Spaniel (Welsh Springer)
A Breed Standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.
SPANIEL (Welsh Springer)
GENERAL APPEARANCE
Symmetrical, compact, not leggy, obviously built for endurance and hard work. Quick and active mover, displaying plenty of push and drive.
CHARACTERISTICS
Very ancient and distinct breed of pure origin. Strong, merry and very active.
TEMPERAMENT
Kindly disposition, not showing aggression or nervousness.
HEAD & SKULL
Skull of proportionate length, slightly domed, clearly defined stop, well chiselled below eyes. Muzzle of medium length, straight, fairly square. Nostrils well developed, flesh coloured to dark.
EYES
Hazel or dark, medium size, not prominent, or sunken, or showing haw.
EARS
Set moderately low and hanging close to cheeks. Comparatively small and gradually narrowing towards tip and shaped somewhat like a vine leaf.
MOUTH
Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
NECK
Long, muscular, clean in throat, neatly set into sloping shoulders.
FOREQUARTERS
Forelegs of medium length, straight, well boned.
BODY
Not long. Strong and muscular. Deep brisket, well sprung ribs. Length of body should be proportionate to length of leg. Loin muscular and slightly arched. Well coupled.
HINDQUARTERS
Strong and muscular, wide and fully developed with deep second thighs. Hindlegs well boned, hocks well let down, stifles moderately angled, neither turning in nor out.
FEET
Round, with thick pads. Firm and cat-like, not large or spreading.
TAI:
Previously customarily docked.
Docked: Well set on and low, never carried above level of back. Lively in action.
Undocked: Well set on and low, never carried above level of back. Lively in action. Feathered. In balance with the rest of the dog.
[*refer note below]
GAIT / MOVEMENT
Smooth, powerful, ground covering action; driving from rear.
COAT
Straight or flat, silky texture, dense, never wiry or wavy. Curly coat highly undesirable. Forelegs and hindlegs above hocks moderately feathered, ears and tail lightly feathered.
COLOUR
Rich red and white only.
SIZE
Approximate height: Dogs: 48cm (19in) at withers; Bitches: 46cm (18in) at withers
FAULTS
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect on the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.
NOTE
- Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
- Only clinically and functionally healthy dogs with breed typical conformation should be used for breeding.
*Regardless of the provisions of the current KUSA-adopted standard, docked or formerly docked breeds may be shown at all FCI- and KUSA-licensed shows in South Africa, whether their tails are docked, or natural. Under no circumstances are judges permitted to discriminate against exhibits on the grounds of docked, or natural tails and equal consideration for awards must be given to either. (Fedco 12/2017 Amended DR/02/2018)
