The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a rare dog breed, with only 300 puppies registered each year. Breeders of this type of spaniel have kept litters at a limited number to concentrate on the quality of the pups sired.

This breed is from Wales and has been bred since the 1300's. Among the spaniels, this is the variety that has been preserved and not tampered with. This breed had not dwindled unlike some breeds that were brought back from extinction by ancestor breed mixes. From being at the side of Welsh hunters of old, they have retained their attributes at the same have adjusted them to the needs of the present day hunter. Its name is a combination of its province and its main task as a gundog. Before when hunters used Falcons to kill game, the Welshies would track and flush rabbits or fowl. One of its duties was to cause panic for the prey and incite it to "spring", making it an easy target for the hunter's Falcon.

With its etymology out of the way, the Welshies are easily mistaken for its cousin the English Springer or the Brittany pointers because of their similar build. What is distinct with the Welsh Springer Spaniel is that it is red and white, with any pattern or tinges of red on the white areas. Any other color of the Welsh springer is not accepted by the AKC. Their coat is soft and dense and is said to be water, weather and thorn proof.

Welshies are also longer bodied than the English variety or the Brittany pointer. With droopy leaf-shaped ears that hang close to its cheeks. The Welshies have very expressive oval eyes that may be dark or a lighter hue of brown.

This breed has put to good use all the attributes from its ancestors. Most welshies are considered versatile often with many roles to fit during the hunt. These days it tracks or hunts more than just rabbits or game fowl but much larger game. Aside from tracking, the Welsh Springer also retrieves game from land or water. Some dog breeds are split or chosen for function during whelping period. With the Welsh Springer Spaniels, they can function as a hunter, companion dog and show dog all in its lifetime. It is possible in Welshies to be a dog show on a Friday and be hunting Saturday afternoon. This dog breed is known for its superb obedience and memory-being able to retain and recall training and commands.

Welshies are by nature even tempered. They are playful and affectionate to children and other pets in the home. Though of medium built, the Welsh Springer is more of a watch dog than a guard dog. When danger is near it alerts its owners and rarely does it display aggression towards strangers. When around visitors, it is neither aloof nor unfriendly. The Welsh Springer Spaniel's life span is from 12-14 years, from an obedient puppy to an old aged has been, Welshies are always devoted and very loving towards its family.