Pet Wiki

Welsh Springer Spaniel

Also called Welsh Springer, Welsh Starter, Welshie

A happy, energetic spaniel that loves its family and likes to stay close to them.

SizeMedium
Weight15.9 to 20.4 kg (35 to 45 lb)males 18.1 to 20.4 kg, females 15.9 to 18.1 kg12
Height43 to 48 cm (17 to 19 in)males 46 to 48 cm, females 43 to 46 cm32
Lifespan12 to 15 years14
CoatStraight, flat, silky coat with feathering
OriginWales, United Kingdom; one of Britain's oldest sporting breeds.345
GroupRetrievers, Flushing Dogs and Water Dogs (FCI group 8)
Last checked2026-09-30
Recognised breedShort profile
cheerful and kind-natured
loyal and devoted to family
versatile working gundog
315

Personality what they are like

A happy, energetic spaniel that loves its family and likes to stay close to them. It is a little more reserved with strangers than the English Springer, learns quickly and enjoys having a job to do.312

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Welsh Springer Spaniel. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery 2 days
  • Bathevery month
  • HaircutTrim feathering and feet, or keep a short cutevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • Eye wipeGently wipe around the eyesevery day
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

Coat and looks how to spot one

straight, flat, silky coat with feathering

A sturdy, compact spaniel with a soft, dense coat that lies flat. Light feathering grows on the ears, chest, legs and tail, and the body is built for stamina rather than speed.32

Coloursred and white34

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. The Royal Kennel Club suggests over two hours of exercise a day; secure areas are wise because the breed likes to roam after scent.41

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush weekly, or a little more often, to keep the feathering tidy, and check and clean the ears regularly.14

Home where they are happiest

Fits a small house if it gets enough exercise; a large garden is ideal, and it adapts to town or country.4

Company who they like around

Very people-oriented and likes to follow family members around the house.1

The story where it all began

Red and white hunting spaniels are mentioned in Welsh writing from the Middle Ages, and the breed is counted among Britain's oldest sporting dogs. It was recognised by The Kennel Club in 1902 and reached the American Kennel Club a few years later. Unlike the English Springer, it never split into separate show and field types.452

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The breed comes in only one colour scheme: rich red and white.3

  2. 2

    It never divided into separate show and working lines, unlike its English cousin.2

  3. 3

    Its name comes from its job of 'springing' game out of cover for the hunter.1

  4. 4

    It is on the Royal Kennel Club's list of vulnerable native breeds.4

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named for its origin in Wales and its hunting style of 'springing' or flushing game from cover. The Welsh name is 'Llamgi Cymru' or 'Tarfgi Cymru'.2

Name ideas for your new friend

CariadMeganRhysSionFernHazelBrambleSkyeTeganGarethPipWren

A day in the life told by a Welsh Springer Spaniel

I wake with a wagging tail and nudge my human’s hand. After breakfast, we head to the park, I love to run and sniff every scent. I stay close to my family, but sometimes a rabbit scent pulls me a little farther. We play fetch, and I splash in the stream. At home, I curl on the sofa, my head on a lap. In the evening, we walk again, and I watch the birds. It’s a happy, busy day, full of love and adventure.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 126, Group 8 (Retrievers, Flushing Dogs, Water Dogs), Section 2 Flushing Dogs; standard dated 28.07.2009, country of origin Great Britain.3
The Royal Kennel Club
Gundog group; recognised in 1902; listed as a Vulnerable Native Breed.4
AKC
Sporting Group; recognised in 1906 according to Wikipedia.2

Popularity 299 puppies registered with The Kennel Club (UK) in 2016, when it was listed as a Vulnerable Native Breed2

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Welsh Springer Spaniel, and at what times?

Feed your adult Welsh Springer at least two meals a day; puppies need three to four smaller meals. A consistent daily schedule helps their digestion. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.6

What should a Welsh Springer Spaniel eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A high-quality dog food suited to your dog's age and activity level is best. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always consult your vet for a balanced diet.7

How often should I bathe a Welsh Springer Spaniel?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 28 days, while general guidance recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets dirty, using a dog-safe shampoo.8 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Welsh Springer Spaniel need brushing?

Brush your Welsh Springer at least weekly to keep the feathering tidy; Pet Wiki's plan suggests every two days. For its silky coat, daily brushing helps prevent tangles and keeps it looking lovely.148 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Welsh Springer Spaniel's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every 28 days, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. Ask your vet or a groomer to show you the proper technique.8 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Welsh Springer Spaniel need?

This energetic spaniel needs over two hours of exercise daily. Secure areas are wise because they love to roam after scents. They adapt well to town or country if they get enough activity.41

How do I look after a Welsh Springer Spaniel's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth daily if possible, at least two to three times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check and dry the floppy ears weekly to prevent moisture problems. Never push anything into the ear canal.8 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Welsh Springer Spaniel live?

Welsh Springer Spaniels typically live 12 to 15 years. With good care and regular vet check-ups, they can enjoy a long, happy life.14

Is a Welsh Springer Spaniel good with children and other pets?

This breed is very people-oriented and loves its family, so it generally does well with children when properly socialized. How it gets along with other pets varies; early socialization is key. For specific advice, ask a good breeder.

Can a Welsh Springer Spaniel be left alone?

Welsh Springers are very people-oriented and prefer to be with their family. They may struggle with long periods alone, so consider doggy daycare or a pet sitter if you're away often. A good breeder can offer tailored advice.1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Hill's Pet: Welsh Springer Spaniel hillspet.comused for weight, lifespan, temperament, exercise, grooming, name origin
  2. Wikipedia: Welsh Springer Spaniel en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, recognition dates, size, registrations (secondary)
  3. FCI Standard No. 126 Welsh Springer Spaniel fci.beused for recognition, height, coat, colour, temperament
  4. The Royal Kennel Club: Spaniel (Welsh Springer) royalkennelclub.comused for group, vulnerable status, exercise, grooming, lifespan, home, history
  5. AKC: Welsh Springer Spaniel akc.orgused for origin, temperament summary
  6. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.