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Welsh Springer Spaniel
Sporting breed from Wales
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Welsh Springer Spaniel
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized sporting breed from Wales, known for its distinctive red and white coat. It is described as friendly, loyal, energetic, intelligent, affectionate, and eager to please. While these traits are commonly reported, individual dogs may vary. The breed is estimated to stand 46–48 cm tall and weigh 18–25 kg, with a lifespan of 12–15 years. Its energy level is rated high (5/5), and it is considered moderately trainable (4/5). Grooming and shedding are moderate (3/5 each). The breed is generally well-suited to children (4/5) and other dogs (4/5), but less suited to apartment living (2/5).
Quick facts
Welsh Springer Spaniel at a glance
Sizemedium
Breed groupSporting
OriginWales
Lifespan12–15 years
Male weight18–25 kilogram
Female weight18–25 kilogram
Male height46–48 centimetre
Female height46–48 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is an ancient breed from Wales, developed as a versatile gundog to flush and retrieve game birds. Its history is mentioned in Welsh laws dating to around 300 AD, though the exact details of its early development are not fully documented. The breed was officially recognized as distinct from other land spaniels by The Kennel Club in 1902 and by the American Kennel Club in 1906. Its recognition status varies by registry, and some organizations may not recognize it. The breed's origins in Wales and its long history as a working spaniel are well-established, but specific dates or events beyond those mentioned should not be assumed.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
18–25 kilogramAdult weight46–48 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesMediumCoat colorsRed and whiteRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Friendlyloyalenergeticintelligentaffectionateeager to please
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Welsh Springer Spaniel-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 5
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Growth chart
Welsh Springer Spaniel puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight18–25 kilogramAdult female weight18–25 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Welsh Springer Spaniel?
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized breed. Estimated adult height is 46–48 cm for both males and females, and weight is 18–25 kg for both sexes. Estimated lifespan is 12–15 years. These figures are modelled estimates and may vary.
What is the temperament of a Welsh Springer Spaniel?
Commonly described temperaments include friendly, loyal, energetic, intelligent, affectionate, and eager to please. However, individual dogs may differ. They are generally considered good with children (rated 4/5) and other dogs (rated 4/5).
How much exercise does a Welsh Springer Spaniel need?
The breed has a high energy level (rated 5/5). They likely require substantial daily exercise, but specific needs can vary by individual. They were historically used as gundogs for flushing and retrieving game, suggesting a need for active outlets.
What are the grooming requirements for a Welsh Springer Spaniel?
Grooming is rated moderate (3/5), and shedding is also moderate (3/5). Their medium-length coat requires regular brushing, but exact frequency is not specified. They have a distinctive red and white coat with straight, silky feathering.
Is a Welsh Springer Spaniel suitable for apartment living?
Apartment suitability is rated low (2/5), likely due to their high energy and need for space. They may be better suited to homes with a yard or access to open areas.
Where does the Welsh Springer Spaniel originate?
The breed originates from Wales. It is an ancient breed, with mentions in Welsh laws dating to around 300 AD. It was developed as a versatile gundog to flush and retrieve game birds.
Is the Welsh Springer Spaniel recognized by major kennel clubs?
Recognition status varies by registry. The breed was recognized by The Kennel Club in 1902 and by the American Kennel Club in 1906. However, not all registries may recognize it, and status can differ.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.