Welsh Springer Spaniel

OVERVIEW OF THE WELSH SPRINGER SPANIEL

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is one of Britain’s oldest sporting dog breeds. With females as small as 17 inches, weighing 35 pounds, and males growing up to 19 inches and 55 pounds, they are bigger and stronger than Cocker Spaniels but smaller than English Springers. These medium-sized dogs are known for their good looks, large ears and gentle expression.

They have a red and white coat that is waterproof, thornproof and weatherproof. This is ideal for their original role as gundogs, where they’d retrieve game for hunters or gamekeepers in various climates and terrains. Their versatile abilities also make them good at obedience and agility activities as well as flyball and tracking.

They are a happy breed and faithful companions. Besides their love for running after birds, they love being with, and pleasing, their human family. If they grow up with children or are exposed to them from an early age, they are gentle and affectionate towards them. They are accepting of other pets, both big and small. Keep in mind that they were bred to hunt birds, so these could pose a problem.

When left alone for too long they can suffer from separation anxiety resulting in destructive behavior. Although they are not shy, they tend to be reserved with people they don’t know. It is vital to socialize with your pet pal from an early age.

If you are considering welcoming a Welsh Springer Spaniel to your family, here’s what you need to know to give them a happy and healthy life.

WELSH SPRINGER SPANIEL FOOD AND HEALTH

Welsh Springer Spaniels are healthy and strong, but like all breeds, they are prone to experience certain ailments more than others. To ensure your pet pal does not develop genetic diseases, make sure you only buy from a good breeder who can provide you with health clearances.

Health clearances should show a score of fair or higher for elbow and hip dysplasia, von Willebrand’s disease, and hypothyroidism. You should also request certification that their eyes are in good condition from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF). If you are unsure about clearances, you can confirm these on the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals website.

Two other conditions to be aware of in Welshies are entropion and epilepsy. Entropion is when the lower eyelid curls inward towards the eye. This causes chronic eye surface irritation; however, surgery can correct the issue. On the other hand, there is no cure for epilepsy, but seizures can be treated and managed with medication.

Your Welshie needs a healthy diet rich in nutrients. Depending on your pet pal’s activity levels and size they require between 1.5 to 2.5 cups of good quality dry food daily, divided into two meals. If your fully-grown dog is on the smaller side and does not exercise excessively, stick to the lower amount. Dogs can put on weight very quickly which can cause severe health issues. It is important to keep a check on their weight and keep their meal times consistent.

Your Welshie can get the majority of the necessary nutrients from a certified premium dog food. Make sure to only feed your pup food formulated for their age. Never give a puppy an adult food formula. When choosing training snacks, stick to healthy, low-calorie options.

LEASHES AND COLLARS FOR YOUR WELSH SPRINGER SPANIEL

Welshies are enthusiastic, eager to please, and highly trainable. They will, however, not respond to harsh training methods. Keep sessions interesting, fun, and short with lots of positive reinforcement, encouragement, and patience.

Since they are bred for hunting, they need plenty of exercises and need to be on a leash when in an unfenced area. They will get excited if they spot a bird or squirrel and can easily get distracted by their natural chase instinct. It’s important to train your pup to come when called from an early age.

Although collars are ideal for name tags or identification, they are not a good choice for a leash. Always use a harness as this allows you to lead without placing any strain on your puppy’s neck. If your pup gets excited and suddenly moves forward a collar can cause great damage to their neck, trachea, and throat and even cause thyroid, eye, and ear problems. Since a harness fits around their torso, it eliminates this problem entirely. Look for a harness with a soft lining. If you spend time outdoors after dark, get something with reflective strips to keep your pup visible to other people and traffic.

When choosing a name collar, measure your dog’s neck circumference to ensure you get the correct fit. There should be enough space between your pet pal’s neck and the collar to fit two fingers. If you can’t, the collar is too tight and you need to adjust the size. Puppies need to be checked daily to ensure they haven’t outgrown their collar or harness which can cause choking or pain. Upsize as soon as it’s needed.

BEST CRATES, BEDS, AND DOG HOUSES FOR WELSH SPRINGER SPANIELS

Although Welshies were bred to be outdoors for long periods, there is a good chance that your pet pal will prefer being indoors with their human family at night. The climate will also be a determining factor in whether the best spot for them is indoors or outdoors.

Crate training your pup is highly recommended. The crate you choose should have adequate airflow and the size should be big enough for them to stand, turn and stretch out comfortably. When buying a crate for a puppy, either buy an adult-size crate and section it off until they grow into it. Alternatively, you will have to upsize with a new crate as they get older.

