Breed standards and description
Weight: females 18-23 kg, males 20-25 kg;
Height at withers: females 46-51 cm, males 48-56 cm.
Color: white with black, coffee or brown spots.
Eye color: chocolate brown. Light colored eyes are a fault.
Nose color: black.
General appearance: medium-sized dog, densely built. The neck is muscular. The muzzle is rectangular in shape. The ears are long and drooping. Low set tail. The coat is straight and silky.
Character traits
The Welsh Springer Spaniel has a friendly disposition . He is a fairly obedient dog, but can sometimes be stubborn.
These dogs are hardy and tireless hunters, who have been considered one of the best gun breeds for several centuries. However, their playfulness, cheerfulness, intelligence and intelligence make them suitable as companions.
Welsh Springers are good-natured and treat all members of their owner's family equally well. However, it is necessary to take into account that they do not tolerate rudeness, and therefore they must be treated politely, respectfully and even delicately.
Some representatives of this breed are exceptionally affectionate to their owners and do not tolerate even a short separation from them..
Expert opinion
Kozhevin Semyon Kirillovich
Expert dog handler.
“The Welsh Springer Spaniel is an affectionate and affectionate dog. He is energetic, active, resilient and always happy to run and play outside. These dogs treat strangers without malice, but can bark at a stranger who finds themselves on their territory. The Welsh Springer Spaniel can be highly recommended as a devoted companion. However, it must be taken into account that such pets need quite intense physical and mental stress, without which their character will deteriorate and their health may even deteriorate.”
History of the English Springer Spaniel
English Springer Spaniels were bred in the 14th century in Norfolk, eastern England. Their ancestors are considered massive field spaniels, similar to setters. The image of springers with white-brown or white-red fur can be found in some ancient paintings that have survived to this day. Today this color is considered classic.
The breed received official recognition only in 1902. At the same time, the name “English Springer Spaniel” was proposed and a breed standard was developed.
The word "springer" is translated from English as "jumper". Having noticed game while hunting, dogs of this breed gracefully jump out of their hiding place, scaring the bird and lifting it onto the wing before being shot.
For a long time, springers participated in falconry, chasing and capturing game in nets. Later they began to be used as gun dogs, which first find and lift game on the wing, and then search for and bring back the shot prey.
Hunter (Beeldemaker, 1653)
Hunter with Hounds (Beeldemaker, 1699)
Training
These are the dogs that are very easy to train. Springers are obedient dogs, so training will be an enjoyable process for both your pet and you. You can involve children in raising your dog. Typically, representatives of the breed are very friendly towards younger family members and become attached to them from childhood.
Behavior and temperament
Positive traits:
- cheerfulness;
- developed intelligence;
- devotion;
- endurance;
- obedience;
- good learning ability.
Flaws:
- hyperactivity;
- tendency to run away and chase small animals in the yard;
- destructive behavior due to lack of attention;
- lack of aggression necessary to perform security functions.
Where to buy a Welsh Springer Spaniel puppy
There are relatively few Welsh dogs even in their homeland, but the overall population level remains more or less stable. There are breed lovers who are engaged in breeding in most European countries, the USA and Canada. There are large nurseries in Finland and Latvia. There are no more than a dozen Welsh Springers in Russia. Puppies appear rarely and there is often a long queue for them.
Those who need a good working Welsh Springer Spaniel that meets the standard requirements for appearance, character and health should consider buying a puppy abroad.
Price
In Europe, the price of a Welsh Springer Spaniel usually ranges from 1200-3500 euros. There are no data for Russia and the CIS countries.
Who is this dog suitable for?
Springer needs an energetic owner who will regularly take him for runs, walks, cyclocross races and nature hikes. This dog is not for sofa lovers.
When strangers approach, the spaniel barks loudly, but without fanaticism. His soft character and lack of aggression prevent him from fully performing security functions.
