Welsh Springer Spaniel

Compact spaniel with distinctive red and white coat. Hardy, devoted, and less intense than English Springer.

Photo of a Welsh Springer Spaniel

Welsh Springer Spaniel characteristics

TraitRatingHow common
SizeMedium33% of breeds
Energy levelHigh
TrainabilityHigh30% of breeds
FriendlinessMedium34% of breeds
Good with childrenHigh
Grooming needsMedium26% of breeds
SheddingMedium40% of breeds
BarkingLow32% of breeds
ProtectivenessMedium38% of breeds
AdaptabilityMedium41% of breeds
Typical lifespan14 years
HypoallergenicNo

“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.

Is the Welsh Springer Spaniel right for you?

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a mid-sized breed that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. In terms of temperament, it suits families with children particularly well and will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive. Day to day, the Welsh Springer Spaniel demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.

Exercise and daily routine

The Welsh Springer Spaniel demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. With high energy and high athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Welsh Springer Spaniel to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.

Grooming, shedding and upkeep

The Welsh Springer Spaniel wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.

Temperament and training

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is quick to learn and a pleasure to train and keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally. It copes with a standard working day alone once it has been eased into it, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.

What a week with a Welsh Springer Spaniel actually costs you

ExerciseAround an hour to ninety minutes of daily exercise, and it will notice when a day is skipped.
CoatWeekly brushing keeps the coat in reasonable order.
Time aloneManages a normal working day if it is properly exercised and left something to do.
NoiseQuieter than most breeds.

Where the Welsh Springer Spaniel fits — and where it does not

Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.

HouseholdVerdictWhy
Apartment livingGood fitHigh energy and low barking travel well into a flat.
Families with young childrenGood fitHigh child tolerance, and sociable with people generally.
First-time ownersGood fitHigh trainability without an unusually strong will makes the learning curve forgiving.
Homes with catsGood fitMedium prey drive makes cohabitation straightforward in most cases.
Long working daysDependsMedium independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds.
Allergy householdsDependsNo low-allergen coat recorded, though shedding is not extreme.

Perfect for

Things to consider

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Welsh Springer Spaniel good with children?
Yes — the Welsh Springer Spaniel is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
Does the Welsh Springer Spaniel shed a lot?
The Welsh Springer Spaniel has medium shedding.
How much exercise does the Welsh Springer Spaniel need?
With high energy, the Welsh Springer Spaniel needs plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation — long walks, runs or active play.
How long does the Welsh Springer Spaniel live?
The Welsh Springer Spaniel typically lives around 14 years.
Can the Welsh Springer Spaniel live in an apartment?
The Welsh Springer Spaniel can live in an apartment provided it gets enough daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Is the Welsh Springer Spaniel easy to train?
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is quick to learn and a pleasure to train. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
Can the Welsh Springer Spaniel be left alone during the day?
The Welsh Springer Spaniel copes with a standard working day alone once it has been eased into it. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.

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