WELCOME TO THE NORTH OF ENGLAND WELSH SPRINGER SPANIEL CLUB
We hope this site will provide information on the breed to those who believe this fascinating little dog is the one for them. Our Club, it's Committee and members will always try to assist in any way they can to supply the information you require to judge whether this breed is truly what they seek.
The Club
The North of England Welsh Springer Club is the youngest of the four breed clubs in Britain. It was formed in 1990 at a meeting of enthusiasts of the breed held at The Heaves Hotel near Kendal in Cumbria and was allocated a sphere of influence by the Kennel Club which stretched from the Scottish Border south to the River Trent. The objects of the club were set as ‘to encourage the promotion of the Welsh Springer Spaniel, its well being as a companion and for exhibition, training and working in accordance with Kennel Club Standards and Rules.'
The Club initially held two Open Shows per year both being held in Cumbria close to the site of the inaugural meeting. However the Kennel Club granted it Championship Show status in 2000 and we now hold two annual Open shows, one in July (in conjunction with Leeds Championship Show) and the other in November, as well as the Championship Show in April. The November Open Show and the April Championship Show are held at Thorpe Willoughby village hall near Selby in North Yorkshire.
The Club was instrumental in assisting the other three clubs in the formation of the Joint Health Group who were tasked with upholding the good health of the breed by pro-actively seeking to identify and eradicate hereditary problems as they came to light.
The Breed
So what is the Welsh Springer Spaniel? The Breed Standard, the blue print for the breed, tells us that they are of ancient origin and there is no doubt that this dual purpose spaniel has worked the hills and valleys of Wales for centuries before they were registered by the Kennel Club in 1902. They are of a handy size between a Cocker and English Springer, dogs standing at 19" to the shoulder with bitches around an inch smaller.
They only come in one colour combination, and what a combination that is, a rich red and sparking white. They are an attractive and handsome dog with a loving, willing if sometimes headstrong temperament.. They have attracted many adherents over the years and their numbers and success in the show ring have increased steadily since the 1960's. In the Field he has not the zip and verve of his working cousin the English Springer but is said to display a thoroughness the English sometimes lacks. It is a breed who enjoys attention and companionship and when it is given it is returned with interest. In short they can be all things to all people. A great little dog!