Physical Characteristics of the Welsh Springer Spaniel

(from the American Kennel Club breed standard)

Head: Unique and should in no way approximate that of other spaniel breeds. Its overall balance is of primary importance.

Ears: Set on approximately at eye level and hang close to the cheeks.

Skull: Of medium length, slightly domed, with a clearly defined stop.

Neck: Long and slightly arched, clean in throat and set into long, sloping shoulders.

Eyes: Should be oval in shape, dark to medium brown in color with a soft expression.

Nostrils: Well developed and black or any shade of brown in color.

Mouth: Straight, fairly square and free from excessive flew.

Chest: Well developed and muscular with a prominent forechest.

Ribs: Well sprung and the brisket reaching to the elbows.

Forequarters: The shoulder blade and upper arm are approximately equal in length. The upper arm is set well back. The forearms are of medium length, straight and moderately feathered. The legs are well boned. Elbows should be close to the body and pasterns short and slightly sloping.

Feet: Round, tight and well arched with thick pads.

Topline: Level.

Tail: Is an extension of the topline. The tail is generally docked.

Hindquarters: Strong, muscular and well boned, but not coarse. The angulation of the pelvis and femur corresponds to that of the shoulder and upper arm. Bend of stifle is moderate. The bones from the hocks to the pads are short with a well angulated hock joint. When viewed from the side or rear they are perpendicular to the ground.

Coat: Naturally straight, flat and soft to the touch, never wiry or wavy. It is sufficiently dense to be waterproof, thornproof and weatherproof.

Color: Rich red and white only.

Size: A dog is ideally 18–19 inches in height at the withers and a bitch is 17–18 inches at the withers.