Welsh Springer Spaniel (Detailed Introduction)

　　The ideal male Welsh Springer Spaniel should have a shoulder height of 45.7-48.3cm, while the ideal female shoulder height is 43.2-45.7cm. Weight should be proportionate to shoulder height. The coat can only be a rich red and white, allowing any spotting pattern, and any white areas may have freckles.
　　The Welsh Springer Spaniel’s head is distinctive and should not resemble the head of other hunting dog breeds. Overall balance is paramount. The head is proportional to the body and must never be so wide as to look coarse or so narrow as to appear lanky. The skull is moderately long, slightly domed, with a clear stop between the forehead and nose. The contour below the eyes is distinct. The plane of the skull top and the plane of the muzzle top diverge slightly, but the muzzle does not slant downward. A round and full head is the least desirable.
　　The eyes are oval, from dark brown to medium brown, with a gentle expression. Although lighter shades of brown are allowed, darker eyes are preferred. Yellow or unattractive eyes are heavily penalized. The eyes are medium-sized, neither protruding nor sunken with visible third eyelid. Tight, dark eye rims are best.
　　The ears are positioned near the level of the eyes, hanging close to the cheeks. The ears are relatively small with good hearing ability. They gradually narrow toward the tips, resemble vine leaves, and have slight feathering.
　　The muzzle length is close to or equal to (but never longer than) the skull length. The muzzle is straight and square-shaped, without excess flews. The nostrils are well developed, black or various shades of brown. Pink noses are a severe fault. A scissor bite is preferred.
　　The body is medium-sized with no coarse bones, compact structure, a long arched neck, level back, slightly curved loins, thick muscles, and docked tail. It can work in any environment and is an excellent water dog.
　　The Welsh Springer Spaniel coat is naturally straight and soft to the touch, never wiry or wavy. The coat is dense enough to be waterproof, thorn-resistant, and weather-resistant. Moderate feathering is present on the back of the forelegs, above the hock on the hind legs, the chest, and under the body. The ears and tail have little feathering. Excessive coat that hinders fieldwork is discouraged. Obvious trimming should also be avoided.