166 DOGS AND ALL ABOUT THEM 



authority upon the various breeds of Spaniels existing in these 

 islands, and it was freely asserted that they were nothing but 

 crossbreds between the ordinary Springer and probably a 

 Clumber in order to account for the red or orange markings 

 and the vine-leaf-shaped ears. Even if they are a new breed, 

 they are a most meritorious one, both in their appearance, 

 which is eminently sporting and workmanlike, and for the 

 excellence of their work in the field, which has been amply 

 demonstrated by the record earned at the field trials by Mr. 

 A. T. Williams and others, but those who have seen them at 

 work have nothing but good to say of them, and for working 

 large rough tracts of country in teams their admirers say they 

 are unequalled. 



In appearance they are decidedly attractive, rather more 

 lightly built than most Spaniels, small in size, indeed very 

 little larger than Cockers, invariably white in colour, with 

 red or orange markings, and possessing rather fine heads with 

 small Clumber-shaped ears. Their general appearance is 

 that of extremely smart and active little dogs. 



The Welsh Springer is described by the Sporting Spaniel 

 Society as follows : 



Skull Fairly long and fairly broad, slightly rounded with a stop at 

 the eyes. Jaws Medium length, straight, fairly square, the nostrils 

 well developed, and flesh coloured or dark. A short, chubby head is 

 objectionable. Eyes Hazel or dark, medium size, not prominent, not 

 sunken, nor showing haw. Ears Comparatively small and gradually 

 narrowing towards the tip, covered with feather not longer than the 

 ear, set moderately low and hanging close to the cheeks. Neck Strong, 

 muscular, clean in throat. Shoulders Long and sloping. Fore-legs 

 Medium length, straight, good bone, moderately feathered. Body 

 Strong, fairly deep, not long, well-sprung ribs. Length of body should 

 be proportionate to length of leg. Loin Muscular and strong, slightly 

 arched, well coupled up and knit together. Hind-quarters and Hind-legs 

 Strong ; hocks well let down ; stifles moderately bent (not twisted 

 in or out), not feathered below the hock on the leg. Feet Round, with 

 thick pads. Stern Low, never carried above the level of the back, 

 feathered, and with a lively motion. Coat Straight or flat, and thick. 

 Colour Red or orange and white. General Appearance Symmetrical, 

 compact, strong, merry, active, not stilty, built for endurance and 

 activity, and about 28 Ib. and upwards in weight, but not exceeding 

 45 Ib. 



