Although she is in the sporting group, the Welsh Springer Spaniel has never been a breed that American Hunters preferred. In fact, it ranks #120 -- on the scale of popularity -- on the American Kennel Club’s list of recognized breeds.
Sportsmen have different preferences when it comes to bird dog companions. Between pointers, spaniels and retrievers, the pointers have always outstripped the other sporting breeds. Although the Welsh Springer Spaniel has never been a very popular hunter, facts are that she was the first spaniel ever used in sporting.
This spaniel originated from Wales and is still very prominent there at present. However, it was the English Springer Spaniel that became more prominent in the United States. The Welsh Springer Spaniel is slightly smaller than this American favourite -- the English Springer Spaniel -- and a bit larger than her more popular cousin, the Cocker Spaniel.
Because of the Welsh Springer Spaniel’s dedication to her work, her breed is especially preserved in Wales to herd the sheep and drive the cattle. No harsh working condition can stop her from working hard every day. She can stand extreme temperatures with her thick coat, which makes her suitable as a worker dog.
Although this breed is very reliable and skilful, one thing that made the English Springer Spaniel more preferred is the Welsh Springer’s independent nature. Once the Welsh Springer Spaniel is already an adult, she will be harder to train compared to her English cousin. Training should begin while she is still young. She can easily pick up the lessons that you teach her and she’ll surely remember them even as she grows older.
Although the Welsh Springer Spaniel isn’t very popular in other countries, for many centuries, sportsmen in Wales have been very satisfied with this breed. Maybe they know a secret that we don’t about the Welsh Springer Spaniel. And perhaps the Welsh people aren’t ready to share it to the world yet. Remember how the Germans kept their Weimaraner a secret for years before this superior breed was revealed to other countries? Maybe the Welsh felt the same about their native dog.
Nevertheless, the Welsh Springer Spaniel will still make a fine watchdog if you train her right. She can even be very friendly and tolerant of young children. She can adapt well to country living, but can also be great for the city life. She can even adapt easily to apartment dwelling.
The Welsh Springer Spaniel will also make a good house pet. You can simply watch her eagerly diving into the water or making a mess of herself in the mud and simply shake it off, revealing her lustrous red and white coat. This remarkable breed is definitely for keeps.
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