The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a pleasant and intelligent dog that loves humans. She is generally a watchdog. She can do well with other pets and dogs, especially if socialized when young. She also generally loves considerate children that she has been raised with. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Welsh Springer Spaniel is 17 to 19 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 40 to 45 pounds. The female ranges from 16 to 18 inches to the withers and 35 to 45 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Welsh Springer Spaniel is no exception. Be on the look out for epilepsy (common in dogs), entropian(hereditary disorder where eyelid, usually lower one, rolls inward and irritates the cornea and can cause visual problems. Surgery can correct this condition but may disqualify the dog from shows) and Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness). This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Welsh Springer Spaniel has a soft, flat, straight and dense coat. You may want to consider periodic professional grooming. Her hair between her toes may need trimming occasionally. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.

*Life Span. The Welsh Springer Spaniel can live between 12 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Welsh Springer Spaniel come from Wales where they were used for hunting, retrieving and watch dogs.They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1914.

Some Registries:

*The Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of America, Inc.

*UKC United Kennel Club

*NKC National Kennel Club

*CKC Continental Kennel Club

*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.

*AKC American Kennel Club

*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale

*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club

*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain

*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club

*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 6 to 10 Welsh Springer Spaniel puppies

Category: Gundog, Sporting

Terms To Describe: Active, loyal, affectionate, happy, willing, sensitive.

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Makes a good watch dog.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS

Makes a poor guard dog.

Some may wander off after a scent.

*Other Names Known By: Starter, Welsh Cocker

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.