Living with a Welsh Springer Spaniel:
The very distinctive red and pearly-white coat, the beautifully chiselled head, the vine-leafed shaped ears and the slight arch over the loin are all characteristics of the Welshie that sets them apart from other spaniels.
The Welshie is a medium sized, symmetrical, compact dog that is built for hard work and as a working dog they have lots of energy and endurance. They are merry and active, are interested in absolutely everything that happens but at the same time are gentle and should never be aggressive.
The Welsh Springer is a gundog and, although they are used less for work nowadays, they have not lost their working abilities. Welshies, in general, are very trainable and are ready to serve, they are loyal and faithful and are totally devoted to their human family. Ideally, they should live with their human family and be around the family members as much as possible and will curl up near you - preferably on the couch!
Being a gundog means that they need plenty of exercise, the excitement of free running and being able to sniff at all sorts of exciting smells - this will keep them healthy physically as well as mentally. A gentle stroll in the park is definitely not enough exercise for this breed that has so much stamina and such a strong scenting ability.
The Welsh is an alert, intelligent dog with an enquiring mind which means that they are quite lively and high-spirited and as such need, apart from exercise, training and education. If their liveliness is not channelled appropriately they may end up being quite difficult to live with. A well trained Welshie makes a very loving pet. Their happy temperament and enquiring mind, along with their ever-wagging tails, makes them a fun dog with which to share your life. The Welshie can be reserved with strangers but should never show aggressiveness towards them.
While Welshies can be a little stubborn and, yes, at times a little noisy however their energy, liveliness, sensitivity, faithfulness and sense of humour are all positive traits but they do need to be socialised with other people and dogs. They also need firm, consistent but loving discipline as they will happily push the boundaries as far as they can. Welshies may bark to warn you that, in their opinion, something is not right but they are no guard dogs. Once inside, they will happily show any burglar where the family jewels are kept and if given a tit-bit of food would, no doubt, help carry them out!
They are VERY food focused. Unfortunately, Welshies have no conscience what so ever as far as stealing food and, after happily consuming their ill-gotten prize, will look at you as if to say "So, what did you expect?”
I can say from experience that life with a Welsh Springer Spaniel is never, never dull.
It is also important for potential owners to be aware that Welshies do need to be groomed regularly. Even if they do not grace the show ring, trimming (especially feet, ears and under the neck) is necessary.
To summarise:*Beautiful, devoted, loving, energetic, happy dogs but can be noisy, need regular exercise, grooming and training.