Welsh Springer Spaniel breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Welsh Springer Spaniels
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Welsh Springer Spaniel breed
Unsurprisingly this breed originates from Wales, and is also known as Llamgi Cymru in Welsh. The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a versatile and affectionate dog breed. They belong to the spaniel group and have a rich history as working and companion dogs.
Weight, height & life expectancy
They have a medium-sized, well-balanced build and an average height of about 48-51cm for males and 45-48cm for females. The average weight for Welsh Springer Spaniels ranges between 16-20kg.
They tend to have a life expectancy of 12-15 years.
What is the temperament of a Welsh Springer like?
Welsh Springer Spaniels are known for their friendly, gentle, and intelligent temperament. They are loyal and devoted to their families, making them excellent companions and family pets. These dogs have an eagerness to please and are generally good with children and other pets when properly socialised from an early age.
Welsh Springer Spaniels have an innate hunting instinct but are generally not as hyperactive as some other spaniel breeds. They have a calm and composed demeanour but still possess the energy and drive for activities like obedience, agility, and scent work. Early socialisation and consistent training are important to help them develop into well-rounded and obedient dogs.
Our Welsh Springer Spaniel Community
“Mindy is like any spaniel! Fascinating to watch, I call her a mountain goat! She loves to run and spring. She is so loving. She loves cuddles, especially putting her paws up on your shoulders and getting a good rub!”
Mindy’s owner, Marie from Edinburgh
“Vienna adores cuddles and fuss. She is great fun, has plenty of energy and adores water of all types. Vienna is playful and bouncy until she gets home when she will happily crash out on a rug for hours at a time.”
Vienna’s owner, Jade from Cornwall
How much exercise does a Welsh Springer Spaniel need?
Welsh Springer Spaniels are an active breed that requires around 1 to 1.5 hours of exercise per day. They have moderate exercise needs and enjoy activities such as long walks, jogging, retrieving games, and swimming. Engaging them in mentally stimulating activities like puzzle toys or scent work can help keep their intelligent minds occupied. It's important to provide them with both physical and mental exercise to prevent boredom and potential behavioural issues.
When it comes to Welsh Springer Spaniel puppies, you need to be mindful of their growing bodies. Puppies have developing bones and joints that are more vulnerable to injuries. Until they reach around 12 to 18 months of age, it's best to limit high-impact exercises and avoid activities that may strain their joints. Short, controlled play sessions in a safe environment are beneficial for their early development. Consult with your veterinarian for specific exercise guidelines tailored to your Welsh Springer Spaniel puppy's age and condition.
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Do Welsh Springer Spaniels need a lot of grooming?
Welsh Springer Spaniels have a distinctive red and white coat, with the red being a rich mahogany colour. This beautiful double coat requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition. It is water-repellent and consists of a soft, dense undercoat and a straight or slightly wavy outer coat.
To maintain their coat, it's recommended to brush them at least two to three times a week to prevent matting, remove loose hair, and distribute natural oils. Pay particular attention to their feathering (longer hair on the ears, chest, legs, and tail), as it tends to tangle more easily. Some owners may choose to have their Welsh Springer Spaniels professionally groomed, particularly for trimming the hair on their feet, ears, and tail.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Are Welsh Springer Spaniels easy to train?
Welsh Springer Spaniels are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them generally responsive to training. They have a natural instinct for hunting and retrieving, which can be channelled through training activities. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewards, praise, and treats, work well with this breed. They respond best to consistent, patient, and gentle training methods.
Early socialisation is crucial for Welsh Springer Spaniels to ensure they grow up to be well-behaved and confident dogs. Expose them to various people, animals, and environments from a young age to help them become comfortable and adaptable. Enrolling them in puppy classes or seeking guidance from a professional dog trainer can provide structure, guidance, and socialisation opportunities for your Welsh Springer Spaniel.
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What do Welsh Springer Spaniels eat?
Feeding your Welsh Springer Spaniel a balanced and nutritious diet is essential for their overall health and wellbeing. High-quality commercial dog foods that are appropriate for their age, size, and activity level are generally recommended. Divide their daily food portion into two meals as adult dogs.
Feed them puppy food 3-4 times a day when they are young, reducing to twice a day at 6 months and feed puppy food until about 12 months old, or as advised by your pet food supplier and/or vet.
Are Welsh Springer Spaniels healthy?
Welsh Springer Spaniels are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they may be prone to certain health conditions. Some of the potential health concerns associated with Welsh Springer Spaniels include:
Bones and joints
Elbow Dysplasia - this condition is where there is an issue with how the bones fit together at the elbow joint
Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint
Eyes
Cataracts - a common cause of blindness due to a clouding of the lens of the eye
Glaucoma - the pressure of the eye becomes too high which can damage the eye
Neurological
Epilepsy - A condition of the brain that causes dogs to have fits
This list is by no means comprehensive, if you have any concerns about the health of your dog, or if you want to discuss further if a Welsh Springer Spaniel is right for you, consult with your vet.
Vet top tip
Ensure they get plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Welsh Springer Spaniels are energetic and love having a job to do, whether it's retrieving, agility, or obedience training. Regular physical activity and brain games will help prevent boredom. Pair this with consistent training and a loving approach to bring out their affectionate and loyal nature.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog’s health contact your local vet.
