Deze fraai uitziende spaniel is ook meer bekend van de tentoonstellingen dan uit het jachtveld. Toch zijn er nog goed jagende Welsh Springers in ons land aanwezig. Zijn werk is gelijk aan dat van de Engelse Springer. Ze zijn in karakter een stuk zachter, deels ook door minder jachtgerichte fok. De Welsh Springer is altijd rood-wit.
The Welsh Springer is the spaniel product of a country which seems to have been cast in a different kind of mould. His origin with the other varieties of spaniels is, no doubt, a common one but according to records this variety has been preserved and bred in Wales for centuries. It was not until 1902 that Welsh Springers were first placed on the Kennel Club register. Since then the breed has made great headway on the show bench, their numbers steadily increasing year by year. The Welsh Springer is a "symmetrical, compact, strong, merry active dog of around nineteen inches in height with a flat thick coat of silky texture." Add to this a rich red and white colour and the minimum of trimming and you have an attractive and picturesque dog that would appeal to an exhibitor.
UnquestionedIt will probably be the colour that first attracts one's eye in the direction of this medium sized spaniel. He is smaller than his English counterpart, larger than the Cocker Spaniel and has a style and expression peculiarly his own. Look no further in your search for the ideal companion, the very least you can expect during his lifetime is unquestioned love and loyalty - or else look away before you are close enough to appreciate the distinct Welsh expression in his eye, for once recognised you may be hooked and find yourself enquiring and wondering about this "distinct variety".
The Welsh Springer has been used in the
principality for many generations as a shooting dog, indeed "no shooting
expedition, at one time, being complete that did not include a team of these
merry red and white spaniels". As workers they can be trained to a high
standard of performance, no day being too long and no cover too strong for
their endurance and pluck.
Doubly rewarded
I have often been asked if the Welsh
Springer is an intelligent dog. Some question the existence of intelligence
in dogs, but whether this is so or not I have found that the Welsh Springer
is a quick willed and competent worker, showing individuality and initiative
on many an occasion. He may be a little impulsive or headstrong at times,
but with a little imagination this can be used to advantage. Use a little
understanding and patience in the early stages of training and you will be
more than doubly rewarded with the finished product.
When I think of the Welsh Springer as a
faithful companion I cannot help thinking of a very touching story told by
Dorothy Moorland Hooper in her book on "The Springer Spaniel". She recounts
an incident that Mr Hal Leopard told her that had occurred at Col.
Downes-Powell's funeral. Mr Leopard recalled that as he reached the lych
gate to go into the church for the service. "A very fine Welsh Springer came
up the road and waited at the gate and so was to pay a last tribute and
farewell from the breed the Colonel had loved so much."
One aim
And so you have the Welsh Springer Spaniel
as the exhibitor's dog, the dauntless worker and a true and faithful
companion. His demands upon you are really minimal - loving care and the
opportunity always to be near you are all that he asks for. In return you
will have a dog whose aim in life is to live to please.
Meer
informatie bij de rasverening
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Club Nederland
Rassen die u in Nederland in het jachtveld kan tegenkomen:
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STAANDE HONDEN Engelse staande honden
Pointer
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STAANDE HONDEN Snelle, ruim jagende continentale honden
Duitse
Staande |
STAANDE HONDEN Minder snel en minder ruim jagende continentale honden
Spinone Italiano |
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DRIJVENDE HONDEN
Engelse Springer
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RETRIEVERS
Labrador
Retriever |
AARDHONDEN
Ruwharige
Teckel |
| ZWEETHONDEN |
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