If your pet pal is fully grown, measure from the tip of their nose to the end of the tail and add four inches to get the right crate length. To determine the height, measure from the ground to the very tallest part of your pup’s head and add four inches. Remember that you are still going to add a mattress or blanket which will take up additional space, so make provision for this when choosing the right size. Even though the crate is used for training, always make sure your pup associates it with a positive and happy haven.

For pups that will spend evenings sleeping in the crate, get a crate cover or cover it with a soft blanket. Fabric overs with a flap door allow your pup to enter and exit as needed while still making it a cozy space.

When choosing your pup’s actual mattress or dog bed, choose a model that is easy to clean. Something that is machine-washable and that has a removable cover is ideal. If you have an older dog who suffers from joint problems or has other aches, get them a memory foam or orthopedic bed. This can provide extra support for their joints and help them get a good night’s sleep which is just as important to dogs as it is to humans.

In the case that you decide to give your dog the option of an outdoor dog house, you need to check the size, construction and material it is made of. As with a crate, your pup should be able to stretch out and turn comfortably with the addition of a bed inside. The ceiling should be 25% taller than your pup and the bottom slightly raised off the ground to prevent cold and dampness. Check that the manufacturing materials are weatherproof, waterproof, non-toxic, and free of splinters and that there are no sharp edges.

Houses with detachable roofs are ideal as it makes cleaning easy and allows you to air it out. During summer you can prevent the interior from overheating by removing the lid. Be mindful of where you position the dog house. It should not be in a spot that gets excessive sun or shade.

BEST TOYS FOR WELSH SPRINGER SPANIEL

Welsh Springer Spaniels are energetic and live their happiest lives when they get plenty of exercise and playtime with their pet parents. Since your Welshie needs loads of activity, the world is your oyster when it comes to dog toys.

Puppies need teething toys to relieve itchy gums and to prevent them from chewing clothing and household items. As they get older, chew toys are still great but they need to be durable. Different types of chew toys include firm rubber toys (some even hold treats), rope or tug toys, and even tennis balls.

Erratic balls, frisbees, and Kong toys are all good options for your Welshie. Erratic balls and snowman-shaped Kongs bounce in all directions making fetch so much more fun and unpredictable. Some Kong toys can also hold a treat inside so your pet pal gets a reward for retrieving the toy. A ball launcher makes it easier for you to help expend your puppy’s energy without expending too much of your own.

When it’s time for more relaxed playing or keeping themselves busy, puzzle dispensers and treat finder toys are excellent to engage their intelligence. These interactive shuffleboards and treat dispenser balls, challenge your pup to solve the puzzle to get a treat. That’s a worthy reward to finish the game. Many of these types of toys come in varying levels.

GROOMING INSIGHTS FOR WELSH SPRINGER SPANIEL OWNERS

Welsh Springer Spaniels have a naturally soft coat. The red and white coat is straight and dense enough to protect them from wet weather and rough terrain. Although their coat is not wavy or wiry, they do have a little feathering on their ears, tails, and legs.

These dogs aren’t terribly high maintenance when it comes to grooming. Brush them weekly with a slicker brush or metal comb to detangle their hair gently and work out any mats. As you brush, also check for any rashes or skin inflammation. They may need to be brushed more regularly when shedding to prevent hair from getting all over your clothing and furniture. Since their ears hang downwards, check and clean them weekly to prevent infections.

These pups only need a bath when dirty. Once a month is generally good, however, it may depend on their activities and whereabouts. Use a gentle shampoo formulated for dogs.

A very important part of grooming is dental care. Brush your pet pal’s teeth at least three times weekly. Brushing daily is best when possible. This helps to prevent tartar buildup and gum disease.

Sharp nails should be clipped every three to four weeks if they do not wear them down naturally. Ask your vet for advice before clipping their nails yourself since they have blood vessels in their nails.

Get your pup used to being brushed, groomed, and checked from a young age. Always make it a pleasant experience with lots of praise and encouragement. If you don’t, it may be very difficult as they get older and vet visits can become unpleasant.

BEST WELSH SPRINGER SPANIEL ACCESSORIES

Welsh Springer Spaniels are a wonderful companion for people and families with an active lifestyle. If you are spending long days out, make sure your pup stays hydrated by taking a portable dog water bottle with you. The water bottles either have an attached mini water bowl lid or a lid that can unfold into a water bowl. This allows you to carry the bottle in a pouch or backpack without having to take a water bowl along.

We also recommend having a training pouch that allows you to keep dog treats, keys, a phone, waste bags, and small toys for your pup around your waste. Your pup’s leash can also attach to the waistband which means you can remain hands-free while running with or training your pet pal.

To learn more about medium breeds like Welsh Springer Spaniel, check out our breed hub page.