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, nor sunken, nor 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 the 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.

TAIL: Customarily docked.

Docked: Well set on and low, never carried above the level of the back. Lively in action.

Undocked: Well set on and low, never carried above the level of the back. Lively in action. Feathered, in balance with the rest of the dog.

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 48cms (19ins) at withers (shoulders). Bitches 46cms (18ins) at withers (shoulders).

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.

NOTE: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.