Yoranian vs Welsh Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison

The 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.

The Yoranian is a mixed breed, hybrid or “designer” breed. They are a cross between the Pomeranian and the Yorkshire Terrier and are very small dogs. They were developed in Yorkshire, England in the 19th century. It is a very playful, family dog that is not registered with any pure breed club such as the American Kennel Club or AKC.

The 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.

The Yoranian is a toy breed, as are both its founding breeds. It checks in at only 7 pounds and stands only 6-10 inches tall. It can have medium or long fur in any combination of the parent’s colors including tan, black, blue or white. They have small ears that stand upright and erect, a small muzzle, medium tail and large round eyes. They can be long and slender like the Yorkshire Terrier or barrel shaped like the Pomeranian.

Characteristics

1Children 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

1.Children friendliness absolutely but monitor so that the dog does not get hurt. They are fragile. 2.Special talents – high energy and lots of enthusiasm 3.Adaptability – very adaptable small apartments are great. 4.Learning ability very high gets bored easily

Health Problems

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

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

• 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.

The Yoranian has some medical challenges such as: • A very fragile neck and back. They can be hurt easily. • Low Blood Sugar must be monitored. • Eye irritations and dry eyes without enough tear production. • Dental issues with decay and loss of teeth. • Patellar Luxation of slipped kneecaps causing lameness. • Retinal Atrophy can lead to blindness.

1Feeding 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.

1 Feeding the puppy don’t overfeed and feed small pieces of toy dog food. 3-4 x per day ¼ cup daily 2.Feeding the adult don’t overfeed/ high quality adult toy dog food. Make sure pieces are small. ¼ to ½ cup daily 3.Points for Good Health – lots of energy and enthusiasm 4. Games and Exercises high energy and enthusiasm at least 2 walks a day. loves to play inside