The Dog Centre - for professional dog trainers in the UK

Spaniel (Welsh Springer)

General Appearance

Symmetrical, compact, not leggy, obviously built for endurance and hard work. Quick and active mover, displaying plenty of push and drive.

  Below Average Above Key
Likelihood to wander   Medium    
Protectiveness   Medium    
Destructiveness   Medium    
Quietness   Medium    
Good with children     High  
Affinity to other dogs     High  
Size   Medium    
Lifespan   Medium   Below: < 10 years
Average: > 10 years
Above: > 15 years
Location   Medium   Below: Town only
Average: Town and Country
Above: Country only

Characteristics

Very ancient and distinct breed of pure origin. Strong, merry and very active.

Temperament

Kindly disposition, not showing aggression or nervousness.

Head and Skull

Skull of proportionate length, slightly domed, clearly defined stop, well chiselled below eyes. Muzzle of medium length, straight, fairly square. Nostrils well developed, flesh coloured to dark.

Eyes

Hazel or dark, medium size, not prominent, or sunken, or showing haw.

Ears

Set moderately low and hanging close to cheeks. Comparatively small and gradually narrowing towards tip and shaped somewhat like a vine leaf.

Mouth

Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck

Long, muscular, clean in throat, neatly set into sloping shoulders.

Forequarters

Forelegs of medium length, straight, well boned.

Body

Not long. Strong and muscular. Deep brisket, well sprung ribs. Length of body should be proportionate to length of leg. Loin muscular and slightly arched. Well coupled.

Hindquarters

Strong and muscular, wide and fully developed with deep second thighs. Hindlegs well boned, hocks well let down, stifles moderately angled, neither turning in nor out.

Feet

Round, with thick pads. Firm and cat-like, not large or spreading.

Tail

Previously customarily docked. Docked: Well set on and low, never carried above level of back. Lively in action. Undocked: Well set on and low, never carried above level of back. Lively in action. Feathered. In balance with the rest of the dog.

Gait

Smooth, powerful, ground covering action; driving from rear.

Coat

Straight or flat, silky texture, dense, never wiry or wavy. Curly coat highly undesirable. Forelegs and hindlegs above hocks moderately feathered, ears and tail lightly feathered.

Colour

Rich red and white only.

Size

Approximate height: dogs: 48 cms (19 ins) at withers; bitches: 46 cms (18 ins) at withers.

Excercise Requirements

Considerable

Grooming Needs

Moderate

Notes

Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.




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