How to Identify a Welsh Springer Spaniel

The Welsh Springer Spaniel has high rear drive, giving it smooth action and allowing it to move quite fast. It is an active breed that is very loyal and affectionate with its family. It can be aloof to strangers, and should be socialized at an early age. This spaniel makes a good family dog and a good hunter.

Instructions

    • 1

      Look at the general appearance of the Welsh Springer Spaniel. It is a muscular breed with substance, but not enough to make it coarse. A compact breed, it is not leggy and is built for endurance. Males are 18 to 19 inches at the shoulders and females are 17 to 18 inches at the shoulders. The length of the body is slightly longer than the height measurement, but in some dogs it may be the same as the height, giving the Welsh Springer Spaniel a rectangular shape.

    • 2

      Make sure the head is balanced and in proportion with the rest of the dog. It is not a coarse head, and while somewhat wide, should not be too wide, nor should it be too thin to be considered racy. The oval eyes are medium to dark brown and have a soft expression. They are medium sized and are not prominent, but should also not be sunken. The ears hang close to the side of the face and are lightly feathered. They have some length, but should not be long enough to reach the nose when extended forward. The nose may be black or brown.

    • 3

      Check that neck and body are proportionate. The long neck arches into the long, well-angulated shoulders. The muscular chest is somewhat deep and well-developed. The front legs are well boned, but should not be coarse. The front feet are cat-like and have well arched toes protected by thick pads. The muscular rear has enough bone to support it, but is not coarse. The rear feet are also cat-like and have well arched toes that are protected by thick pads. The tail is usually docked and is carried a bit up when the Welsh Springer Spaniel is excited.

    • 4

      Pet the soft coat. It is straight and flat and should never be wiry. It is weatherproof. There is moderate feathering on the backside of the forelegs, the chest, the underside of the body and the hind legs (just above the hocks). The coat is a rich red and white. While this is the only color combination in this breed, it can be displayed on the dog in any color.