Welsh Springer Spaniel vs English Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Welsh Springer Spaniel vs English Springer Spaniel - Breed ComparisonBoth Welsh Springer Spaniel and English Springer Spaniel are originated from United Kingdom. Both Welsh Springer Spaniel and English Springer Spaniel are having almost same height. Both Welsh Springer Spaniel and English Springer Spaniel are having almost same weight. Both Welsh Springer Spaniel and English Springer Spaniel has same life span. Welsh Springer Spaniel may have less litter size than English Springer Spaniel. Welsh Springer Spaniel requires Moderate maintenance. But English Springer Spaniel requires Low maintenance

History

welsh springer spaniel - historyThe Welsh Springer Spaniel is thought to be an old Land Spaniel similar to the English Springer Spaniel. They were pretty mush an unknown breed until they won a string of dog trials and became more popular. Following this surge the breed was recognized by the UKC in 1902 and were named the Welsh Springer Spaniel. No one really knows when the breed was developed and cannot be traced because of lack of documentation. They were brought to America in the early 1900’s and were recognized as a breed by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1906.

There are images of a dog looking a lot like the Welsh Springer Spaniel in old prints and pictures. The pictures are of a dog known as a Land Spaniel very much like the Welsh Springer Spaniel. These dogs were thought to be preserved by the Welsh and originally called the Welsh Starter. It was a hunting breed working with falcons.

At one point the breed was called the Welsh Spaniel and was also in the UK studbook as a Cocker Spaniel or a Welsh Cocker. There were several different types of Cocker Spaniels including the English Cocker, the Welsh Cocker, the Devonshire Cocker. The Welsh Cocker Spaniel was a solid dark color while the Welsh and Devonshire Cockers were liver colored.

Following World War II there were no dogs left in Wales or anywhere else in the United Kingdom whose parents were registered pedigree. The unregistered dogs were used to restart the breed and these dogs are the ancestors of the modern Welsh Springer Spaniel.

The breed is still rare with only 299 registered in the UK in 2016. They are listed now a vulnerable Native Breed.

english springer spaniel - historyThe English Springer Spaniel is one of many gun dog breeds that flush and retrieve. They descended from the Shropshire Spaniels and Norfolk Spaniels. The English Springer Spaniel is somewhat similar to the Welsh Springer Spaniel and believe it or not they are also closely related to the English Cocker Spaniel. In the last century the cockers and springers came from the same parents. The larger dogs flushed game and made game “spring” from the brush while the smaller dogs – the “cockers” would hunt woodcock. Eventually through specific breeding, the UKC of England recognized the “springers” as a separate breed.

Sydenham Edwards, in 1801, proposed that the spaniels be divided into the Springing or Hawking Spaniel and the Cocking or Cocker Spaniel. From this point on there was a flourish in the development of spaniel breeds in the 19th century. They were usually named for the county in which they were founded or after the individual who developed them. In 1902, the English Springer Spaniel was officially recognized as its own breed by the UKC. It was not until 1910 that the AKC recognized them as well.

Description

welsh springer spaniel puppy - descriptionThe breed is a medium size, solid and compact dog bred to work. Their forequarters are angled and there hindquarters are well developed. This is a very good looking breed that is only red with white markings. A hard working dog bred to hunt. They are slighter longer than tall and are not penalized as long as the height tis not greater than the length.

The tail in docked except in countries where it is illegal to do so. Their eyes should be brown. Noses are black or brown. The ears are small with a fethering like most setters. The show and field styles are the same. They are confused with the Engolish Springer Spaniel even though there are many differences. But both breeds are born to hunt and “spring” at the prey. They are smaller than the English Springer Spaniel and larger than the English Cocker Spaniel.

english springer spaniel puppy - descriptionAmong spaniels the English Springer is medium size and well compacted. Both the working dog and the show dog sport moderately long coats and a friendly tail. They both wear a gentle expression in their eyes. But there the commonality stops as the difference between the working English Springer Spaniel and the show line is greater in this breed than in any other. The gene pools have become almost separate over the last 70 years. If you put a field dog in the show ring they would not be able to compete. If you put a show line English Springer in the field, they would not have the stamina or speed for field trials.

The field line has a coarser coat and less pendulous ears. They may dock a few inches off the tail, and they are much scruffier than the show dogs. On the other hand, the show dogs have dewlaps, pendant ears and dangling flews. They are heavier and thicker than the field dog. They have long muzzles, not so prominent eyes and docked tails. The English Springer Spaniel stands tall and proud, coming from an ancient line of Spaniels

Characteristics

Characteristics

welsh springer spaniel dog - characteristics1Children friendliness yes they love their own children, but might be wary of others.

2.Special talents - endurance and stamina are intense with this breed.

3.Adapability – not that good in an apartment as this is a rare working dog.

