Welsh Springer Spaniel
Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the Welsh Springer Spaniel. Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Hip and elbow dysplasia | moderate | Standard sporting-breed risk; request OFA scores. |
| Ear infections | moderate | Pendulous ears trap moisture; weekly cleaning prevents most flare-ups. |
| Epilepsy | moderate | Idiopathic seizures occur at elevated rates in the breed. |
| Hypothyroidism | moderate | Causes weight gain and coat changes; confirmed on bloodwork. |
| Glaucoma | moderate | Welsh Springers are predisposed to this painful eye-pressure disease; annual eye exams advised. |
Pet insurance for a Welsh Springer Spaniel
Insurers price a Welsh Springer Spaniel from the breed's documented claims profile — here, a clean bill of health with no dominant high-risk hereditary condition. Enrolling early matters more than shopping hard: no carrier covers a condition once it is diagnosed.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, the recurring cost of a Welsh Springer Spaniel is driven by how much it eats — which scales with body weight — and how much grooming it needs. At 35–55 lbs and a grooming score of 3/5, the Welsh Springer Spaniel sits around the average dog on grooming spend. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add substantially to the medical side of the budget — one reason breed-matched insurance matters. For the component-by-component breakdown, see the average cost of owning a dog, and model your own numbers with thecost of ownership calculator.
About the Welsh Springer Spaniel
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a red-and-white Welsh gundog, a distinct and older breed than its English cousin — slightly smaller, more reserved with strangers, and intensely loyal to its own family. It is an upbeat, trainable hunting companion that needs an hour-plus of daily exercise and hates being left alone for long stretches. The silky coat needs weekly brushing and the ears regular cleaning. Generally healthy and long-lived, it suits active families wanting an affectionate sporting dog in a manageable size.
Origin: Wales
Temperament
Related reading for Welsh Springer Spaniel owners
Welsh Springer Spaniel FAQ
How long do Welsh Springer Spaniels live?
The typical Welsh Springer Spaniel lifespan is 12–15 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Welsh Springer Spaniel?
There is no published breed-level price for pet insurance, so we do not quote one. NAPHIA's 2026 industry report puts the US average at $836 a year — about $70 a month — for accident-and-illness coverage on a dog, and insurers price above or below that line based on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the plan you configure. The Welsh Springer Spaniel carries no dominant high-risk hereditary condition, which keeps it near or below that average. For real numbers, request quotes for your dog's exact age and ZIP code.
Is the Welsh Springer Spaniel a good apartment dog?
Conditionally. The Welsh Springer Spaniel can live in an apartment, but its 5/5 energy level means you'll need a consistent daily exercise routine.
What health problems are Welsh Springer Spaniels prone to?
The most significant documented risks are Hip and elbow dysplasia, Ear infections, Epilepsy. Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.