Welsh Springer Spaniel. Source: Wikipedia Author: Udo Tjalsma
One of the most original breeds of spaniels.
These dogs are built for hard work. They are hardy, agile, fast and above all very lively and full of energy. Because they have not been crossed with other breeds, they still retain very good hunting qualities. With good leadership and training, they become a versatile hunting dog.
However, because of their noble appearance, intelligence and affectionate nature, they also make excellent companions and, one might say, pets.
They require plenty of exercise, kind treatment, but also very consistent upbringing and training.
Breed description taken from the Han-Ende kennel website.
FCI-Standard N° 126 / 28.10.2009 / GB
WELSH SPRINGER SPANIEL
ORIGIN : Great Britain.
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD : 28.07.2009.
UTILIZATION : Flushing dog.
CLASSIFICATION F.C.I. : Group 8 Retrievers-Flushing
Dogs-Water Dogs.
Section 2 Flushing Dogs.
With working trial.
GENERAL APPEARANCE : Symmetrical, compact, not leggy, obviously built for endurance and hard work. Quick and active mover, displaying plenty of push and drive.
BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT : Very ancient and distinct breed of pure origin. Strong, merry and very active. Kindly disposition, not showing aggression or nervousness.
HEAD
CRANIAL REGION :
Skull : Of proportionate length, slightly domed. Well chiselled below eyes.
Stop : Clearly defined.
FACIAL REGION :
Nose : Flesh coloured to dark, nostrils well developed.
Muzzle : Of medium length, straight, fairly square.
Jaws/Teeth : Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Eyes : Hazel or dark, medium size, neither prominent, nor sunken, not 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.
NECK : Long, muscular, clean in throat, neatly set into sloping shoulders.
BODY : Not long, strong and muscular. Length of body should be proportionate to length of legs.
Loin : Muscular and slightly arched. Well coupled.
Chest : Deep brisket, well sprung ribs.
TAIL : Previously customarily docked. Well set on and low, never carried above level of back. Lively in action.
Undocked: Feathered. In balance with the rest of the dog.
LIMBS
FOREQUARTERS : Forelegs of medium length, straight, well boned.
Forefeet : Round, with thick pads. Firm and cat-like, not large or spreading.
HINDQUARTERS : Strong and muscular, wide and fully developed. Hindlegs well boned.
Stifle : Moderately angled, neither turning in nor out.
Second thigh : Deep.
Hock : Well let down.
Hind feet : Round, with thick pads. Firm and cat-like, not large or spreading.
GAIT / MOVEMENT : Smooth, powerful, ground covering action; driving from rear.
COAT
Hair : 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 AND WEIGHT :
Approximate height : Dogs 48 cm (19 ins) at withers.
Females 46 cm (18 ins) at withers.
FAULTS : Any departure from the foregoing points 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 its ability to perform its traditional work.
DISQUALIFYING FAULTS:
• Aggressive or overly shy.
• Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.
N.B.: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
WELSH SPRINGER SPANIEL
ORIGIN : Great Britain.
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD : 28.07.2009.
UTILIZATION : Flushing dog.
CLASSIFICATION F.C.I. : Group 8 Retrievers-Flushing
Dogs-Water Dogs.
Section 2 Flushing Dogs.
With working trial.
GENERAL APPEARANCE : Symmetrical, compact, not leggy, obviously built for endurance and hard work. Quick and active mover, displaying plenty of push and drive.
BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT : Very ancient and distinct breed of pure origin. Strong, merry and very active. Kindly disposition, not showing aggression or nervousness.
HEAD
CRANIAL REGION :
Skull : Of proportionate length, slightly domed. Well chiselled below eyes.
Stop : Clearly defined.
FACIAL REGION :
Nose : Flesh coloured to dark, nostrils well developed.
Muzzle : Of medium length, straight, fairly square.
Jaws/Teeth : Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Eyes : Hazel or dark, medium size, neither prominent, nor sunken, not 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.
NECK : Long, muscular, clean in throat, neatly set into sloping shoulders.
BODY : Not long, strong and muscular. Length of body should be proportionate to length of legs.
Loin : Muscular and slightly arched. Well coupled.
Chest : Deep brisket, well sprung ribs.
TAIL : Previously customarily docked. Well set on and low, never carried above level of back. Lively in action.
Undocked: Feathered. In balance with the rest of the dog.
LIMBS
FOREQUARTERS : Forelegs of medium length, straight, well boned.
Forefeet : Round, with thick pads. Firm and cat-like, not large or spreading.
HINDQUARTERS : Strong and muscular, wide and fully developed. Hindlegs well boned.
Stifle : Moderately angled, neither turning in nor out.
Second thigh : Deep.
Hock : Well let down.
Hind feet : Round, with thick pads. Firm and cat-like, not large or spreading.
GAIT / MOVEMENT : Smooth, powerful, ground covering action; driving from rear.
COAT
Hair : 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 AND WEIGHT :
Approximate height : Dogs 48 cm (19 ins) at withers.
Females 46 cm (18 ins) at withers.
FAULTS : Any departure from the foregoing points 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 its ability to perform its traditional work.
DISQUALIFYING FAULTS:
• Aggressive or overly shy.
• Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.
N.B.: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.