4.Learning ability - intelligent and willing

english springer spaniel dog - characteristicsThe English Springer Spaniel is a friendly dog who loves to please his people. They are great family dogs, easy-going and affectionate. In addition, they are attentive and alert which makes them such great hunting dogs. With exceptional speed and stamina, he needs activity to stimulate his body and brain. He is very intelligent. That intelligence can lead to stubbornness as well. He’d great with kids and good with other pets with perhaps the exception of cats. The breed is in love with water and will get in at any time.

Health Problems

Health Problems

The Welsh Springer Spaniel has a few serious health concerns such as:

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia – can cause lameness and arthritis.

welsh springer spaniel puppies - health problems• Eye Diseases – Glaucoma can cause blindness; Entropian – eyelids curl inwards and can damage the cornea.

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis – can be treated with medication.
  • Ear infections – be sure to keep them clean to prevent this.
  • Epilepsy – as many spaniels have. Can be treated with medications.

The English Springer Spaniel has a tendency toward issues such as:

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

english springer spaniel puppies - health problemsNot an uncommon issue for most medium to smaller sized dogs. It can lead to lameness or arthritis.

PRA – Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Loss of vision due to a deterioration of the retina.

RD - Retinal Dysplasia

Clubs form in the retinal tissue and can lead to blindness.

Bloat

The twisting or distention of the stomach that effects dogs with deep chests and can lead to death if not treated immediately.

Caring The Pet

welsh springer spaniel dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy active puppy. Feed breed specific or medium breed high quality dogfood. Feed ½ -3/4 cup in 2-3 meals

2.Feeding the adult active breed. Feed breed specific or medium breed high quality dogfood. Feed 1-1/2 cup in 1-2meals

3.Points for Good Health endurance/stamina – can outlast many hunting dogs.

4. Games and Exercises – Needs a secure fenced yard. Loves sports and outdoor activity. Agility, obedience, rally, tracking and loves to run, bike and hike.

Feeding

english springer spaniel dogs - caringThe English Springer Spaniel can gain weight easily and obesity is one of the biggest health issues for this breed. Feed them a high quality dry dog food. Working dogs need more energy and more calories than the inactive dog. An active member of the breed should have around 1353 calories every day in at least 2 meals if not 3. Do not feed a large meal before or after strenuous exercise as this can cause bloat.

Health Issues

In addition to the health issues listed above the English Springer Spaniel is also prone to:

PFK: Phosphofructokinase Deficiency

This is a genetic condition where the body cannot use the carbohydrates it takes in and convert it to energy. This is identified as a blood disorder.

Epilepsy

Causes seizures but can be treated with medications.

Ear Infections

With longer , droopy ears, infection is always a possibility. Clean them regularly and keep them dry.

Exercise and games

The working English Springer Spaniel is a very energetic dog requiring daily exercise and loving to play. They love walks and hikes. They can excel in competitions such as rally, agility, tracking, field and obedience.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Gun dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Height Male:
46 - 48 cm
18 - 19 inches
46 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
Height Female:
43 - 46 cm
16 - 19 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 20 kg
39 - 45 pounds
23 - 25 kg
50 - 56 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 18 kg
35 - 40 pounds
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 6
4 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Welshie Welsh Spaniel Welsh Cocker Spaniel Welsh Starter
springer spaniel ESS
Colors Available:
red and white
lack or liver (dark brown) with white markings or predominantly white with black or liver markings Tricolor
Coat:
Naturally straight flat and soft to the touch, never wiry or wavy feathered coat
shorter, coarser
Shedding:
Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Playful, Responsive, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  2. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  3. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  4. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  6. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  7. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  8. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed Comparison
  9. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  10. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  11. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  12. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  13. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  14. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  15. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  16. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  17. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Slovakian Hound - Breed Comparison
  18. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Small Munsterlander - Breed Comparison
  19. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Sussex Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  20. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Kooikerhondje - Breed Comparison
  21. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  22. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  23. West Siberian Laika vs Welsh Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  24. Wetterhoun vs Welsh Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  25. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Welsh Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  26. English Springer Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  27. English Springer Spaniel vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  28. English Springer Spaniel vs English Setter - Breed Comparison
  29. English Springer Spaniel vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  30. English Springer Spaniel vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  31. English Springer Spaniel vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  32. English Springer Spaniel vs Barbet - Breed Comparison
  33. English Springer Spaniel vs Ariege Pointer - Breed Comparison
  34. English Springer Spaniel vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  35. English Springer Spaniel vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  36. English Springer Spaniel vs Deutsch Drahthaar - Breed Comparison
  37. English Springer Spaniel vs Clumber Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  38. English Springer Spaniel vs Braque du Bourbonnais - Breed Comparison
  39. English Springer Spaniel vs Cesky Fousek - Breed Comparison
  40. English Springer Spaniel vs Drentse Patrijshond - Breed Comparison
  41. French Brittany vs English Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  42. Pudelpointer vs English Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  43. Picardy Spaniel vs English Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  44. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs English Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  45. Irish Water Spaniel vs English Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  46. Stabyhoun vs English Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  47. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs English Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  48. Vizsla vs English Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  49. Large Munsterlander vs English Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  50. Tyrolean Hound vs English Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds