Welsh Springer Spaniels: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is steadier, more sensible, and less exuberant than his cousin, the English Springer.

A hardy, vigorous worker in the field, the Welsh Springer Spaniel loves the outdoors and needs as much running, hiking, or biking exercise as you can provide.

Indoors he attaches himself with great devotion to his people. He is reserved with strangers, sometimes reticent, so he needs to be accustomed to people and noises at an early age. With other animals, he is peaceful and dependable.

Because of his independence and tendency to be easily distracted, the Welsh Springer Spaniel requires early training so that good habits are instilled right from the start.

However, he is physically and emotionally sensitive and "soft," so training should be done with a calm voice and a light hand on the leash. These gentle dogs wilt under rough handling.

Submissive urination (sudden wetting when excited or anxious) can be a problem in youngsters.

If you want a dog who...

Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training.

• You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an ADULT dog from an animal shelter or rescue group. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Welsh Springer Spaniels have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics.
• If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy. Unfortunately, you usually can't tell whether a puppy has inherited temperament or health problems until he grows up.
• Finally, you can avoid some negative traits by training your Welsh Springer Spaniel to respect you and by following the 11-step care program in my book, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy.

More traits and characteristics of the Welsh Springer Spaniel

If I was considering a Welsh Springer Spaniel, I would be most concerned about...

1. Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. Welsh Springer Spaniels are athletic dogs who need regular opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things. Otherwise they will become hyperactive and bored, which they usually express by barking and destructive chewing.
2. Potential separation anxiety. All of the spaniel breeds need a great deal of companionship and do not like being left alone for more than a few hours. They tend to express their unhappiness through destructive chewing and barking.
3. Providing enough socialization. Standoffish by nature, Welsh Springer Spaniels need extensive exposure to people and to unusual sights and sounds. Otherwise their natural caution can become shyness, which is difficult to live with. Teaching your Welsh Springer how to be confident with the world is essential. Learn how to socialize your dog on my Welsh Springer Spaniel Training page.
4. Grooming. Coat care is a big responsibility when you own a Springer Spaniel. Especially an individual from show lines, since these dogs tend to have heavy coats with lots of feathering. Just think of all the mats and tangles that can form! You ward those off by catching them early, with weekly brushing and combing. Every couple of months, you (or a groomer) need to trim and clip the coat to keep it neat and sanitary.
5. Shedding. Expect a lot!
6. Potential health problems. Severe inherited epilepsy (seizures) is the major concern, along with hip and eye diseases. Read more about Welsh Springer Spaniel Health.