The Welsh Springer Spaniel originated in Wales and was bred to hunt and locate game for their masters. The exact lineage of these dogs is not known but it is thought that the English Springer Spaniel, Brittany Spaniel, and English Cocker Spaniel might be their relatives. Their name “Springer Spaniel” comes from they way these dogs hunt down their prey which when they are located, will “spring” upon them!

This breed is a significant weight for their height and are solidly built. Their ears are long, floppy and are perfect to listen for the movement of quiet prey. The Welsh Springer Spaniel has muscular legs, and a long slender tail that is docked according to owner preference. They have a long, powerful muzzle that is used to carry large game in and big friendly eyes.

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is an energetic, happy breed that loves affection from the family. They develop very strong bonds with their owners and will need a lot of attention and time spent with them to be truly happy. The Welsh Springer Spaniel adores children and will make an excellent family pet because they will also get along with other dogs and smaller pets, such as cats.

Breed Group

Sporting

Size

Males: 18-19 inches high
Females: 16-18 inches high

Weight

Males: 40-45 lbs
Females: 35-45 lbs

Color(s)

The Welsh Springer Spaniel will come in one colour variation which is the white & red. They are allowed different patches or markings throughout their body, but the colouring must stay the same or they will be disqualified in the show ring.

Coat

This breed has a smooth, straight coat that cascades from their chest, underbelly and tail. Curly hair will be a disqualification as they must have a coat that is plushy and flat which is needed for this breed to protect them from the elements they hunt in.

Life Expectancy

About 12-15 years.

Personality

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a laid back, caring family pet that will be a great addition to one person or a family. They need a large amount of attention but will also enjoy time spent to themselves. Once they have a bond with the family or their master, this cannot be broken and they will be near them at all times. Their loyalty is renowned and are often said to be their owners shadow!

This breed will need to be socialized at a young age around other people and dogs to ensure they will not be aggressive nor shy as adults. They will need an owner who is gentle yet firm and fair to raise them because the Welsh Springer Spaniel must have stability and correct rules set into place. Obedience and hunting/retrieval training is suggested to start at a very early age as they can be stubborn if taught later.

Care

The Welsh Springer Spaniel will need a minimal amount of grooming to upkeep their coat. Brushing once per week and bathing every 1-2 months will be excellent. They are prone to ear infections, hip dysplasia, eye ailments such as entropian and possibly epilepsy.

Training

These dogs will need a patient, gentle owner to teach them obedience or any type of retrieving or hunting training. Lessons should be kept short and made to be fun so the dog relates training and working to an enjoyable experience. They already have a high motivation to please their owners, but will need repetition and consistency to perfect the commands!

Activity

The Welsh Springer Spaniel will need about an hour of exercise per day which can be done at a dog park playing with their friends, chasing a ball, or even on a walk. This breed has a tendency to become quite lazy, so even if they choose to not want to go out on a particular day, they should be encouraged! These dogs will do well in an apartment and will not need a backyard but access to one would definitely be a bonus.

The Welsh Terrier originated in England and was bred to hunt fox, small game, badgers, and otter. They are descendants of the British Black and Tan Terrier and they still carry most of the same appearance characteristics today!

The Welsh terrier has a messy, hard coat that has a wire texture. Their fur is very short and as puppies, this breed is completely black but will become lighter as they age. These dogs have a muscular body, a large square muzzle and tiny floppy ears. Naturally the Welsh terrier will have a long tail but for show purposes is will be docked.

These dogs are sweet, loving and upbeat who enjoy time spent with their families. They are a curious, intelligent breed that are notorious diggers and swimmers! The Welsh Terrier will make a great family pet because they get along well with children and dogs, but will need to be raised with smaller family pets such as cats so their chase instinct does not come into play.

Breed Group

Terrier

Size

Males: 14-15 inches high

Females: 14- 15 inches high

Weight

Males: 19-22 lbs
Females: 19-22 lbs

Color(s)

The Welsh Terrier is born completely black but will lighten as they grow older. During their first year, the Welsh Terrier’s coat will eventually turn into a tan colour with black/grey accents.

Coat

This breed has a double layered coat with the outer layer being a hard, wiry texture and the under coat being a plush soft layer that protects them from the cold. Although they have a short coat, the Welsh Terrier will need to be brushed about twice per week and will need to have their coat plucked about 3 times per year.

Life Expectancy

About 10-12 years.

Personality

This breed is responsive, energetic and has a positive attitude. They can entertain themselves just by exploring their territory but thrive on being part of the family pack. This dog is not just a great pet but also a great worker because they hunt well as a team! Loyal and trustworthy, the Welsh Terrier is an overall great breed to own.

Although these dogs are responsive and faithful, they are still Terriers which will do what their instincts tell them to, whether that be to chase, sniff out, or hunt. When walking this dog a leash is always needed because there is always potential for them to spot a small animal they want to chase. They should be off-leash only in areas where it is completely fenced in such as a dog park.

Care

The Welsh Terrier will need to be brushed about 3 t times per week and bathed once every 2-3 months. They will need to have their coat plucked around 4 times per year which will remove the excess dead fur. These dogs are prone to skin allergies, some eye problems such as glaucoma, and epilepsy. They are generally very healthy dogs that live long and happy lives!