The dog does not like loneliness and needs constant communication with the owner and his family members. Therefore, it is not suitable for very busy people who are rarely at home.
The ideal owner for a spaniel is a hunter.
ACCs adore children, happily play with them and participate in all children's games and pranks. They get along well with animals and do not enter into conflicts with them. Due to their strong hunting instinct, this breed should not be kept in homes where poultry or rodents are raised.
Story
Initially, all spaniels were classified as one breed of dog, but in the 19th century, springers began to receive special attention. As a result of research, it turned out that this ancient breed descended from Norfolk spaniels and it was from springers that all varieties of spaniels originated, except for the Clumber spaniel.
In 1902, the English Kennel Club decided to recognize Springers as an independent breed. The significant difference between springers and cockers is their taller stature, high-set, shorter ears and a variety of colors - springers are not monochromatic.
Features of maintenance and care
The ideal location is a country house with a garden. Here the dog can move and explore the area all day long. In this case, you will have to come to terms with your pet’s habit of digging holes in the ground. Springer will be comfortable in a city apartment if he is provided with long walks and adequate physical activity.
You need to walk your pet 2-3 times a day. Every day a spaniel should spend at least 2-3 hours outside. With a lack of physical activity, he quickly gains excess weight and becomes lethargic and apathetic.
Easily withstands bad weather. In 30-degree heat, he runs and plays outside just as actively as in 30-degree frost.
Feeding
Feeding mode:
- at the age of up to 8 months – up to 6 times a day;
- over 8 months of age – 2 times a day.
Ideally, the dog should receive only natural food. If this is not possible, then you can choose high-quality dry food.
The following products should be included in your pet's daily diet:
- lean meat (beef, horse meat);
- boiled offal (lungs, heart, liver);
- boneless fish;
- fermented milk products, low-fat cottage cheese, kefir, yogurt;
- porridge from rice, oatmeal, buckwheat;
- vegetables (cucumbers, carrots);
- non-sour fruits (except citrus fruits);
- chicken eggs (a couple of times a week);
A complex of vitamins and minerals necessary for the full development of the dog should be added to the food.
Grooming
A couple of times a week, the pet’s fur should be combed out with a hard comb or brush, and during periods of shedding, this should be done daily. The dog should be cut 2-3 times a year , washed with a special shampoo every 3-4 months (if necessary, you can bathe more often). You should also regularly trim the hair under the ears and between the paw pads.
The English Springer Spaniel needs to have its nails trimmed monthly. If a dog lives outside the city and walks outside for a long time, the claws will naturally wear off on the ground.
To keep your ears clean and healthy, you need to clean them regularly with a cotton swab or a piece of cotton wrapped around your finger. The swab should be moistened with an ear solution, which is sold in pet stores and veterinary pharmacies.
Suppuration from a dog’s eyes can be removed with strong tea. If the suppuration does not go away, it is better to contact a veterinarian.
Education and training
Education here is the same as with most breeds - if you immediately tell the dog what is allowed and what is not, and stick to the chosen line, then almost certainly no problems will arise.
Training is very difficult. After all, this is a field hunting dog, not a service dog. Therefore, she will not always follow commands. It is necessary to demonstrate persistence and calmness so that the pet learns at least a few commands - under no circumstances should you break down or scream.
Interesting ! The word “springer” in the name of the breed is translated as “jumper”. Indeed, the dog jumps just perfectly.
Health and life expectancy
Springers are distinguished by good health and live 12-14 years . Among the diseases typical for the breed are the following:
- progressive retinal atrophy and other visual defects;
- fucosidosis;
- ear infections;
- entropy;
- hip dysplasia;
- phosphofructokinase deficiency;
- skin diseases;
- excess weight.
Sometimes English Springer Spaniels exhibit rage syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy, the main manifestation of which is outbursts of unreasonable aggression. During attacks, the dog does not respond to commands and may viciously attack the owner. The disease is treatable.
