As Welsh Springer Spaniel breeders, we’re not just producing puppies—we’re shaping the future of our breed. Every decision we make, from which dogs we pair to how we raise our litters, has a ripple effect that will be felt for generations. One of the most important responsibilities we carry is protecting our dogs from preventable health issues, especially degenerative joint diseases like hip dysplasia.
Why Hip Dysplasia Matters in Welsh Springers
While Welsh Springer Spaniels aren’t considered one of the “highest risk” breeds for hip dysplasia, we aren’t immune either. OFA statistics show that hip dysplasia occurs in Welsh Springers, and when it does, it can drastically limit a dog’s ability to do the things this breed was meant to do—hunt, run, compete in performance sports, and enjoy an active family life.
This is a breed prized for its stamina, athleticism, and willingness to work. A Welshie with painful, unstable hips can’t fully express those traits. More importantly, it impacts the dog’s quality of life. Instead of being out in the field or enjoying a long hike, affected dogs may spend their days managing discomfort or mobility limitations.
Source: OFA Hip Dysplasia by Breed
Why Testing Is Non-Negotiable for Breeders
Every responsible Welsh Springer breeder should be screening their dogs’ hips (and ideally elbows too) before breeding. That means:
- OFA certification at two years or older
- OFA prelims at one year if you’re planning ahead
These aren’t just “nice to haves.” They’re critical tools that give us real, objective data about our dogs. And while testing can’t guarantee perfect hips in every puppy, it dramatically improves our odds of producing sound, strong, active Welsh Springers.
The truth is: beautiful movement in the ring isn’t always the same thing as structurally sound joints. We can admire the type, coat, and expression, but we can’t afford to ignore orthopedic health.
How to Read OFA Results (and Spot Red Flags)
If you’re evaluating a breeder’s program or looking at potential stud dogs, the OFA database is your best friend: ofa.org. Here’s what to look for:
- Dogs should have both hips and elbows listed. For sporting breeds like Welsh Springers, both matter.
- Pay attention to the actual ratings. OFA hips are rated Excellent, Good, Fair, Borderline, Mild, Moderate, or Severe. Only Excellent, Good, and Fair are considered “passing.”
- Check for missing results. If a dog has an elbow rating but no hip rating, that’s usually a big red flag. In many cases, it means the dog’s hips failed (were dysplastic), and the breeder chose not to submit or publish the results. Responsible breeders make results public—even when they’re not perfect—because transparency strengthens the breed.
When in doubt, ask questions. A trustworthy breeder will be open about their dogs’ OFA numbers and happy to explain what they mean.
Genetics + Environment = The Full Picture
Welsh Springer breeders know how active and bouncy our puppies are. They’re strong little athletes right from the start! That means we also need to educate puppy buyers about the role of environment in joint health. Overfeeding, excessive exercise on hard surfaces, or slippery floors can all put stress on developing joints.
But let’s be clear: genetics set the baseline. If we don’t test, we risk passing along weaknesses that no amount of careful puppy raising can undo. Health testing gives us the roadmap.
Transparency Builds Trust
Our breed community is small. Puppy buyers talk, and reputation matters. Sharing OFA numbers, publishing results in open databases, and being honest about what those results mean builds trust. It also helps strengthen our breed as a whole.
I personally believe we should never be embarrassed to show our results—even if they’re not perfect. A “Fair” hip rating is still useful information and might be workable with the right mate. What’s not acceptable is breeding blindly and hoping for the best—or hiding results that don’t meet our expectations.
Preserving Welsh Springer Spaniel Breed Health
Welshies are a versatile, merry, and loving breed. They were bred to work all day in the field, then curl up by the fire at night. Protecting their soundness means protecting that legacy. It’s not just about preventing pain—it’s about ensuring that our dogs can live up to the standard of being truly fit for function.
If we as breeders cut corners, we risk leaving the next generation of Welsh Springers with more challenges than we started with. But if we prioritize testing, share information openly, and make thoughtful breeding choices, we set the stage for a stronger, healthier, and more sustainable future for our breed.
A Challenge to Fellow Breeders
If you’re breeding Welsh Springer Spaniels, make hip and elbow testing a non-negotiable part of your program. Publish your results. Talk openly with other breeders. And when you sell puppies, let your buyers know exactly what you’ve done to protect their future companion.
We can’t control everything—but we can control who we breed. And that choice matters more than anything else we do.
Let’s be the generation of Welsh Springer breeders who not only preserve type and temperament, but also soundness and strength. Our dogs deserve nothing less.
OFA Vets I Recommend
- Require sedation
- cost was $621 for hips and elbows (May 2023)
- doesn’t require sedation but suggests it if needed
- around $321 for hips and elbows without sedation (in 2023)
- Dr. Green does some repro services like c-sections but they are not setup to do collections
- I use Dr. Green for most of my surgeries like spays
- doesn’t require sedation but suggest it if needed
- $331 for hips and elbows without sedation (July 2024)
- Dr. Fenton is a chiropractor and a sheltie breeder
- I do not think they are setup to do other repro services.
- they were recently acquired by another local vet (Short Pump) so I don’t know if that’s affected their prices.
