Click on the topics below to see the available frequently asked questions about Welsh Springer Spaniels and our puppy buying process.
Buying A Puppy
Welsh Springer Spaniels
With consistency, positive reinforcement, and patience, Welsh Springer Spaniels can be successfully house trained. Like all puppies, they may have accidents during the training process, but with a consistent routine and praise for going outside, they typically learn quickly.
Welsh Springer Spaniels are considered a relatively rare breed compared to other spaniel breeds. While they are not as common as some popular breeds like Labrador Retrievers or Golden Retrievers, they can still be found through reputable breeders. They are difficult to find through rescue because reputible welshie breeders will take back the dogs they breed at any time in their lives if they cannot stay in their home for any reason.
Welsh Springer Spaniels are adaptable dogs and could do well in an apartment if their exercise and mental stimulation needs are met. Regular walks, playtime, and interactive toys can help keep them happy and content in smaller living spaces, however welshie puppies are very active, can be barkers, and will get into trouble if they don’t get enough exercise.
Like all dog breeds, Welsh Springer Spaniels can be prone to certain genetic diseases. Some health concerns to be aware of include hip dysplasia, eye issues such as glaucoma, epilepsy, and hypothyroidism. Responsible breeders conduct health screenings on their breeding stock to minimize the risk of passing on these conditions to offspring. Those tests are OFA radiographs of hips and elbows, an OFA thyroid panel through an OFA-approved lab and an eye exam by an ACVO certified veterinary ophthalmologist.
Sources:
Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) Requirements for Welsh Springer Spaniels
Welsh Springer Spaniels have a moderate-to-high prey drive, which is typical for flushing spaniel breeds. While they have a natural instinct to chase small animals, early socialization and training can help manage their prey drive and teach them appropriate behavior around other pets and wildlife. Owners of Welshies or any sporting breed should keep in mind that they are bred to hunt and you can never completely eliminate their prey drive.
Welsh Springer Spaniels are not divided into separate show and hunting lines. Breeders of Welshies want to preserve their natural hunting abilities. Many breeders still hunt with their Welshies. We enjoy Barn Hunt, Tracking and scent work to preserve those natural instincts.
On average, Welsh Springer Spaniels have a lifespan of around 12 to 15 years. Providing them with proper nutrition, regular exercise, veterinary care, and a loving environment can help ensure they live a long and healthy life. The oldest Welsh Springer Spaniels I’ve ever known was 18 years old, but 12 to 14 years is the average.
As a medium-sized, active sporting breed, Welsh Springer Spaniels enjoy outdoor activities and are easier to manage with a securely-fenced yard. Owners without a fenced yard need to have a plan for properly exercising a welshie.
Yes, Welsh Springer Spaniels do shed. They have a double coat with a soft undercoat and a weather-resistant outer coat, which means they will shed moderately year-round. Regular grooming, including brushing and occasional baths, can help minimize shedding and keep their coat healthy.
The decision to spay or neuter a Welsh Springer Spaniel should be discussed with your welshie’s breeder and based on individual circumstances, such as the dog’s age, health, and lifestyle. Spaying or neutering can help prevent unwanted litters and may have health and behavioral benefits, but it is not always necessary for every dog and current research suggests that not spaying and neutering may have more health benefits than not neutering.
Spayed and neutered dogs have a higher incidence of fatal cancers, such as hemangiosarcoma, while many of the cancers these surgeries prevent are not life threatening. In addition, the loss of growth hormones causes joint issues, such as hip dysplasia and CCL injuries. This is because the growth hormones are not there to send a signal to the brain to spot growing after they have finished developing.
Sources:
Big Dogs Face More Joint Problems if Neutered Early
The breed standard for Welsh Springer Spaniels specifies a rich red and white coat color. The red can vary from a deep mahogany to a lighter chestnut shade, with white markings on the chest, belly, legs, and sometimes the face. Welshies can have any markings as long as they are red and white, but a large amount of white on the face is not as desirable in the show ring.
Welsh Springer Spaniels are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They are intelligent, eager to please, and make excellent family pets. They thrive on companionship and enjoy participating in activities with their owners, such as hiking, obedience training, and retrieving games. Welshies are not little Golden Retrievers and have a more reserved temperament. They need extreme socialization to be comfortable with new people and places.Welsh Springer Spaniels