History of the origin of the breed
The ancestors of spaniels lived in ancient times, during the Bronze Age. The common ancestors for all varieties were dogs found in ash (ash). The name is associated with the sacrifice of animals, by burning them at the stake, so that the Gods would not be angry and would send a successful hunt. It was in the ashes that a springer spaniel dog was discovered. The tribe of primitive hunters' assistants worked hard to provide food for their masters.
The ancestors of the dog clan are considered to be English spaniels, which appeared among its first varieties:
- The English Springer Spaniel is a gun breed bred in Great Britain for aristocratic hunting purposes back in the 14th century.
- The birth of the Springer breed is attributed to the English county of Norfolk.
- The ancestors of the animals were large field spaniels, considered close to the setter breed.
- English Springer Spaniel is the oldest breed, the hallmark of which is its purity of origin. It was in Wales that the ancestors of the Welsh Springer Spaniels appeared. When creating the breed, English cocker spaniels were used in mating.
This name lasted until 1902, when the name Welsh Springer Spaniel was finally established for the animals. There were many breeders in this area who raised this breed. The dogs were distinguished by unsurpassed working qualities.
They were noticed by Dr. John Caius, who wrote the book “Dogs of England”. When described and depicted during a hunt in 1576, he noted that Welsh Springer Spaniels are usually white in color. If they are spotted, they are exclusively red in color.
During the hunt, the dogs lifted the game up, for which they received the name “scarers.” In the 19th century, due to the extraordinary popularity of the breed in Wales, it began to be called the Welsh Springer Spaniel.
The Springer breed was not the only one whose population almost completely disappeared during the First World War. Hobbyists and breeders restored it bit by bit. Only by 1923 they recreated the breed, and the Springer Spaniel gained its former popularity among dog lovers and hunters. The current population of the breed is not in danger of extinction; it has populated the whole world, and is becoming more and more popular every year, especially in England, the homeland of dogs.
The springers' first purpose was to teach falconry. Having found the game, they skillfully drove it, but imperceptibly the breed transitioned to instilling in it completely different skills:
- to be wonderful companions;
- bring prey in teeth;
- respond to the command: “Aport!”
Time passed, and the English Springer Spaniel changed along with it:
- Its color has become more luxurious. At their origins, these dogs were exclusively tricolor (combinations of white, red and brown).
- By the 20th century, representatives of the breed were found on all continents.
Elite representatives participating in exhibitions are significantly different from working animals. They communicate well with children and have a friendly and gentle character.
The breed has gained particular popularity among hunters. The reason for this is her excellent service qualities, such as: flexible nature, ease of maintenance, even in a city apartment. They were small in size and had an athletic, strong build. The breed had hunting characteristics:
- good initiative to search the area;
- innate ability to serve game;
- lack of fear at the sound of gunfire;
- excellent skills in hunting animals and birds;
- attitude towards hunting as an active game.
The advantage of the breed is considered to be its excellent swimming ability, which is the reason for using dogs in water hunting.
In Great Britain, the homeland of dogs, they have less independence, which in Russia is seen as a disadvantage for the breed. However, this only reflects the specifics of English hunting rules. Spaniels in Russian hunting conditions are swift and unrestrained. And this also characterizes the rules of hunting in Russia.
Breed photo
A selection of photos of the English Springer Spaniel.
Character
The English Springer Spaniel combines two roles: a working, hunting dog, and a companion, a pet. He is loyal, intelligent, affectionate, strongly attached to the owner and other family members, gets along with children, and is friendly to guests and other animals. He has a lively, flexible disposition, playful and obedient.
The Springer Spaniel is devoid of cowardice or aggression and is very cheerful and energetic. He easily adapts to the rhythm of family life and can be overly intrusive only if he is not given any attention at all. In general, it is silent, but will definitely notify with a ringing bark about the approach of guests or extraneous noise. As a rule, it does not have a pronounced territorial instinct, therefore it is not characterized by conflict, including in relation to other dogs, and will not be able to protect the owner or his property.
