The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a loyal companion who enjoys being around people of all ages. They are also great hunters with excellent stamina but require more exercise than their English counterparts. The English Springer Spaniel a versatile hunting dog who is highly trainable and loves nothing more than spending time outdoors with his family members by his side.
Welsh springer spaniels
(Photo by Kampus Production )
Welsh Springer Spaniels are a highly active and friendly breed known for their beautiful red and white coats. These dogs were originally bred in Wales as hunting companions, specifically to flush out birds from the brush and undergrowth. They have an excellent sense of smell, making them perfect for tracking game.
Compared to other spaniel breeds, Welsh Springers tend to be more reserved with strangers but very loyal to their families. They are intelligent dogs that enjoy obedience training and thrive on human interaction. With proper socialization early on, they can get along well with children and other pets.
One unique feature of the Welsh Springer is their tail – it’s naturally short or docked, unlike most spaniels that have longer tails. Their full ears also add to their distinctive appearance.
It’s important to note that Welsh Springers require regular exercise due to their high energy levels. A daily walk or run in a fenced area is recommended along with playtime indoors or outdoors where possible.
If you’re looking for an affectionate companion who loves being outdoors – whether hiking or hunting – then a Welsh Springer Spaniel may just be the perfect addition to your family!
English springer spaniels
(Photo by Scot Mulligan)
The English Springer Spaniel is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. They are known for their friendly and outgoing personality, as well as their intelligence and hunting skills.
Originally bred to flush out game birds from bushes and undergrowth, this breed has a lot of energy to burn. As such, they require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy.
The English Springer Spaniel has a medium-length coat that is usually black or liver with white markings. They shed moderately throughout the year but have two major shedding seasons in spring and fall.
These dogs are highly trainable due to their desire to please their owners. However, they can be stubborn at times so it’s important to establish yourself as the pack leader early on in training.
The English Springer Spaniel makes an excellent family companion for those who have active lifestyles and enjoy spending time outdoors with their furry friend by their side.
History of the Welsh Springer Spaniel
The Welsh Springer Spaniel’s history can be traced back to the 14th century. They were bred to work in harsh terrain and retrieve game birds, mainly for the wealthy landowners of Wales. The breed was referred to as “Welsh Spaniels” until 1902 when they were officially recognized by the Kennel Club of England.
During World War II, their numbers dwindled drastically due to food shortages and breeding restrictions. However, dedicated breeders managed to revive the Welsh Springer Spaniel after the war.
The Welshies are still a popular choice for hunters and those who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking or running. Their natural instincts make them excellent at tracking, flushing out birds from dense undergrowth, and retrieving prey.
In terms of physical appearance, Welsh Springers have a distinctive red-and-white coat that is thick and wavy. Their ears are long and feathered while their tails are usually docked just above halfway.
Today, these loyal companions also excel in agility contests thanks to their athleticism and intelligence. They’re an all-around great family dog with a rich history behind them that should not be overlooked!
History of the English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel has a rich history and is one of the oldest breeds of spaniels. It originated in England during the 16th century and was primarily used for flushing out birds from dense cover.
The breed was recognized by The Kennel Club in 1902, but its popularity surged after World War II when it became a favorite among hunters and families alike. The English Springer Spaniel’s intelligence, loyalty, and trainability make it an excellent working dog as well as a beloved family pet.
One interesting fact about this breed is that there are two distinct types: field-bred (working) and show-bred (conformation). Field-bred Springers are smaller, with shorter fur than their show counterparts. They have high energy levels which suit them perfectly for hunting or retrieving activities.
In contrast to other breeds at the time, English Springers were not exclusively owned by nobility or royalty; they were also popular among common folk who needed dogs that could work tirelessly in harsh weather conditions while remaining loyal companions.
The long history of this magnificent breed speaks to its versatility, adaptability, intelligence and hardiness- traits that continue to make it a much-loved companion today.
Welsh springer spaniels Vs. English springer spaniels – Key differences
Welsh springer spaniels and English springer spaniels may look similar, but they have distinct differences. Firstly, Welsh Springer Spaniels are smaller in size than their English counterparts. Welsh Springers stand at around 16-19 inches tall while the average height of an English Springer is between 18-20 inches.
Another difference is their coat coloration. Welsh Springers come in a distinctive red and white coloring with freckled noses while English Springers come in various colors such as black, liver or white with black or liver markings.
In terms of temperament, both breeds make great family pets due to their friendly nature and love for humans. However, Welsh Springers tend to be more reserved around strangers while English Springer Spaniels are known for being outgoing and sociable towards anyone they meet.
When it comes to training, both breeds are intelligent dogs that thrive on positive reinforcement methods. However, some owners claim that Welshies can be more stubborn than the eager-to-please ESSs.
When considering exercise needs, both breeds require daily exercise but the amount differs slightly. Welshies need less vigorous exercise compared to energetic ESSs who require plenty of running time outdoors.
There are subtle yet important differences between these two popular Spaniel breeds which should be considered before making a decision on which one would suit your lifestyle best!
How to Choose the Right Springer Spaniel for You
When it comes to choosing the right Springer Spaniel for you, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, think about your lifestyle and activity level. Both Welsh and English Springers were bred as hunting dogs, so they have high energy levels and require plenty of exercise.
Consider also the size of your living space. While both breeds are medium-sized dogs, Welsh Springers tend to be slightly smaller than their English counterparts. If you live in an apartment or small house with limited outdoor space, a Welsh Springer may be a better fit.
Another factor to consider is grooming needs. Both breeds have thick coats that require regular brushing and occasional trimming. However, English Springers tend to shed more than Welsh Springers.
Personality is also important when choosing a dog breed. While both types of Springer Spaniels are friendly and affectionate towards their owners, there can be slight differences in temperament between the two breeds.
Ultimately, it’s important to do your research on both types of Springer Spaniels before making a decision. Consider reaching out to breed-specific rescue organizations or reputable breeders for guidance on finding the right dog for you and your family.
Are Welsh Springer spaniels rare?
Welsh Springer Spaniels are indeed rare, with only a few thousand in the world. While they have been around for hundreds of years and were once quite common in Wales, their numbers dwindled during World War II due to food shortages and the breed’s focus on hunting became less popular.
Today, Welsh Springers are still not as well-known as their English counterparts, which could be another reason why they’re considered rare. They also tend to be bred less frequently than other breeds due to their specific needs when it comes to exercise and training.
However, being rare doesn’t mean that Welsh Springer Spaniels aren’t excellent pets or companions. In fact, many people who own them tout their loyalty and intelligence above all else. So if you’re considering adding one to your family, don’t let rarity deter you – just make sure you do your research first!
Featured Image By – Sharon Snider:
