Breed Standard
WELSH SPRINGER SPANIEL Kennel Club, London 1994 F.C.I. Standard No 5
GENERAL APPEARANCE - Symmetrical, compact, not leggy, obviously built for endurance 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 of medium length, straight, fairly square. Nostrils well developed, flesh coloured to dark brown.
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 a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. Upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
NECK - Long, muscular, clean in throat, neatly set into sloping shoulders.
FOREQUARTERS - Forelegs of medium length, straight, well boned.
BODY - Not long, strong and muscular. Deep brisket, well sprung ribs. Length of body should be proportionate to length of leg. Loin muscular and slightly arched. Well coupled.
HINDQUARTERS - Strong and muscular, wide and fully developed with deep second thighs. Hindlegs well boned, hocks well let down, stifles moderately angled, neither turning 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, preferably docked. Lively in action. Undocked: Well set on and low, never carried above level of back. Lively in action. Feathered. In balance with the rest of the dog.
GAIT/MOVEMENT - Smooth, powerful, ground covering action; driving from rear.
COAT - Straight or flat, silky texture, dense, never wiry or wavy. Curly coat highly undesirable. Forelegs and hindlegs above hocks moderately feathered, ears and tail lightly feathered.COLOUR - Rich red and white only.
SIZE - Approx. Height: Dogs 48 cms (19 ins) at withers Bitches 46 cms (18 ins) 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.
January 1997