The Essential Welsh Springer Spaniel Quotes

“The show dog may seem cautious because of good training; it should not be subdued or frightened; novices are often uninhibited to the point of ecstasy at a touch or word of praise. A wagging tail and a happy cheerful impression is a reasonable expectation.”
― John M. Phillips, The Essential Welsh Springer Spaniel

“Reaction in the ring is a matter of degree, and also of training, in ring craft, and socialization. There is a range of acceptable temperament, above the line which divides it from the rare cases of aggression or terror.”
― John M. Phillips, The Essential Welsh Springer Spaniel

“Showing is primarily a contest of beauty, and it is a valid criticism that brain power, or ability, cannot be assessed. However, the general mental demeanor of the dog in the ring certainly can be. The judge should be looking for a stable, happy dog, not easily frightened by the different sights and sounds of a strange show ground. A spaniel should not be unsociable with his own kind and certainly not frightened by other people.”
― John M. Phillips, The Essential Welsh Springer Spaniel

“It is generally accepted in show circles that no dog is perfect, and the sentiment is repeated frequently, in the canine press, in some form or other e.g. every dog has a fault. It is a multi-purpose phrase. Generally employed to reassure those of us with imperfect animals that we are not wasting our time in the show ring, it also serves to wring a little drop of humility from proud owners when their champions do not win.”
― John M. Phillips, The Essential Welsh Springer Spaniel

“Energy when combined with alert and quizzical minds produces lively and high-spirited creatures, in dogs as in human beings. Clearly, therefore, like the other gundog breeds, they need exercise in reasonable quantities to absorb their energy, and they also need training, clear and deliberate planned education, to develop their personalities.”
― John M. Phillips, The Essential Welsh Springer Spaniel

“Energy and stamina must come first, as a fundamental feature of the Welshie. They are virtually impossible to tire, and can therefore be worked all day under most conditions, as many shooting men have attested since the turn of the century, remarking on their superiority over other breeds for stamina and persistence.”
― John M. Phillips, The Essential Welsh Springer Spaniel

“Sympathetic handling is stressed because an important third element in the portrait of this breed is its sensitivity (or wit). This is as important a foundation stone as stamina and liveliness, and of course it makes the portrait more complex. As with humans, diffidence or an element of shyness should not be interpreted as dullness. The way that they are treated is all-important in getting the best out of them, as with all dogs, and brutality or heavyhandedness are counter-productive, apart from being odious and stupid ways of behaving. Someone once wrote with great wisdom that they could be trained but never broken. It is worth noting that Welsh are most responsive to nuances and slight changes of voice and facial expressions, and of everything else. Praise of the correct action, and plenty of attention, is the best way to your dog's heart”
― John M. Phillips, The Essential Welsh Springer Spaniel

“A sense of humour, expressed as a love of games of all sorts, is another endearing feature of the breed. All pups enjoy play, but the Welshman manages to sustain his puppy attractiveness longer than many breeds.
Though he seems dignified and even aloof at times, with his spaniel-sad face, he is never really gloomy, and delights in fun and frolic.”
― John M. Phillips, The Essential Welsh Springer Spaniel

“It should be remembered too, that success exists at various levels. Ine majority of Welshie owners, keepers, fowlers, syndicate shooters or casual pickers up, that one speaks to are disinterested in competition or any extraneous attention seeking. They are quite happy as they are, thank you very much. Few people, of course, have the time, the facilities, the inclination or perhaps the confidence to compete, in tests and certainly in trials, anyway, but they enjoy their dogs, and especially their Welshies with their reliable noses, at their own-essentially private-level of competence.”
― John M. Phillips, The Essential Welsh Springer Spaniel