CHAPTER XVI 

 The Welsh Spaniel or Springer 



FEW years ago we heard of a new variety of spaniel, for 

 which the name of Welsh was claimed, and recalled that 

 the spaniels of Wales and of Devonshire were in the days 

 of Stonehenge described as liver and liver and white; but 

 these later-day Taffies were said to be white with some 

 red markings. It was claimed that this colour combination was quite 

 exclusive and was not an English spaniel colour, and that these dogs differed 

 from other spaniels. As to the first claim, it was made in ignorance of 

 many positive facts, while the appearance of the dogs when exhibited 

 amply proved that unless provided with classes for themselves they could 

 not be very successful. Those interested in getting recognition for this 

 variety made good use of the kennel press, and the case was summed up 

 and decided in favour of the claimants by one of the supporters of the 

 claim. Classes were obtained at one or two shows, and finally the Kennel 

 Club gave recognition to the variety as the Welsh springer. Several years 

 have elapsed since that time, but nothing like decided progress has been 

 made, and at the Kennel Club and Birmingham shows, which are about 

 the only ones of any importance which have given classes for the variety, 

 the support has not been at all encouraging; from six to a dozen entries 

 being the result at the latest shows by the clubs named. 



Americans seldom take up a variety or breed that is not popular in 

 its own country or in England, or has merits above those of kin thereto, 

 and judged by that standard there is no great likelihood of Welsh springers 

 being taken hold of here. No description is necessary, as the dog is an 

 ordinary, rather leggy spaniel, marked with red or red-orange on a white 

 ground. 



The prefix "Welsh" has become quite useful of late in England, for 

 when the effort of reviving the old rough black-and-tan terrier was proving 

 successful, the cry of "Welsh" was raised, and that name was decided 

 upon by the Kennel Club in place of "Old English terrier." It is no more 



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