Welsh Springer Spaniel vs King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is thought to be an old Land Spaniel similar to the English Springer Spaniel. They were pretty mush an unknown breed until they won a string of dog trials and became more popular. Following this surge the breed was recognized by the UKC in 1902 and were named the Welsh Springer Spaniel. No one really knows when the breed was developed and cannot be traced because of lack of documentation. They were brought to America in the early 1900’s and were recognized as a breed by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1906.

There are images of a dog looking a lot like the Welsh Springer Spaniel in old prints and pictures. The pictures are of a dog known as a Land Spaniel very much like the Welsh Springer Spaniel. These dogs were thought to be preserved by the Welsh and originally called the Welsh Starter. It was a hunting breed working with falcons.

At one point the breed was called the Welsh Spaniel and was also in the UK studbook as a Cocker Spaniel or a Welsh Cocker. There were several different types of Cocker Spaniels including the English Cocker, the Welsh Cocker, the Devonshire Cocker. The Welsh Cocker Spaniel was a solid dark color while the Welsh and Devonshire Cockers were liver colored.

Following World War II there were no dogs left in Wales or anywhere else in the United Kingdom whose parents were registered pedigree. The unregistered dogs were used to restart the breed and these dogs are the ancestors of the modern Welsh Springer Spaniel.

The breed is still rare with only 299 registered in the UK in 2016. They are listed now a vulnerable Native Breed.

Classified as a toy breed, the King Charles Spaniel is a small, pure breed dog that originated in the United Kingdom. The dog was named after King Charles II of Britain.

The dog actually has quite a long, illustrious history. People mistake them for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, but they are 2 different breeds, just sharing the same coat colors.The King Charles Spaniel was crossbred with the Pug early in the 19th century to shorten the length of the dog's nose.

With a face similar to that of the Pug, it is thought that these toy spaniels may have originated in the Far East.The earliest recorded pictures of toy spaniels in England were in paintings of Queen Mary 1 and King Philip.

The breed is a medium size, solid and compact dog bred to work. Their forequarters are angled and there hindquarters are well developed. This is a very good looking breed that is only red with white markings. A hard working dog bred to hunt. They are slighter longer than tall and are not penalized as long as the height tis not greater than the length.

The tail in docked except in countries where it is illegal to do so. Their eyes should be brown. Noses are black or brown. The ears are small with a fethering like most setters. The show and field styles are the same. They are confused with the Engolish Springer Spaniel even though there are many differences. But both breeds are born to hunt and “spring” at the prey. They are smaller than the English Springer Spaniel and larger than the English Cocker Spaniel.

The King Charles Spaniel is a medium sized dog that stands at roughly 23 – 28cm and weighs anything from 3 to 8kg. He is smaller than the Cavalier King Charles.

He has a long coat which can be white, black and tan or a reddish-brown color. He has a domed head with a short, turned up nose and 'squashed' face similar to the pug. The eyes are large and dark and also protruding. The ears are set low and are long and floppy and the tail, once docked, is now left long and feathery.

Temperament:

Friendly, while being somewhat reserved, the King Charles Spaniel is looked upon as a lap dog as he loves to spend time indoors with his human family.

He isn't particularly energetic, but will still need some exercise like ball games and going on a walk. With training and socialization he becomes quiet and obedient and is known as a popular therapy dog. They are kind and loving with kids and pets in the home.

Characteristics

1Children friendliness yes they love their own children, but might be wary of others.

2.Special talents - endurance and stamina are intense with this breed.

3.Adapability – not that good in an apartment as this is a rare working dog.

4.Learning ability - intelligent and willing

Your King Charles Spaniel is such a joy to have in the home and because he is intelligent he will easily learn some simple commands too.

He wants to please you and be with you wherever you go. He is a social dog and thrives on your attention, and if you open your home and your heart to this sweet dog, you’re going to have a devoted, loving, loyal friend beside you every day.

Health Problems

The Welsh Springer Spaniel has a few serious health concerns such as:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia – can cause lameness and arthritis.

• Eye Diseases – Glaucoma can cause blindness; Entropian – eyelids curl inwards and can damage the cornea.

• Autoimmune thyroiditis – can be treated with medication.
• Ear infections – be sure to keep them clean to prevent this.
• Epilepsy – as many spaniels have. Can be treated with medications.

Eye Problems:

The eye problems that you might need to know about with a King Charles Spaniel are entropian, cataracts and corneal dystrophy.

Heart Conditions:

Heart conditions could include mitral valve disease where the blood flows backwards through the chambers of the heart, leading to congestive heart failure.

Breathing Problems:

The King Charles Spaniel is a brachycephalic breed and these dogs can have upper airway problems. Breathing difficulties can also occur because of an abnormally small windpipe which is a characteristic common to brachycephalic breeds. You may notice rapid breathing with your dog , snoring, frequent panting, coughing and difficulty with swallowing.

Vet Checks:

As a dog owner, you have a responsibility to your pet. He will need to visit the veterinarian for all his puppy vaccinations as well as other vaccinations as an adult dog. He will also need to be de-wormed.

If you don’t want him or her becoming a parent, make sure your pet is neutered or spayed. If your pet is showing signs of an illness that he doesn’t get over quickly, get him immediately to the vet.

1Feeding the puppy active puppy. Feed breed specific or medium breed high quality dogfood. Feed ½ -3/4 cup in 2-3 meals

2.Feeding the adult active breed. Feed breed specific or medium breed high quality dogfood. Feed 1-1/2 cup in 1-2meals

3.Points for Good Health endurance/stamina – can outlast many hunting dogs.

4. Games and Exercises – Needs a secure fenced yard. Loves sports and outdoor activity. Agility, obedience, rally, tracking and loves to run, bike and hike.

Your King Charles Spaniel has a long, silky coat that will require brushing twice a week to control shedding and keep his coat free of matting.

His nails will also require regular trimming to ensure they don’t hook on anything. His long ears are also prone to ear infection, so be sure to check them inside and out for ticks and fleas and to also remove excess wax and dirt.

Teeth should also be regularly brushed with canine toothbrush and toothpaste.

Be sure to keep your King Charles Spaniel content and healthy by ensuring he goes on a long walk and that you play with him to build a strong bond between you and to ensure he doesn’t become bored.

Excellent, quality food is important for your spaniel. The best dog food manufacturers have age- and breed-specific formulas and there is the perfect one for your King Charles Spaniel. Homemade food is also excellent for this dog and you can add some cooked chicken, brown rice and vegetables into his kibble as a nutritious treat.

Make sure your spaniel has a warm, dry, peaceful place to sleep and wash the bedding regularly to keep him healthy and happy.

Ensure he always has a cool, fresh bowl of drinking water nearby.