Welsh Springer Spaniel vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison

Welsh Springer Spaniel vs American Foxhound - Breed ComparisonAmerican Foxhound is originated from United States but Welsh Springer Spaniel is originated from United Kingdom. American Foxhound may grow 16 cm / 7 inches higher than Welsh Springer Spaniel. American Foxhound may weigh 12 kg / 27 pounds more than Welsh Springer Spaniel. Both American Foxhound and Welsh Springer Spaniel has almost same life span. American Foxhound may have more litter size than Welsh Springer Spaniel. American Foxhound requires Low Maintenance. But Welsh Springer Spaniel requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Sporting dog
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United States
United Kingdom
Height Male:
53 - 64 cm
20 - 26 inches
46 - 48 cm
18 - 19 inches
Height Female:
49 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
43 - 46 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
18 - 20 kg
39 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
21 - 30 kg
46 - 67 pounds
16 - 18 kg
35 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 12
6 - 6
Size:
Large
Medium
Other Names:
Foxhound
Welshie Welsh Spaniel Welsh Cocker Spaniel Welsh Starter
Colors Available:
red, tricolor, black and tan, blue
red and white
Coat:
short, hard
Naturally straight flat and soft to the touch, never wiry or wavy feathered coat
Shedding:
Seasonal
Constant
Temperament:
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Sweet
Affectionate, Alert, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Playful, Responsive, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Hard
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

american foxhoundAs a cousin of the English Foxhound, the American Foxhound is a scent hound and bred for hunting. Robert Brooke brought the first hunting dogs to the colonies in 1650. These dogs were the starting point for several American hound breeds including the American Foxhound.

For almost 300 years the Brooke family owned and bred dogs from this bloodline.

At the same time that Brooke was hunting with and breeding his hounds, George Washington was given French Foxhounds. These were crossed with the Brooke’s dogs to create the American Foxhound. This breed is said to have been originally bred in Virginia and Maryland.

They are the state dog of Virginia. After Red Foxes were imported or migrated, Irish Foxhounds were brought to American and added into the line, increasing the stamina and speed that today’s dog’s still display.

The American Foxhound was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886. Today’s American Foxhound presents in many different lines but are all considered the same breed even though some ay look very different. These strains include the Trigg, Walker, Penn-Marydel, Goodman, July and Calhoun.

welsh springer spanielThe Welsh Springer Spaniel is thought to be an old Land Spaniel similar to the English Springer Spaniel. They were pretty mush an unknown breed until they won a string of dog trials and became more popular. Following this surge the breed was recognized by the UKC in 1902 and were named the Welsh Springer Spaniel. No one really knows when the breed was developed and cannot be traced because of lack of documentation. They were brought to America in the early 1900’s and were recognized as a breed by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1906.

There are images of a dog looking a lot like the Welsh Springer Spaniel in old prints and pictures. The pictures are of a dog known as a Land Spaniel very much like the Welsh Springer Spaniel. These dogs were thought to be preserved by the Welsh and originally called the Welsh Starter. It was a hunting breed working with falcons.

At one point the breed was called the Welsh Spaniel and was also in the UK studbook as a Cocker Spaniel or a Welsh Cocker. There were several different types of Cocker Spaniels including the English Cocker, the Welsh Cocker, the Devonshire Cocker. The Welsh Cocker Spaniel was a solid dark color while the Welsh and Devonshire Cockers were liver colored.

Following World War II there were no dogs left in Wales or anywhere else in the United Kingdom whose parents were registered pedigree. The unregistered dogs were used to restart the breed and these dogs are the ancestors of the modern Welsh Springer Spaniel.

The breed is still rare with only 299 registered in the UK in 2016. They are listed now a vulnerable Native Breed.

Description

american foxhound puppy - descriptionGiven the variety of bloodlines and strains mentioned above, there can be many differences in the American Foxhounds. Because of this most American Foxhounds bred to show are Walkers as they most closely fit the AKC Breed Standard.

In general, the American Foxhound has long, straight legs and is taller than the English Foxhound. They have a narrow chest and domed skull with a long muzzle.

