Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Tweed Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Both Tweed Water Spaniel and Welsh Springer Spaniel are originated from United Kingdom. Tweed Water Spaniel may grow 12 cm / 5 inches higher than Welsh Springer Spaniel. Tweed Water Spaniel may weigh 12 kg / 27 pounds more than Welsh Springer Spaniel. Both Tweed Water Spaniel and Welsh Springer Spaniel has almost same life span. Both Tweed Water Spaniel and Welsh Springer Spaniel has same litter size. Both Tweed Water Spaniel and Welsh Springer Spaniel requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Sporting dog
undefined
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Height Male:
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
46 - 48 cm
18 - 19 inches
Height Female:
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
43 - 46 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
18 - 20 kg
39 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
16 - 18 kg
35 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
6 - 6
Size:
Large
Medium
Other Names:
Ladykirk Spaniel
Welshie Welsh Spaniel Welsh Cocker Spaniel Welsh Starter
Colors Available:
Liver
red and white
Coat:
Medium length, wavy to curly
Naturally straight flat and soft to the touch, never wiry or wavy feathered coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Playful, Responsive, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

The Tweed Water Spaniel is extinct. Fortunately, we have some beautiful dogs that come from this dog. It is involved in bringing about the Golden Retriever. They were athletic dogs from Berwick-upon-Tweed.

It was in 1816 that Richard Lawrence wrote of the origins of the Tweed Water Spaniel which is thought to have come from the Newfoundland dog. It is believed that huntsmen used these dogs to retrieve the ducks and geese they shot. This purebred dog wasn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club or the FCI.

welsh springer spanielThe Welsh Springer Spaniel is thought to be an old Land Spaniel similar to the English Springer Spaniel. They were pretty mush an unknown breed until they won a string of dog trials and became more popular. Following this surge the breed was recognized by the UKC in 1902 and were named the Welsh Springer Spaniel. No one really knows when the breed was developed and cannot be traced because of lack of documentation. They were brought to America in the early 1900’s and were recognized as a breed by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1906.

There are images of a dog looking a lot like the Welsh Springer Spaniel in old prints and pictures. The pictures are of a dog known as a Land Spaniel very much like the Welsh Springer Spaniel. These dogs were thought to be preserved by the Welsh and originally called the Welsh Starter. It was a hunting breed working with falcons.

At one point the breed was called the Welsh Spaniel and was also in the UK studbook as a Cocker Spaniel or a Welsh Cocker. There were several different types of Cocker Spaniels including the English Cocker, the Welsh Cocker, the Devonshire Cocker. The Welsh Cocker Spaniel was a solid dark color while the Welsh and Devonshire Cockers were liver colored.

Following World War II there were no dogs left in Wales or anywhere else in the United Kingdom whose parents were registered pedigree. The unregistered dogs were used to restart the breed and these dogs are the ancestors of the modern Welsh Springer Spaniel.

The breed is still rare with only 299 registered in the UK in 2016. They are listed now a vulnerable Native Breed.

Description

The Tweed Water Spaniel had a curly liver-colored coat with a long feathery tail and medium-sized floppy ears. It is thought that he was a large dog standing at between 50 to 60cm in height and weighing between 25 and 32kg.

The Tweed Water Spaniel, regarded as a moderate shedder, would have required being brushed from time to time.

Temperament:

The Tweed Water Spaniel had so many wonderful characteristics that made him a splendid family pet. He was smart and able to learn basic commands. He was also very playful and would have made a robust, playful friend for children.

They made gentle, loyal companions for their human family and wee able to get on well with other pets in the home. They would have got on well with other pets in the home too and it is believed that they were amicable enough to have been suited as a therapy dog.

They made good watchdogs too, being active and alert, just loving the outdoors. They’re well suited to life in the country or a home with a big garden and wouldn’t like to be cooped up on a small property in the city.

welsh springer spaniel puppy - descriptionThe breed is a medium size, solid and compact dog bred to work. Their forequarters are angled and there hindquarters are well developed. This is a very good looking breed that is only red with white markings. A hard working dog bred to hunt. They are slighter longer than tall and are not penalized as long as the height tis not greater than the length.

The tail in docked except in countries where it is illegal to do so. Their eyes should be brown. Noses are black or brown. The ears are small with a fethering like most setters. The show and field styles are the same. They are confused with the Engolish Springer Spaniel even though there are many differences. But both breeds are born to hunt and “spring” at the prey. They are smaller than the English Springer Spaniel and larger than the English Cocker Spaniel.

Characteristics

Intelligent, courageous and friendly, it seems such a pity that the Tweed Water Spaniel is extinct because he seemed to have been a super dog.

Luckily we have dogs such as the Golden Retriever that remind us of what a good family pet he was.

Characteristics

welsh springer spaniel dog - characteristics1Children friendliness yes they love their own children, but might be wary of others.

2.Special talents - endurance and stamina are intense with this breed.

3.Adapability – not that good in an apartment as this is a rare working dog.

4.Learning ability - intelligent and willing

Health Problems

Because this dog is extinct and because no health records were kept, it is assumed that he would have had the same health issues as a Golden Retriever. Typical health issues of this dog would include hip dysplasia, obesity, cardiomyopathy.

Obesity:

This is a preventable disease in dogs, and if dog owners only knew what damage they do by allowing their dogs to become obese. Certainly, obesity shortens a dog’s life.

It is mind-boggling to realize that scientific evidence tells us that fat tissue is biologically active, secreting inflammatory hormones and also putting stress on the dog’s joints. Obese dogs develop an increased risk for cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

Cardiomyopathy:

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle characterized by an enlarged heart. The heart doesn’t function properly with the ventricles becoming enlarged. The muscle wall of the heart becomes thinner and this causes the heart to lose the ability to pump blood to the rest of the body.

Fluid can accumulate in the lungs. This can all lead to congestive heart failure. Your dog will battle to breathe, be panting and coughing, have an extended abdomen and may even collapse.

Health Problems

The Welsh Springer Spaniel has a few serious health concerns such as:

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia – can cause lameness and arthritis.

welsh springer spaniel puppies - health problems• Eye Diseases – Glaucoma can cause blindness; Entropian – eyelids curl inwards and can damage the cornea.

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis – can be treated with medication.
  • Ear infections – be sure to keep them clean to prevent this.
  • Epilepsy – as many spaniels have. Can be treated with medications.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

The Tweed Water Spaniel had floppy ears and as a water dog, he may well have had ear infections in his day. One wonders if dog owners of that time were aware of the need to have the inside of the dog's ears clean and dry.

The Tweed Water Spaniel would have needed to have his eyes checked too. Pus in the eyes could indicate the dog wasn’t well.

Exercise:

The Tweed Water Spaniel would have required a lot of exercise and would have loved long walks and hikes. He wouldn’t need an invitation to go swimming and if you threw a stick or ball into the water, he’d be right there, jumping right in.

If you were a person that thrived on an active life this dog would have been for you.

Diet:

Nobody really knows what the Tweed Water Spaniel would have eaten in the 19th century when he was around. He’s the kind of dog you’d have to be careful with as he could put on weight easily.

If he were around today, you’d give him a high quality commercially manufactured food that was designed for large, active dogs. No doubt in those days, the owners gave the dog scraps off the table.

Today if you wanted to give your dog home-made food, you’d stick to healthy foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and some healthy vegetables such as spinach, carrots and sweet potatoes.

Puppies would have required 4 bowls of food a day while the adult dog would require 2 meals a day.

welsh springer spaniel dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy active puppy. Feed breed specific or medium breed high quality dogfood. Feed ½ -3/4 cup in 2-3 meals

2.Feeding the adult active breed. Feed breed specific or medium breed high quality dogfood. Feed 1-1/2 cup in 1-2meals

3.Points for Good Health endurance/stamina – can outlast many hunting dogs.

4. Games and Exercises – Needs a secure fenced yard. Loves sports and outdoor activity. Agility, obedience, rally, tracking and loves to run, bike and hike.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Tweed Water Spaniel vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Tweed Water Spaniel vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Tweed Water Spaniel vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Tweed Water Spaniel vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Tweed Water Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Tweed Water Spaniel vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison