First registered by the Kennel Club in 1902, the Welsh Springer Spaniel can be distinguished from his English cousin by his distinctive red and white coat.
Attractive and handsome, the Welsh Springer Spaniel has a willing, if sometimes headstrong, nature, is highly intelligent and equally comfortable in the show ring, in the field or just at home. In the field, the Welsh Springer is steady, thorough and extremely competent with a wonderful nose. He is tireless and methodical in his hunting, often flushing out birds that his speedier cousins have missed.
The Welsh Springer does have a mind of his own and requires some form of training even if there are no plans to work with him. Patience, kindness and intelligent learning techniques are vital. Truly a dual purpose dog, the Welsh Springer can be all things to all people. He is affectionate, clever, perceptive and very people-orientated and as such makes an ideal companion for an active family.
The Working Welshie (a first hand account)
Welsh Springer Spaniels are one of the very few genuine dual-purpose gundogs. Dual-purpose meaning that the same dog could be working on a shoot, flushing and/or retrieving game (and in the process getting terribly muddy!) one day and appearing in the show ring (after a good bath!) the next. Their stunning good looks and rich red and white colour so admired in the show ring, can attract equal praise in the field.........and so can their working ability!
However, I will not pretend it is easy! Training a Welshie to work is a far greater challenge than training a working bred English Springer Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel or Labrador.........BUT......... when you crack it, the rewards and pleasure are immense.
You will need patience, skill and determination, and not just to train your Welshie. You will also need these skills to ‘open doors’ for opportunities to work your Welshie on shoots. Getting a foot in the door (or a paw in the field) can be tricky. Very few people will have seen a Welshie before, but don’t be put off, persevere and let your dog’s ability speak for itself. Respect in the field is hard won, but it will be cherished, and it will be an enormous source of pride to you.
Your Welshie will not be the fastest hunter, or flashiest retriever, but if there is game to be found he WILL find it! Welshies are renowned for their noses and game finding ability, and in this respect they can match, and often out-perform the more popular gundog breeds.
