Welsh Springer Spaniel

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The Welsh Springer Spaniel

ANKC Standard

(from http://www.ankc.org.au/home/breeds_details.asp?bid=100 )

Group: Group 3 (Gundogs)

General Appearance: Symmetrical, compact, not leggy, obviously built for endurance and hard work. Quick and active mover, displaying plenty of push and drive.

Characteristics: Very ancient and distinct breed of pure origin. Strong, merry and very active.

Temperament: Kindly disposition, not showing aggression or nervousness.

Head And Skull: Skull of proportionate length, slightly domed, clearly defined stop, well chiselled below eyes. Muzzle of medium length, straight, fairly square. Nostrils well developed, flesh coloured to dark brown.

Eyes: Hazel or dark, medium size, not prominent, nor sunken, nor showing haw.

Ears: Set moderately low and hanging close to cheeks. Comparatively small and gradually narrowing towards tip and shaped somewhat like a vine leaf.

Mouth: Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. Upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck: Long, muscular, clean in throat, neatly set into sloping shoulders.

Forequarters: Forelegs of medium length, straight, well boned.

Body: Not long, strong and muscular. Deep brisket, well sprung ribs. Length of body should be proportionate to length of leg. Loin muscular and slightly arched. Well coupled.

Hindquarters: Strong and muscular, wide and fully developed with deep second thighs. Hindlegs well boned, hocks well let down, stifles moderately angled, neither turning in nor out.

Feet: Round, with thick pads. Firm and cat like, not large or spreading.

Tail: Docked: Well set on and low, never carried above level of back. Lively in action.

Undocked: Well set on and low, never carried above level of back. Lively in action. Feathered. In balance with the rest of the dog.

Gait/Movement: Smooth, powerful, ground covering action; driving from rear.

Coat: Straight or flat, silky texture, dense, never wiry or wavy. Curly coat highly undesirable. Forelegs and hindlegs above hocks moderately feathered, ears and tail lightly feathered.

Colour: Rich red and white only.

Sizes: Approx. Height: Dogs 48 cms (19 ins) at withers

Bitches 46 cms (18 ins) at withers

Faults: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog, and on the dog�s ability to perform its traditional work.

Notes: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

See Photos of the Welsh Springer Spaniel

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

3. How common is it in Australia?

4. What is the average lifespan?

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

9. How much grooming is required?

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

If you wish to contribute to the knowledge about this breed, please answer the above questions. (Copy and paste them into a new post).

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See Photos of the Welsh Springer Spaniel

Welsh Springer Spaniel Breeders

Welsh Springer Spaniel Puppies For Sale