Welsh Springer Spaniel Care

The Welsh Springer Spaniel (often called a "Welshie" for short) is a medium-sized, active, sensitive breed that originated as a bird-hunting dog. Welshies are energetic to the point of being hyperactive, needy, and usually pretty excitable--but they're still beloved by owners everywhere. Overall Welsh Springer Spaniel care will take a moderate amount of work, and will require some regular exercise and a good bit of training and socialization, particularly when these dogs are young.

Below you'll find details on caring for a Welshie including puppy development, exercise needs, and shedding/drooling tendencies. For answers to your questions about raising this loving, sensitive breed, read on!

As an active, energetic breed, Welsh Springer Spaniel exercise requirements are fairly extensive. Since they were originally developed to be hunters, Welshies will need a variety of daily activities that condition them physically (walking, fetch) as well as stimulate them mentally (games, canine sports). They make good jogging companions as well. Regardless of the activity, though, these dogs are sensitive and needy, and will always need to exercise with their people.

The typical adult Welshie, depending on its age and overall activity level, will need about an hour of proper exercise per day--which you can accomplish with a couple of walks or jogs and a good period of play. You can start exercising your Welshie puppy when it's three months old by taking it on short (5-minute) walks, then you can increase the walks' length and frequency as the puppy grows.

A few things to consider when exercising your Welshie: first, puppies younger than eight months old shouldn't participate in activities that include a lot of jumping, running on hard surfaces, or navigating of stairs, as doing so can injure their still-developing joints and bones. And regardless of age, all Welshies will respond much better to exercises in which one or more of their human family members also participates. These dogs don't like being alone (and will suffer strong separation anxiety if they are), so they'll definitely need to exercise with someone. Finally: Welshies will need to be leashed when in public. As hunting dogs, breed members have high prey drives, and will chase small animals--birds, squirrels, and cats, among others--unless controlled by a leash.

Precautions aside, these dogs will need exercise every single day. Welshies are lively and busy-bodied, and without regular activity they'll become even more hyperactive than they already are! Consistent exercise will be great for both the dog's and your own peace of mind. A few exercise ideas:

• Walking/Jogging: Two 20-minute walks (or 15-minute jogs) per day is a good target
• Fetch/Frisbee: These dogs will chase a ball, stick, or Frisbee for hours
• Hide-and-Seek: Good indoor, rainy-day activity; give the dog a treat when it finds you
• Canine Sports: Welshies can excel at obedience and agility trials, flyball, and other events
• Laser Pointer: These dogs will love chasing that "little red dot"
• Hiking: Excellent bonding activity; bonus if you can find a remote area where the dog can be off-leash

When indoors, it's a good idea to give your Welshie access to one or more balls or chew-toys that will allow the dog to burn excess energy (which it will likely have plenty of!). It's also recommended that you establish a regular exercise schedule for the dog, such as walks or jogs after breakfast and dinner and a play period in the afternoon.

In terms of shedding and drooling, these dogs don't need too much care. Welsh Springer Spaniel shedding is moderate, and drooling isn't an issue.

Welshies have straight, silky, medium-length coats that shed a fair amount all year long. Owners will need to brush their Welshies 2-3 times per week with a slicker brush to minimize the shedding (and to reduce tangling and matting too). Hair cleanup--vacuuming the floors and lint rollers on clothes and furniture--will be necessary from time to time, but won't be a constant chore.

And a Welshie almost never drools. If your Welsh Springer Spaniel is drooling excessively, it might be a sign of a medical issue, in which case a veterinarian's care is needed.