They have low, wide set eyes that should be dark – brown or hazel, never blue. They have feet like a fox and laid-back shoulders with a curved tail. Athletic and muscled, the American Foxhound is bred to run. They are one of the rarest breeds in the United States.

welsh springer spaniel puppy - descriptionThe breed is a medium size, solid and compact dog bred to work. Their forequarters are angled and there hindquarters are well developed. This is a very good looking breed that is only red with white markings. A hard working dog bred to hunt. They are slighter longer than tall and are not penalized as long as the height tis not greater than the length.

The tail in docked except in countries where it is illegal to do so. Their eyes should be brown. Noses are black or brown. The ears are small with a fethering like most setters. The show and field styles are the same. They are confused with the Engolish Springer Spaniel even though there are many differences. But both breeds are born to hunt and “spring” at the prey. They are smaller than the English Springer Spaniel and larger than the English Cocker Spaniel.

Characteristics

american foxhound dog - characteristicsWith a reputation as a docile, sweet dog, the American Foxhound is great with kids and animals. They are gentle and often very shy with strangers. They are strong willed and stubborn especially when training them, so they are not a good first dog. They need an owner who has handled dogs before and knows how to be the pack leader without being angry or mean.

The American Foxhound is a scent hound and once he is on the scent it is close to impossible to distract him from it. They have a tendency to ignore commands when they are in this state. A strong owner/leader is needed for this reason. Don’t let him off leash in an unfenced area.

Characteristics

welsh springer spaniel dog - characteristics1Children friendliness yes they love their own children, but might be wary of others.

2.Special talents - endurance and stamina are intense with this breed.

3.Adapability – not that good in an apartment as this is a rare working dog.

4.Learning ability - intelligent and willing

Health Problems

american foxhound puppies - health problemsThe American Foxhound, like most hunting dogs does not carry a lot of genetic disorders. But they can easily become overweight and this can cause major problems. Dysplasia of any type had been mostly unknown in this breed, but due to obesity it is cropping up on occasion. Breeders have not, and do not usually screed for any genetic diseases.

The most devastating health issue the American Foxhound faces is thrombocytopathy. We will go into more detail on this in the Care for Pet section. This is a disease of the blood system, namely the platelets.

Health Problems

The Welsh Springer Spaniel has a few serious health concerns such as:

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia – can cause lameness and arthritis.

welsh springer spaniel puppies - health problems• Eye Diseases – Glaucoma can cause blindness; Entropian – eyelids curl inwards and can damage the cornea.

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis – can be treated with medication.
  • Ear infections – be sure to keep them clean to prevent this.
  • Epilepsy – as many spaniels have. Can be treated with medications.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

american foxhound dogs - caringWhether feeding a pup, or an adult American Foxhound, you need to be sure the food is high quality and that you don’t overfeed. The Foxhound is happy to eat as much as you give him. They like to eat. Make sure you measure and don’t free feed. Control what they are eating.

For a puppy feed twice, a day – 2 to 3 cups of high quality puppy food. When he becomes an adult feed him once a day with 2 cups of adult food.

Health issues

As mentioned previously, the American English Foxhound, like most of the hound breeds is a very healthy dog. They do not have many genetic health issues. They do have a risk for thrombocytopathy. This risk is slight, but all owners of American English Foxhounds should be aware of it.

Thrombocytopathy

This disease is a circulatory system disease with poorly or non-functioning platelets. Platelets are designed to assist in the control of bleeding and without functioning ones the dog can bleed excessively from just a minor cut or bleed internally from a minor injury. The disease can be treated but you have to notice it first. Depending on how severe the disease is, the treatment will vary. Some dogs will have to be given platelets.

Exercise and games

This is a high energy breed that is very active and needs a lot of exercise. They are not good for the first-time owner as they are stubborn and hard to train. They need room to run and get frustrated and out of sorts if they don’t have it. They can live in the suburbs but only with a large fenced yard, an even larger dog park and regular walks. This dog needs a lot of exercise. The simplest thing to do is take him hunting.

welsh springer spaniel dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy active puppy. Feed breed specific or medium breed high quality dogfood. Feed ½ -3/4 cup in 2-3 meals

2.Feeding the adult active breed. Feed breed specific or medium breed high quality dogfood. Feed 1-1/2 cup in 1-2meals

3.Points for Good Health endurance/stamina – can outlast many hunting dogs.

4. Games and Exercises – Needs a secure fenced yard. Loves sports and outdoor activity. Agility, obedience, rally, tracking and loves to run, bike and hike.

Comparison with other breeds

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  26. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison