Spaniels are great hunters. About 2000 years ago, their forefathers came to the British Islands from southern Europe or the Middle East. The first mention of Spaniels in the British Islands was found in the Law Code of the year 948. It says that Spaniels were great hunters and worth the same amount of money as a saddle horse. There was a very h igh financial penalty for killing this breed of dog.
A Welsh springer is one of the oldest original Spaniels. It’s red and white colouring is considered to be the original one. In the 18th century Spaniels were pushed back to Wales, where they lived separately and therefore could retain their typical colouring and character.
The most important breeder, A.T. William’s family from Neath valley, was breeding Spaniels for centuries. In 1899 one of William’s Spaniels won at the dog show in Birmingham and the Field Trials competition as well. There was a Welsh Springer Breeder Club founded in 1902. However, it took 85 years until the standard of this breed was approved by FCI on 24 th June 1987 with the number 126d.
Spaniels are strong dogs, built for hard work. They are full of energy, fast, tough and very active. Over the centuries they have kept their excellent hunting ability and can become very useful hunting dogs. Thanks to their intelligence and nice character they are great companions. We should not forget that with enough exercise and friendly handling they also need a consistent training and discipline.
Welsh Springer Spaniel - Standard
FÉDÉRATION CYNOLOGIQUE INTERNATIONALE SECRÉTARIAT GÉNÉRAL: 13, Place Albert I - B 6530 THUIN (Belg.) FCI - Standard N°126, Kennel Club, London 1994 WELSH SPRINGER SPANIEL
GENERAL APPEARANCE - Symmetrical, compact, not leggy, obviously built for endurance and hard work. Quick and active mover, displaying plenty of push and drive. 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 brown. EYES - Hazel or dark, medium size, not prominent, nor sunken, nor 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 - Well set on and low, never carried above level of back, preferably docked. Lively in action. GAIT/MOVEMENT - 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 - Approx. Height: Dogs 48 cms (19 ins) at withers
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