Welsh Springer Spaniel

Following recognition by The Kennel Club in 1902, the breed gained the modern name of Welsh Springer Spaniel.

The breed's coat only comes in a single colour combination of white with red markings, usually in a piebald pattern.

The origin of the Welsh Springer Spaniel is unknown, but dogs resembling the breed with its distinctive red and white coat are frequently depicted in old pictures and prints.

[1] This type of dog was known as the Land Spaniel, and is considered to be similar to the modern Welsh Springer.

[2] John Caius, writing in 1570, said "Spaniels whose skynnes are white and if marked with any spottes they are commonly red".

[3] It is thought that these Spaniels may have made their way into the Welsh valleys where local sportsman and hunters managed to conserve them in a pure state.

During the 19th century were several different varieties of Cocker Spaniel, including the English, the Welsh and the Devonshire as the term was used to describe the size of the dog rather than the breed.

[8] The Welsh Springer was relatively unknown during the 19th Century, but this changed in 1900 when Mr. A. T. Williams of Ynis-y-Gerwn won the team stake at the Sporting Spaniel Club Trials.

[3] His conformation show champion dog Corrin was the first Welsh Springer Spaniel to be photographed.

The Welsh Springer Spaniel was transported to America in the late 19th century and gained recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1906.

[14] Total registrations in the UK during 2016 fell to 299 qualifying it to be included on The Kennel Club's list of Vulnerable Native Breeds.

[15] The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a compact, solidly built dog, bred for hard work and endurance.

Their body can give the impression of length due to its obliquely angled forequarters and developed hindquarters.

Traditionally a docked breed, dependent on legislation in the country of origin,[4] and where allowed the dew claws can be removed.

[23] Some experts believe that the Welsh Springer Spaniel and the Brittany share the same ancestry as there is a great deal of resemblance between the two breeds.

The Welsh Springer was bred for work and endurance, and as with many breeds of hunting dogs requires a regular exercise routine to keep them healthy and content.

[32] A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 14 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds.

"A drawing of two dogs in black and white. They are the same size, but one is red and dark, while the other appears to be a solid dark colour."
An image of English and Welsh Cockers, published in 1859
"A black and white photograph of a dog in two poses in profile, one is standing and one is sitting."
Ch. Corrin, a show dog owned by Mr A.T. Williams, photographed in two poses in 1903.
"Two dogs sit alongside each other. They are both mostly white and appear similar, but the right one has dark patches and is larger, while the left one has reddish patches and is slightly smaller."
A Welsh Springer Spaniel on left, and an English Springer Spaniel on right
"A red and white spaniel is moving towards the camera."
Welsh Springers are affectionate and inquisitive
"A red and white dog in a scarlet hardness. It stands in profile, facing right."
Welsh Springer Spaniel in a dog harness .
"A black and white profile shot of a white and dark coloured dog, facing right."
A photograph of a Welsh Springer Spaniel from 1915.