Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison

Welsh Springer Spaniel is originated from United Kingdom but Russian Setter is originated from Russia. Welsh Springer Spaniel may grow 20 cm / 7 inches shorter than Russian Setter. Welsh Springer Spaniel may weigh 12 kg / 26 pounds lesser than Russian Setter. Both Welsh Springer Spaniel and Russian Setter has same life span. Both Welsh Springer Spaniel and Russian Setter has almost same litter size. Both Welsh Springer Spaniel and Russian Setter requires Moderate 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.

People often think it is ridiculous that a Setter dog comes from Russia. It is believed that the Russians did have some kind of Griffon and the word Pointer is also often translated as Setter.

It is believed that the Russian Setter is one of the ancestors of the Wire-haired Pointing Griffon and that it possibly shared an ancestry with the German wire-haired and broken-haired pointers.

References to Russian Setters were fairly common in the 19th century, but there is such contradictory information that it is hard to get good information on the dogs. The Russian Setter is believed to have existed before the Russian Revolution resembling the English Setter. Dog experts tell us the dog no longer exists.

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.

In terms of appearance, it was John Henry Walsh who said that the Russian Setter was a dog hidden by its long, woolly matted coat.It seems to have been a medium sized dog with an elegant appearance. It seems the dog came in two varieties - the curly coated liver coated dogs and the fawn colored dogs which are straight coated.

Because there is very little information on these dogs, we assume they were between 57 – 68cm in height and between 27 and 32kg in weight. The coat was no doubt in colours such as grey, reddish-brown with some black and white and shortish and wiry. The ears were floppy,and the face no doubt had some longer hair around the muzzle.

Temperament:

Nobody seems to know exactly what the temperament of this dog was, but when you look at some of his ancestors you can assume that he was strong-willed, confident and a skilled hunter.

He would have required a lot of exercise too. He was lively and energetic. Because he had Pointer in him you can be sure that he would have been intelligent so that he could be trained and socialized.

He would have been keen to learn with an owner who was firm and consistent in his treatment of him. He is a dog most happiest when he can spend time with his human family, a most loyal and devoted family friend, capable of getting on well with children and pets in the home.

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

It appears, according to records that the Russian Setter has come and gone. However he would have been a calm, gentle pet with running ad hunting keeping him happy. He would therefore have required a lot of exercise.

We can assume that according to the few records that there are, that this was an affable, pleasing dog breed which made a great family pet.

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 Russian Setter had an average lifespan of 10 – 14 which is a fairly good innings for a dog. Nonetheless you would have had to be aware of some common dog problem. These dogs were prone to major health issues such as both hip and elbow dysplasia, deafness, epilepsy and hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism:

The thyroid glands produce hormones that affect the function of many parts of the body. Dogs with this illness have a low production of thyroid hormones.

This disease is mainly caused by inflammation or shrinkage of the thyroid gland. The most common signs of low thyroid in dogs is thinning of the fur, the coat is dull, there is weight gain and excess shedding. The dog doesn’t tolerate cold well either. These dogs also often have ear infections.

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.

Whatever kind of coat the Russian Setter ad it would have required a brushing twice a week to keep it in top form.

The medium length floppy ears would have to be checked inside for ear infection.

His owners would have checked inside the mouth for any signs of rotten or bad teeth.

His nails would have required trimming.

Diet:

Dogs need the best food there is to stay healthy. The Russian Terrier, if it were still around today, would have had the best commercially manufactured food there was.

You want to provide dogs with some good homemade food too. Dogs thrive on simplicity and consistency to avoid upsetting the stomach. Some home-cooked food such as boiled chicken, sweet potatoes, brown rice or pasta, carrots and spinach would be perfect for him. Chop the food up finely and add it into the dry kibble once or twice a week. Raw meat should also be added in when possible to promote good skin health.

Make sure your pet is never without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Setter dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
Russia
Height Male:
46 - 48 cm
18 - 19 inches
57 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
Height Female:
43 - 46 cm
16 - 19 inches
57 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 20 kg
39 - 45 pounds
27 - 32 kg
59 - 71 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 18 kg
35 - 40 pounds
27 - 32 kg
59 - 71 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 6
5 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Welshie Welsh Spaniel Welsh Cocker Spaniel Welsh Starter
None
Colors Available:
red and white
Grey, reddish-brown with some black and white
Coat:
Naturally straight flat and soft to the touch, never wiry or wavy feathered coat
Short or long, smooth or wiry
Shedding:
Constant
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Playful, Responsive, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate 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. Sakhalin Husky vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison
  27. Schnauzer vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison
  28. Schnoodle vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison
  29. Santal Hound vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison
  30. Sanshu vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison
  31. Sapsali vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison
  32. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison
  33. Russian Setter vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  34. Russian Setter vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  35. Russian Setter vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Russian Setter vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison
  37. Russian Setter vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  38. Russian Setter vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  39. Russian Setter vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  40. Russian Setter vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  41. Russian Setter vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Russian Setter vs Dalmatian - Breed Comparison
  43. Russian Setter vs Golden Doodle - Breed Comparison
  44. Russian Setter vs Pomsky - Breed Comparison
  45. Russian Setter vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  46. Russian Setter vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  47. Russian Setter vs Other - Breed Comparison
  48. Russian Setter vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison
  49. Russian Setter vs Olde English Bulldogge - Breed Comparison
  50. Russian Setter vs English Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds