FCI-Standard No 126

WELSH SPRINGER SPANIEL

Kennel Club, London 1994     
F.C.I. Standard No 126

GENERAL APPEARANCE - Symmetrical, compact, not leggy, obviously built for endurance and hard work.  Quick and active mover, displaying plenty of push and drive. 

CHARACTERISTICS - Very ancient and distinct breed of pure origin.  Strong, merry and very active. 

TEMPERAMENT - Kindly disposition, not showing aggression or nervousness. 

HEAD AND SKULL - Skull of proportionate length, slightly domed, clearly defined stop, well chiselled below eyes.  Muzzle of medium length, straight, fairly square.  Nostrils well developed, flesh coloured  to dark brown. 

EYES - Hazel or dark, medium size, not prominent, nor sunken, nor showing haw. 

EARS - Set moderately low and hanging close to cheeks.  Comparatively small and gradually narrowing towards tip and shaped somewhat like a vine leaf. 

MOUTH - Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. Upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. 

NECK - Long, muscular, clean in throat, neatly set into sloping shoulders. 

FOREQUARTERS - Forelegs of medium length, straight, well boned. 

BODY - Not long, strong and muscular.  Deep brisket, well sprung ribs.  Length of body should be proportionate to length of leg.  Loin muscular and slightly arched.  Well coupled. 

HINDQUARTERS - Strong and muscular, wide and fully developed with deep second thighs.  Hindlegs well boned, hocks well let down, stifles moderately angled, neither turning in nor out. 

FEET - Round, with thick pads.  Firm and cat like, not large or spreading. 

TAIL - Well set on and low, never carried above level of back, preferably docked.  Lively in action. 

GAIT/MOVEMENT - Smooth, powerful, ground covering action; driving from rear. 

COAT - Straight or flat, silky texture, dense, never wiry or wavy.  Curly coat highly undesirable.  Forelegs and hindlegs above hocks moderately feathered, ears and tail lightly feathered. 

COLOUR - Rich red and white only. 

SIZE - 
Approx. Height: Dogs 48 cms (19 ins) at withers 
Bitches 46 cms (18 ins) at withers 

FAULTS - Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree. 

NOTE - Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.