Is the Welsh Springer Spaniel good with children?
I consider the Welsh Springer Spaniel to be an excellent choice for
families with children provided that
the family is able to provide the necessary exercise, training, and
care that the breed requires.
A Welsh Springer Spaniel should be carefully chosen for a household
with children. A breeder will select the puppy that is most suited
to your home. As with any breed, children must be taught how
to correctly handle and interact with a dog. Children should never
be left alone with a dog, no matter how gentle or well-trained.
Many breeders require that children be of a minimum age before they
will place a puppy in the home, for the sake of the child and the puppy
alike.
Does the Welsh Springer Spaniel require a lot of exercise?
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is an active sporting breed. The breed, designed to hunt tirelessly, does require a moderate amount of exercise to be a happy, well-adjusted family companion. A gigantic backyard does not in itself fufill a Welsh Springer Spaniel's need for exercise. Welshie owners should plan to engage their dog in play or activity, such as a game of fetch or a brisk walk. Many Welsh Springer owners enjoy jogging with their pet. If you plan to take your dog along on your morning run, talk with your Welshie's breeder to discuss this further...jogging can stress your dog's joints when started too young. Your Welshie is safest on a leash. Welsh Springers, as hunting dogs, are known to follow their nose...even when all of those delicious scents take them right into a busy street.
Are Welsh Springer Spaniels easy to train?
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is typically very bright, so much so that
he must be given early training to provide "rules" for him before he develops
his own. Puppy kindergarten and basic obedience classes are required
by many breeders upon purchase of one of their puppies. These
classes are of incredible value to new puppy owners. Welsh Springers
should be trained using positive reinforcement. They will quickly
"shut down" if force or negative training methods are employed.
Welsh Springers can be trained to excel in a wide variety of activities.
Welshies participate successfully in agility, competitive obedience, tracking,
field work, and animal-assisted therapy.
Does the Welsh Springer Spaniel require a lot of grooming?
The Welsh Springer Spaniel has a relatively easy-care coat. It will shed mud and debris easily. Routine care consists of daily brushing, weekly nail-trimming, and weekly ear cleaning. As spaniels, Welshies are somewhat more prone to ear infections than are breeds with a less air-tight ear structure. It is wise to keep your Welsh Springers hair trimmed under the ear to aid air flow and to lessen the chance of infection. Welsh Springers should never have their back and sides clipped. This will cause an overgrowth of the undercoat and will give your dog a fuzzy appearance which will require much more maintanance. Welsh Springers that are spayed or neutered may develop fuzzy tufts on their sides due to the change in hormone levels. This is not a concern and is easily removed with a magnet stripper or stripping stone.
Do Welsh Springer Spaniels shed?
Yes they do. While not profuse, a Welshie does shed throughout
the year. The amount will vary with the season.
Shedding can be lessened with daily brushing.
How much does a Welsh Springer Spaniel cost?
The price for a Welsh Springer Spaniel puppy differs from one region
to another based on cost-of-living.
Your puppy is the result of very careful planning and meticulous upbringing.
A breeder spends a great deal of time and money bringing his or her litter
into the world and helping the puppies to remain healthy in their early
weeks. He or she very rarely makes a profit on a litter of puppies.
Most breeders will be happy to discuss this further and can give you a
price based on their region of the country.
How do I find a Welsh Springer Spaniel breeder?
The Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of America maintains a breeder listing
on it's website:
The Welsh Springer Spaniel Club
of America
What should I expect of a Welsh Springer Spaniel breeder?
A breeder should be a member in good standing of the Welsh Springer
Spaniel Club of America.
He or she should be willing to share details about the health of the
sire and dam with you (see our health section for more information), and
will explain his or her requirements of a new owner. Many breeders
will ask that you fill out a written questionnaire to aid him or her in
evaluating the breed's suitability to your lifestyle. A deposit will
also be required, usually once puppies are confirmed or born. It is not
at all uncommon for puppies to be sold well before birth. You can
expect to place your name on a waiting list.. Remember that good
things come to those who wait!
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