The UK Breed Standard for the
Welsh Springer Spaniel

Members of the UK's "Kennel Club" were asked not to post the breed standard on their web sites, pending deployment of the Kennel Club's own WWW site. This site has not yet been launched and I think it is useful to refer to a breed standard in the Welshie's "Country of Origin". Once there is an "official" web site for the Kennel Club, I will link to their WSS page.

General Appearance

Symmetrical, compact, not leggy, obviously built forendurance and hard work. Quick and active mover, displaying plenty of push and drive.

Characteristics

Very ancient and distinct breed of pure origin. Strong, merry and very active.

Temperament

Kindly disposition, not showing aggression or nervousness.

Head and Skull

Skull of proportionate length, slightly domed, clearly defined stop, well-chiselled below eyes. Muzzle medium length, straight, fairly square. Nostrils well developed, brown to dark.

Eyes

Hazel or dark, medium size, not prominent, nor sunken, nor showing haw.

Ears

Set moderately low and hanging close to cheeks. Comparatively small and gradually narrowing towards tip and shaped somewhat like a vine leaf.

Mouth

Jaws strong, with perfect, regular scissor bite.

Neck

Long, muscular, clean in throat, neatly set into long sloping shoulders.

Forequarters

Forelegs of medium length, straight, well boned.

Body

Strong and muscular, with deep brisket, well sprung ribs; length of body proportionate to length of leg, very well balanced; muscular loin slightly arched and well coupled up.

Hindquarters

Strong and muscular, wide and fully developed with deep second thighs. Hindlegs well boned, hocks well let down; stifles moderately angled, neither turned in nor out.

Feet

Round, with thick pads. Firm and cat-like, not large or spreading.

Tail

Well set on and low, never carried above level of back. Lively in action.

Gait/Movement

Smooth, powerful, ground-covering action; driving from rear.

Coat

Straight or flat, silky texture, never wiry nor wavy. Curly coat highly undesirable. Forelegs and hindlegs above hocks moderately feathered, ears and tail lightly feathered.

Color

Rich red and white only.

Size

Approximate height: Dogs 48 cm (19') at withers; Bitches 46 cm (18") at withers.

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

Note

Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

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©1997 Sandra B. Rohrbacher