Welsh Springer Spaniel

Gun Dog Group

The goals and purposes of this breed standard include: to furnish guidelines for breeders who wish to maintain the quality of their breed and to improve it; to advance this breed to a state of similarity throughout the world; and to act as a guide for judges.

Breeders and judges have the responsibility to avoid any conditions or exaggerations that are detrimental to the health, welfare, essence and soundness of this breed, and must take the responsibility to see that these are not perpetuated.

Any departure from the following should be considered a fault, and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.

History

Opinions differ on the length of time that the Welsh Springer Spaniel has been designated as a pure breed. Some theories trace the breed back to the Celts and their settling of Wales and other parts of the British Isles. Others state the breed is a mixture of the British Spaniel breeds and did not become standardized until the late 1800s, at approximately the same time the other Spaniel breeds were being categorized in Great Britain.

The Welsh Springer Spaniel was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1956.

General Appearance

The combination of proper angulation, fore and aft, and the correct length of the body, presents a rectangular silhouette. The length of the body, from the withers to the base of the tail, is only slightly greater than the distance from the withers to the ground. Body length may be the same as the height, but never shorter.

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is an appealing and manageable size. Its structure indicates that it is built for hard work and endurance, exhibiting substance while never appearing coarse. It is compact and not leggy, indicating endurance and the ability to work hard.

Characteristics

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a distinct variety from other spaniels. Its name is derived from its hunting style. Its coat is thick enough to protect it from adverse hunting conditions, but never excessive enough to hinder his work.

The breed is active, with a loyal and affectionate temperament, making it an ideal part of the family as well as an excellent hunting companion. They may be reserved with strangers, but never to the point of being excessively shy or vicious.

Head

The Welsh Springer Spaniel head is unique among spaniels. Overall balance is of primary importance. It is in proportion to the body.

SKULL

The slightly-domed, medium-length skull has a clearly defined stop. It is well chiseled below the eyes. The top plane of the skull is slightly divergent from the plane of the muzzle, but the muzzle does not appear down faced.

MUZZLE

The straight, fairly square muzzle is approximately equal in length to, but never longer than, the length of the skull. It is free from excessive flews.

Very Serious Faults: Head so broad as to appear coarse, or so narrow as to appear racy. Short, chubby head.

TEETH

A full complement of strong, white teeth meet in a scissors bite.

Serious Fault: Undershot bite.

EYES

The medium-sized, oval-shaped eyes have a soft expression. They are dark to medium brown in color, the preference being for a darker eye. Dark pigmentation is preferred on the tight eye rims.

Very Serious Faults: Yellow, or mean-looking eyes.
Faults: Prominent or sunken eyes. Visible haw.

NOSE

The well-developed nostrils may be black or any shade of brown.

Serious Fault: Dudley nose.

EARS

The lightly-feathered ears are set on at about eye level and hang close to the cheek. They are comparatively small, not reaching to the nose. Shaped somewhat like a vine leaf, they narrow gradually toward the tip.

Neck

The long, slightly-arched, clean neck is set into long, sloping shoulders.

Forequarters

The length of the shoulder blade and upper arm are about equal. The distance from the top of the shoulder blades to the elbows is approximately the same as that from the elbows to the ground. Dewclaws are usually removed.

FORELEGS

The upper arm is placed so that it joins the shoulder blade at a sufficient angle to place the elbow close to the body and directly below the highest point of the shoulder blade. The straight, medium-length forearms are feathered. The well-boned legs never appear coarse. The short pasterns slope slightly.

Body

The well-developed, muscular chest has a prominent forechest. The brisket reaches to the elbows. The ribs are well-sprung. The topline is level. The slightly arched, muscular loin is close coupled. The croup is very slightly rounded.

Very Serious Fault: Steep croup.

Hindquarters

The strong, muscular, well boned hindquarters never appear coarse.

HIND LEGS

When viewed from the side, the thighs are wide and the second thighs are well developed. The angulation of the pelvis and femur corresponds to that of the shoulder and upper arm. The stifle is moderately bent. From the well-angulated hock joints to the pads, the bones are short and perpendicular to the ground, when viewed from the side. Rear dewclaws are removed.

Feet

The round, tight, well-arched feet have thick pads.

Tail

The tail is an extension of the topline, the carriage being nearly horizontal or slightly elevated when the dog is excited, with a lively action. It is generally docked, but a natural tail is not a fault.

Coat

The naturally straight, flat coat is soft to the touch but dense enough to be waterproof, thorn proof and weatherproof. There is moderate feathering on the back of the forelegs, above the hocks, and on the chest and underside of the body. There is light feathering on the ears and tail. Excessive coat, which would be a hindrance in the field, is discouraged. Sculpting and obvious scissoring are not allowed. Show ring presentation should always be natural and unaltered.

Serious Faults: Wiry or wavy coat.

Color

The only acceptable colors are rich red and white. Any color pattern is permitted. Red ticking in any of the white areas is acceptable.

Height & Weight

Ideal heights, measured at the withers, are: dogs, 18 to 19 inches; bitches, 17 to 18 inches. Individuals are to be penalized in proportion to the degree of deviation from the ideal heights.

Weight is in proportion to the height and overall balance of the individual.

Gait

Characteristic gait is a smooth, powerful, ground-covering action, with a noticeable drive from the rear. A strong forward stride, with an energy-conserving reach is evident when viewed from the side. From the front, the legs appear to move forward effortlessly, with no tendency to cross over or interfere. From the rear, the hocks follow on a line with the forelegs, being neither too wide nor close. As speed increases, the dog single tracks.

Disqualifications

(A dog with a Disqualification must not be considered for placement in a conformation event, and must be reported to UKC.)
Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid.
Viciousness or extreme shyness.
Albinism.

The docking of tails and cropping of ears in America is legal and remains a personal choice. However, as an international registry, the United Kennel Club is aware that the practices of cropping and docking have been forbidden in some countries. In light of these developments, the United Kennel Club feels that no dog in any UKC event, including conformation, shall be penalized for a full tail or natural ears.