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VIII.  THE WELSH SPRINGER.—­Like the English Springer, the Welsh Springer has only very recently come into existence—­officially, that is to say; but his admirers claim for him that he has existed as a separate breed for a long time, though not beyond the bounds of the Principality, where he is referred to as the Starter.

When his claims were first put forward they were vigorously contested by many who could claim to speak and write with 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:—­

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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 lb. and upwards in weight, but not exceeding 45 lb.