The Welsh Springer Spaniel is red and white and does not come in any other colour. It is a busy, active and happy dog, and extremely loyal and loving to its family and it makes a terrific watchdog. Welsh Springer Spaniels may be reserved with strangers, but they should not be timid or shy. Socialisation with pups should begin as soon as possible and continue throughout its life. Training should be fair and consistent, using modern, gentle techniques. It should be kept in a well-fenced yard, as they have been known to wander once they put their nose to the ground. They require daily exercise and stimulation and if left alone in the back yard, may result in excessive barking and destructive behaviour.

Welshies are a fairly good with other dogs and cats, provided the owners are consistent and thoughtful to the hierarchy of the household. However, bear in mind that it is a gundog and will show a "real interest" in birds and rabbits.

CARE REQUIREMENTS

Apart from the routine care requirements of all dogs, such as worming, vaccinations and flea treatment, Welshies need their paws trimmed regularly and under the pads. Their ears need to be trimmed around the edge of the ear (leathers), underneath the ears and around the ear canal opening to prevent ear infections and allow air to the area.

Please take note:
Welsh Springer Spaniels can suffer from hereditary problems such as hip dysplasia, eye diseases and epilepsy. Both parents should be X-rayed and hip scored (currently the breed average is 19.5). Both parents should have a current "specialist" eye certificate.

IN CONCLUSION

If you have decided that the Welsh Springer Spaniel is the dog for you and you realise that the ears need close attention to keep them free from any dirt, contact one of the groups listed below:

DECISION TIME

Before making a decision on getting a puppy, here are some articles you might find helpful:

• What do we need to consider if we are thinking of buying a puppy?
• How do I determine which breeder to use?
• What should you ask the breeder?
• How do you check if the breeder is reputable?
• What to ask your vet prior to buying a puppy

RECOMMENDED BREEDERS

Breeder Name	Kennel	State
Robynne Flynn	Wispan	QLD	Contact
Bruce Cornish	ricochez	QLD	Contact

* We have vetted and approved these independent breeders as meeting, at the time, our criteria for the reliable breeding, feeding, care and sale of suitable quality puppies of this breed. This does not mean that other breeders do not meet these criteria or are not otherwise suitable suppliers. Nor can our vetting and approval guarantee the quality of a breeder or puppy or that you will be happy with them. We disclaim any liability for the quality, acts or omissions of these breeders or their puppies and our approval of breeders is not a substitute for you making all appropriate enquiries and checks (including veterinary checks) before choosing a specific breeder or puppy.

CANINE CLUBS

Australian Capital Territory ACT Canine Association Inc PO Box 815 Dickson, ACT 2602 Tel: 02 6241 4404 Fax: 02 6241 1129 Email: CONTACT Website: www.actca.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		New South Wales Royal New South Wales Canine Council Ltd PO Box 632 St Marys, NSW 1790 Tel: 02 9834 3022 or 1300 728 022 (NSW only) Fax: 02 9834 3872 Email: CONTACT Website: www.rnswcc.org.au (Details current as of 1/08/04)
Northern Territory The North Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 37521 Winnellie, NT 0821 Tel: 08 8984 3570 Fax: 08 8984 3409 Email: CONTACT Website: www.users.bigpond.com/naca1/ (Details correct as of 6/08/04)		Queensland Canine Control Council (Queensland) PO Box 495 Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006 Tel: 07 3252 2661 Fax: 07 3252 3864 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cccq.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
South Australia South Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 844 Prospect East, SA 5082 Tel: 08 8349 4797 Fax: 08 8262 5751 Email: CONTACT Website: www.saca.caninenet.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Tasmania Tasmanian Canine Association Inc The Rothman Building PO Box 116 Glenorchy, Tas 7010 Tel: 03 6272 9443 Fax: 03 6273 0844 Email: CONTACT Website: www.tca.freeservers.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
Victoria Victorian Canine Association Locked Bag K9 Cranbourne, Vic 3977 Tel: 03 9788 2500 Fax: 03 9788 2599 Email: CONTACT Website: www.vca.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Western Australia Canine Association of Western Australia Inc PO Box 1404 Canning Vale, WA 6970 Tel: 08 9455 1188 Fax: 08 9455 1190 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cawa.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)