Sporting group
Welsh Springer Spaniel
A loyal red-and-white Welsh gundog — steady, affectionate and a touch reserved.
Welsh Springer Spaniels are medium-sized flushing dogs with a rich red-and-white coat. They are devoted family dogs, often more reserved with strangers than English Springers, and need plenty of exercise.
- Height
- 17–19 in43–48 cm
- Weight
- 35–55 lb16–25 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
- Size
- Medium
- Group
- Sporting
- Origin
- Wales
Coat: Straight, flat, silky coat with moderate feathering. Colours: Red and white.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Welshies are loving, loyal and closely attached to their families. They tend to be gentle with children and friendly with dogs, though often reserved with strangers.
They are active and need daily exercise and mental work. Many are sensitive and dislike being left alone. Early socialisation helps shyness not become fearfulness.
Living with a Welsh Springer Spaniel
Exercise
At least an hour of exercise daily, with running, retrieving and scent games.
Grooming
Brush weekly and trim feathering, ears and feet. Moderate shedding.
Training
Willing and gentle; reward-based training works best. Recall needs attention around birds.
Kids & other pets
Excellent with children and good with other dogs. Supervise with small pets.
Time alone
Welshies prefer company and can become anxious when left for long periods.
Home fit
Can manage in an apartment with committed daily exercise; a house with outdoor space is easier.
Is a Welsh Springer Spaniel right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Welsh Springer Spaniel matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Welsh Springer Spaniel typically lives 12–15 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Hip dysplasia
Screened parents reduce the risk of joint disease.
Glaucoma
Goniodysgenesis predisposes the breed to glaucoma; gonioscopy screening is recommended.
Epilepsy
Inherited seizures occur in the breed.
Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid; managed with daily medication.
Ask a breeder for
- Hip and elbow evaluation
- Eye examination including gonioscopy
- Thyroid evaluation
Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Welsh Springer Spaniel; Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,200–$2,500 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
Red-and-white spaniels have hunted in Wales for centuries. The Welsh Springer was recognised as a distinct breed in the UK in 1902, separate from the English Springer.
The AKC recognised the breed in 1906, but it remained rare in America until after WWII, when new imports rebuilt the population.
Did you know?
- The Welsh Springer only comes in red and white.
- The breed was nearly lost in America until post-war imports revived it.
- Welshies are often called “Welshies” by their fans.
Library guides for Welsh Springer Spaniel owners
Training
Come (Recall)
High chase drive makes a reliable recall essential.
Exercise & Play
Fetch
A fast way to meet a high exercise need.
Exercise & Play
Tug of War
An energy outlet that also builds impulse control.
Grooming
Ear Cleaning
Ear care matters for this coat and ear type.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Welsh Springer Spaniel.
Grooming
Nail Clipping
Every dog needs regular nail care.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Welsh vs English Springer Spaniel?
- Welshies are slightly smaller, only red and white, and often more reserved with strangers.
- Are Welsh Springers good family dogs?
- Yes — they are affectionate and great with children, with enough exercise.
- Do Welsh Springers shed?
- Moderately. Weekly brushing keeps the coat tidy.