They get along well with other dogs and cats. As for small animals and birds, the springer spaniel can learn not to pay attention to domestic animals, but there is a high probability that sooner or later the hunting instinct will take over.
Color variations
For the Welsh Springer Spaniel, the most desirable color is white-red or white-red, in which there are reddish or reddish markings of varying sizes on a white background.
There are also coated or almost tan colored dogs with relatively small white markings.
NOTE!
White and speckled color is also considered acceptable.
The standard does not regulate the size or shape and symmetry of the spots; the only requirement is that the color should have only two colors: reddish-red and white.
Advantages and disadvantages
pros:
- Beautiful and noble appearance.
- Hardy and energetic.
- Friendly disposition.
- Suitable both as a gun dog and as a companion.
- Can live both in a house and in an apartment.
- The coat looks beautiful even with minimal care.
- Treats children well.
- Gets along well with other pets.
- A loyal and affectionate pet.
Minuses:
- They can be too distrustful of strangers.
- Strong attachment to the owner: some Welsh Springers do not tolerate loneliness very well and miss their owners very much.
- Need intense physical activity.
- The Welsh Springer must be treated with respect and delicacy, as these dogs do not tolerate rudeness.
- They can be stubborn when learning.
- A very rare, small and expensive breed.
Appearance
The dog has a harmonious and proportional build, medium in size. Typical of all spaniels are long, soft ears, a happy facial expression, a wagging tail and a strong body. At first glance, the springer is associated with power, agility and endurance.
Springer Spaniels are the embodiment of the ideal balance between external beauty, character, working qualities and their practical application.
English Springer Spaniel breed standard:
- Head : strong, but not heavy, medium in length, slightly rounded.
- Eyes : medium in size, oval, widely set. The eye color should be in harmony with the coat color, it can be hazel or dark brown.
- Neck : medium length, slightly arched, smoothly connecting to the shoulders.
- Coat : medium length, slightly longer on the ears, chest, sides and legs.
- Ears : soft, long, drooping.
- Body : proportional, strong, not heavy.
- Limbs : long, muscular. The forelimbs are straight, the hind limbs have strong thighs.
- Tail : low set, not allowed to be positioned higher than the body, has a thick coat.
Check out other spaniels: Irish Water Spaniel, Russian Spaniel, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, English and American Cocker Spaniel.
How to choose a puppy and its price
When choosing a Springer puppy, you need to be guided by some rules, because the success of its training, maintenance and health will depend on which dog gets into your home.
- Buy puppies no younger than 1.5 months of age. Previously, it was very difficult to identify developmental and character defects. In addition, the baby must feed on mother's milk in order to get stronger.
- Do not rely solely on photos of English Springer Spaniel puppies on the Internet; do not hesitate to come to the owners to meet the kids and their mother, inspect the conditions and ask the owner about points that interest you.
- It is desirable that the litter be from 6 to 8 puppies.
- Assess the living conditions: puppies and bitches must be kept in a clean, dry, tidy place.
- Assess the mother's character: she should be active, friendly, and outwardly healthy.
- Be sure to ask about the availability of field diplomas from the mother and father, because these documents indicate the presence of true hunting qualities in the parents, and therefore in the offspring.
Then you should examine the puppies:
- they should be active, playful, affectionate;
- assess their appetite and eating habits;
- examine the eyes and ears for cleanliness, check the moisture of the nose and coat: it should be soft, silky, clean;
- Carry out a dental examination: the baby should have 6 incisors and a scissor bite. This point is especially important if you are going to participate in exhibitions with your pet;
- a healthy baby should show curiosity towards a stranger and sniff;
- The puppy should not show fear or uncertainty (run away, tuck its tail, hide).
Usually healthy springer puppies, like all spaniels, at the age of 2 months normally tolerate weaning from their mother and adapt well to new living conditions. Springer prices range from $250 to $700.
