Are Welsh Springer Spaniels easy to train?

Welsh Springer Spaniels have high trainability. They are known for being loyal, affectionate, reserved. They respond well to positive reinforcement training.

Are Welsh Springer Spaniels good with children?

Welsh Springer Spaniels have high compatibility with children. As with any breed, supervision and proper introductions are recommended.

How much exercise does a Welsh Springer Spaniel need?

Welsh Springer Spaniels have high energy levels. 1-2 hours daily. Active play, retrieving, and outdoor adventures. Less intense than English Springers.

How long do Welsh Springer Spaniels live?

The average lifespan of a Welsh Springer Spaniel is 12-15 years with proper care, nutrition, and regular veterinary check-ups.

Gundog group · Wales

Welsh Springer Spaniel

Also called Welshie, Welsh Starter.

What makes them remarkable

This red-and-white Welsh spaniel is a distinct breed, with written references reaching back to the 1500s.

Loyal
Affectionate
Reserved
Active
Devoted

Get the app 1-to-1 training

AI-generated illustration

Size: Medium
Weight: 16 to 25 kg35 to 55 lb
Lives: 12 to 15 years
Energy: High
Trains: High
Barks: Moderate

Training

Training a Welsh Springer Spaniel

Gundog breeds. Quick to learn and quick to get over-excited. The work is calm around distractions, not obedience.

Build Trust First
Start here
Welshies can be reserved. Build a strong bond through positive experiences before intensive training.
Consistency is Key
These sensitive dogs need consistent, fair training. Avoid harsh corrections that cause shutdown.
Socialisation
Natural reserve with strangers requires early, extensive socialisation for confident adult temperament.

The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.

Add your Welsh Springer Spaniel and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, one step at a time.

Download on theApp Store

Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.

At home

Living with one

Bred to find, flush and retrieve game alongside a person. Biddable, busy, and happiest with a job.

Gets on with

ChildrenHigh
Other dogsHigh
StrangersModerate
CatsModerate

Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.

Exercise: 1-2 hours daily. Active play, retrieving, and outdoor adventures. Less intense than English Springers.
Grooming: Moderate. Regular brushing 2-3 times weekly, occasional professional grooming. Ear cleaning important.
Drool: Low
Coat: Medium length, Flat, Silky, FeatheredRed and White
In a flat: Needs more space than a flat gives.

Health

Things to ask a breeder or vet about

Hip Dysplasia
Moderate
Joint condition requiring health screening
Epilepsy
Moderate
Seizure disorder that may require lifelong medication
Entropion
Mild
Eyelid abnormality that may need surgical correction

Where they come from

History

An ancient breed from Wales, distinct from the English Springer Spaniel. References to red and white spaniels in Wales date back to 1570. Nearly extinct by the late 1800s, the breed was revived and remains rare but devoted to those who know them.