Books About Welsh Springer Spaniels

People interested in Welshies always lament the lack of available books about the breed. The Breed Standard and a photo of a representative Welshie is provided in the AKC Book of Dogs, and in other "reference-type" books. There is a brief mention of the breed in the AKC Dog Encyclopedia, but until recently, there has not been an American book published about the Welsh Springer Spaniel in 20 years. Most books available about the breed are difficult to find--one is out of print and the other three are British.

American Books

A NEW Welsh Springer Spaniel book is now available. It's called: "Welsh Springer Spaniel--A Complete and Reliable Handbook" and was authored by WSS owner and obedience trainer Linda S. Brennan of Stanhope, New Jersey. This hardcover book is part of a new dog series published by TFH Publications, Inc. The series was requested by the "Petsmart" retail pet supply chain, so they could sell a complete selection of books about EVERY AKC breed.

You may order the book through the Barnes and Noble online book store. Go to "BOOK SEARCH" and type in the words welsh springer in the KEYWORD space, click on Begin My Search and a listing for the book comes up. The current price is $19.95, and the ISBN# is 079380762X, if you prefer to order it from your own bookstore.

The book itself is noteworthy, but we're also thrilled that Rysan Welsh Springers is a part of it. Some of the pictures in the book were taken here at "Camp Rysan" by professional photographer Isabel Francais. The book includes photos of our puppies and adults taken over the past 4 years, and many are as recent as May, 1997. They include photos of Spotty , Kayo, Kismet, other adult dogs, and even some of us "humans". Yes, that's really me in a few of the photos--hey, wait a minute... I thought the camera was aimed at the DOG, ya know, not me...The book presents general information about the breed, including obedience, breed, and field trained Welshies. The information is accompanied by beautiful high-gloss photos, and includes routine care and training tips aimed at first-time dog owners.

The other American book written about the breed was authored by William Pferd III and published in 1977. Bill Pferd and his wife, Jane, bred their Deckard Welsh Springer Spaniels in Morris County, New Jersey in the 1970's and early '80's. Relatives of their dogs still appear in the pedigrees of many current dogs, including our own. The book, titled "The Welsh Springer Spaniel", it is now out of print and available only from book sellers who deal with old and rare books. The book is usually sold at a premium price, but is well worth the money to learn about the historic dogs in the breed in both the UK and America.

English Books

The British books are all more recent, with publication dates ranging from 1985 to 1994. The most extensive of the three is "The Essential Welsh Springer Spaniel" by John Phillips. Published in 1985, it provides information and photos of historic Welshies, and lists of British Champions from the late 1920's to the late 1980's. There is also important historical information about the breed's development in the UK. Mr. Phillips is a hobby breeder under the Topmast name, and a licensed judge of the breed. In addition, he has been an active proponent of Welshies in field activities for many years. He judged Welsh Springer Spaniels at the WSSCA Specialty held in Madison, Wisconsin in 1991. I believe an update to the book is in progress, and I will post its publication date when it is released.

The second British book"The Welsh Springer Spaniel Club Book of Champions;1902--1992" is a rare book due to its limited printing run of only 500 copies. Published by the WSSC in England, it consists of photos and pedigrees of champion WSS dogs in the UK. It was compiled by Graham Tain of Taimere Welsh Springers, and includes a History of the Breed written by Anne Walton, noted judge and breeder of Hillpark Welsh Springers. Mrs. Walton also judged in America at the WSSCA Specialty held in Perry, Georgia in 1994.

The third book is even more rare--"Starters in the Valleys" is a paperback book published in 1994 by the WSSC of South Wales. It concentrates on the well-known kennels of South Wales, including profiles of the Cwrt Afon, Dalati, Pencelli, Tregwillym, and Wainfelin dogs and their breeders. It also offers historical information and photos about the breed in Wales, England, and abroad. This book may only be available from members of the WSSC of South Wales, though.

Finding a Book

Check out this site for books about Welsh Springer Spaniels. When I last checked this site, only the Pferd book was listed for sale.

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©1997 Sandra B. Rohrbacher