Training

The Welsh Terrier will need gentle yet firm training and repetition to be able to grasp basic obedience. They are smart dogs that just need consistency to understand, but will catch on quickly when they are taught on a daily basis with short sessions.

Activity

This breed will need a large amount of exercise daily in order to burn off their energy. Long walks and time spent off-leash playing with other dogs or just chasing a ball will be needed! They will do well in an apartment as long as they are exercised regularly. A fenced in back yard would be preferable so they have an outdoor space to run in, but is not necessary for their living environment.

For about 70 years, the Pembroke and the Cardigan Welsh Corgis are known as separate breeds.

There are many theories concerning the Welsh Corgi.
One states that both of the varieties descended from Swedish Vallhunds, brought in the 800’s to Wales by the Vikings.

Another theory says that the Cardigan variety is older and was brought to Wales in 1200 B.C. by Celtics people, as the word Corgi comes from a Celtic word that means dog.

And the last theory is that the Pembroke variety was brought in the 1100’s to Wales by Flemish weavers.
The only thing that is sure about this breed is that it has been developed in Pembrokeshire in Wales and it was used to drive cattle.
After 1930, the two varieties started to be bred separately.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is now popular for being the favorite breed of Queen Elizabeth II.

Breed Group

Herding

Size

Male: 10-12 inches
Female: 10-12 inches

Weight

Male: 25-30 lbs
Female: 24-28 lbs

Color(s)

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi’s coat can be red, sable, fawn, black, tan and with or without white markings.
White color can appear on the muzzle, the neck, the chest, the legs, under the body and as a thin line on the head.

Coat

The undercoat of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is medium in length, short, dense and weather-resistant.
The outer coat is ruder and longer than the undercoat.
The ruff around the neck, the chest and the shoulders has thicker and longer hairs.
The hairs are a little longer on the back of the legs.
The coat is usually straight but can be a little wavy.

Life Expectancy

About 12 – 15 years.

Personality

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is more outgoing, excitable and restless than the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
This breed is extremely courageous, devoted and protective.
As they are too small to protect their house and family, a lot of these dogs lost their life trying to defend their home.

They are suspicious of strangers and tend to bark a lot which makes a great alarm dog.
These dogs are excellent in shows and obedience as they are highly intelligent.
This is a good breed for smooth children.
This active little dog might try to herd people by nipping their heels.

Care

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is prone to glaucoma (an eye disorder that, if not treated, can lead to blindness), PRA, and back disorders. It is important to never overfeed this breed as it may become obese. The coat of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi sheds twice a year and needs to be brushed and bathed only when necessary.

Training

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is very easy to train. They need a smooth and gentle handling with no harsh manners. This dog should be properly socialized to prevent over-protective behavior.

Activity

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is naturally an active dog; daily exercise is extremely important to avoid obesity.

For about 70 years, the Pembroke and the Cardigan Welsh Corgis are known as separate breeds. There are many theories concerning the Welsh Corgi. One states that both of the varieties descended from Swedish Vallhunds, brought in the 800’s to Wales by the Vikings.

Another theory says that the Cardigan variety is older and was brought to Wales in 1200 B.C. by Celtics people, as the word Corgi comes from a Celtic word that means dog.

The only thing that is sure about this breed is that it has been developed in Cardiganshire in Wales. This breed was used as a cattle driver, a vermin hunter and a farm guard. It’s only after 1930, that the two varieties started to be bred separately.

Breed Group

Herding

Size

Male: 10-13 inches
Female: 10-13 inches

Weight

Male: 25-30 lbs
Female: 25-30 lbs

Color(s)

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi comes in all shades of red, sable and brindle. It can either be black or blue merle, all with or without tan or brindle spots. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi can have white on the neck, the muzzle, the legs, the chest, under the body, at the end of the tail and a line on the head.

Coat

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi’s coat is medium in length and thick. The outer coat is smooth, weather resistant and harsher than the undercoat, as the undercoat is short soft and dense. Hairs are short on the ears, the legs and the head. The dog has medium hair on the body and longer hair in the ruff, on the back of the thighs and under the tail.

Life Expectancy

About 10 – 15 years.

Personality

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is less sociable and more territorial than the Pembroke variety. Loyal, devoted, protective and suspicious of strangers, they make fine guard dogs. This breed tends to bark a lot, so it makes a great alarm dog. It is a very intelligent dog, obedient, willing to please, affectionate and loving with the family. This is a good breed for kind and smooth children. It might be possessive of its own things with other dogs. Easily trained, they are excellent show and obedience dogs.

Care

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is prone to glaucoma (an eye disorder that, if not treated, can lead to blindness), PRA, and back disorders. It is important to never overfeed this breed as it may become obese. The coat of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi sheds twice a year and needs to be brushed and bathed only when necessary.

Training

This breed is very easy to train but must be shown not to nip people and be socialized to prevent over-protectiveness.

Activity

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is even more active than the Pembroke. They must have a lot of daily exercise or they might become obese and lazy.