Breed History
Most authorities trace the Welsh Springer Spaniel back to the 13th or 14th century....
A document issued early in the 14th century called the "Laws of Wales" makes mention of a Welsh Springer Spaniel, but whether this dog bears any resemblance to the modern breed is unclear. The Welsh Springer Spaniel developed from stock similar to that of the English Springer Spaniel, and in fact for most of their history these two breeds along with the Cocker Spaniel were considered essentially the same, the only differences being size and color. These dogs were used to flush birds and other game from hiding by springing at them.Over time, the Welsh and English Springer Spaniels developed along their own separate lines, and by the 19th century they were no longer considered to be the same breed. The Welsh Springer Spaniel was introduced to the United States late in the 19th century and recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1906. The breed failed to catch on in America, however, and was virtually extinct there by the end of World War II. Renewed importation of the breed around this time brought the Welsh Springer Spaniel back from the dead, and since then the breed has experienced a modest but steady rise in popularity. The Welsh Springer Spaniel is still rare in the United States today.