, it’s highly recommended to purchase pet insurance for your Welshie should anything happen. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose. Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a pedigree dog without any pre-existing conditions is around £403. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.)

Fun Facts and Trivia

Get to know the Welsh Springer Spaniel even more with these tidbits and tales about one of the most beloved field and family dogs!

• They get their name from the way they would ‘spring’ at game birds to drive them into the air for their handlers to shoot at. 

• The Welsh Springer Spaniel’s nose is not to be sniffed at! They’re famed for their incredible tracking skills, and are used as sniffer and detection dogs by the police, armed forces, and search and rescue teams.

• Ever wondered the difference between English Springer Spaniels vs Welsh Springer Spaniels? The Welshie is slightly smaller than the English, with shorter legs, a different head shape, and a different coloured coat. They have a softer expression than the English Springer, and they tend to be a bit more sensible too. However they’re both incredibly active, playful pups! 

• The red and white coat is unique to Welshies, and you won’t find them in any other colour. 

• They’re thought to have originated from red and white hunting dogs that were written about in Welsh literature from the Middle Ages, making them one of Britain’s oldest Spaniel breeds. 

• From swimming in the ocean to splashing in puddles, Welsh Springer Spaniels love water. They may even try to dive into their water bowl! This isn’t an elegant breed, so expect muddy pawprints and have plenty of towels on standby.

• Welsh Springer Spaniel tails were traditionally docked, however tail docking is now illegal with the exemption of some working dogs, or if the dog has a health issue.

• You can get Welsh Springer Spaniel mix breeds, such as the Sprocker, the Sproodle, and the Sprollie! 

History and Origin

Records of Spaniels can be traced back as early as the 14th century, but their ancestry is likely a lot older. There are even some pieces of art and literature from 250 B.C that depict Spaniel type dogs! Their name suggests they came from Spain, but like with many old breeds, their origin story isn’t entirely clear. Apparently there was a Spaniel aboard the Mayflower that landed in America in 1620, but we don’t know how these adorable doggos found themselves on British shores. However they got here though, we’re glad they did.

Prior to the 1800s in the United Kingdom, Spaniels were categorised into two types – Land and Water Spaniels. These Land Spaniels eventually evolved to have different jobs based on their size, and were named after their function. The smaller dogs were used to hunt woodcock, so would eventually be called the Cocker Spaniel. The larger littermates would ‘spring’ at gamebirds, causing them to fly into the air where a trained falcon or hawk would be waiting. This is how the Springer Spaniel got its name. The birds of prey were replaced by guns in the 17th century, so Springers were also trained to retrieve the prey.

Welsh Springer Spaniels were originally just called Welsh Spaniels, or Welsh Cockers, which adds to the confusion around what they were bred for. However, it’s thought some of these Land Spaniels must have made their way over to the Welsh Valleys where hunters and gentrymen managed to conserve them, which might be why they’ve retained their red and white coats.

They gained popularity in 1900 when Mr. A. T. Williams of Ynis-y-Gerwn won the Sporting Spaniel Club Trials with his Welsh Springer Spaniel, Corrin. The breed was eventually recognised by the Kennel Club in 1902 as separate from the English Springer Spaniel.

Intelligent and hardworking with an affectionate, loving nature, it’s easy to see why they’re quickly became a beloved canine companion. 

Choosing a Puppy or Dog

Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a Welsh Springer Spaniel. 

1. Research the breed. Welsh Springer Spaniels are affectionate and loving, but they’re very high energy, so you need to make sure your lifestyle is suited. 

2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.

3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings. 

4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her Welsh Springer Spaniel puppies and to check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight weeks’ old. 

5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on Welsh Springer Spaniels and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.

6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.

When adopting a Welsh Springer Spaniel, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Welshies in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home. 

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