Welsh Springer Spaniel
Saturday, April 25, 2020
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A neglected breed, the Welsh Springer has a keen scent and la a rugged worker on water and land. Sometimes a breed of sound virtues afield and at home is neglected almost to the point of extinction. The Welsh Springer Spaniel is far from extinct, but there are so few of them in the United States that most dog fanciers would have trouble identifying one.
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| Welsh Springer Spaniel |
Lack of breed club promotion undoubtedly is a factor in this obscurity. Another may be that few American sportsmen ever have had a chance to shoot over this oldest of the Spaniel breeds used in hunting.
You can read about "Irish Water Spaniel" here
He has a keen nose, is a persistent, hardy worker both in the water and on upland game. His size is good-between the smaller Cocker Spaniel and the larger English Springer. The claim is made he can outlast any of the other gun dogs in rough going. The color is always dark, rich red, and white. The coat is of a silky texture, flat and thick.
The breed originated in Wales, probably several hundred years ago. Like the people themselves, he was a dog not easily swayed by outside influences. When the shooting of the game came into vogue, he was selected as the dog least likely to be disturbed by the blasts.
In Wales the Welsh Springer sometimes is called the "Starter," an old name that may apply equally to the fact that he was the first in the line of gun dogs and as a description of his method of hunting. It has been said that the breed is hard to train, but that may be unfounded since so few have tried Severe weather is no enemy of the Welsh. The thick coat covers a soft undercoat that protects him from the worst climate. The breed is an even-tempered one that can adapt itself readily to all conditions.
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Good housepet and exceptional gundog, long-lived affectionate rather wilful good with children, poor watchdog
Color: Dark, red and white
Height: Dog 19 in, bitch 18 in.
Coat type: Silky texture, straight, flat, and thick: needs regular brushing and combing.
Exercise: Needs a lot of regular steady exercise.