According to Susan Riese, the Welsh springer spaniel is a breed that needs a job. Ch. Rwyn Heavens Alliant SH (“Glory”), one of the Rieses’ Welsh springers, does her favorite job, retrieving pheasants.

As is the case with many medium-sized and large breeds, the Welsh springer has problems with hip dysplasia so it is important to make certain both parents have the appropriate hip certifications either from the Orthopedic Foundations for Animals (OFA) or PennHip numbers.

Of much greater concern to Welsh breeders and owners, however, is the problem of seizures (epilepsy). While most Welsh springers are not afflicted with this nervous system disorder, the incidence is high enough among certain bloodlines in the breed to warrant concern among breeders. This concern was great enough for the Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of America to help fund a study by Dr. Gary Johnson at the University of Missouri into the genetic mutation(s) responsible for inherited canine epilepsy in the hope that his work will result in the ability to identify an "epilepsy gene" in the breed, which would mean that carriers of this gene could be identified with a simple blood or cheek swab test.

As is always the case with rare breeds, finding a Welsh springer spaniel pup can be a daunting task. However, the Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of America has a breeder referral on its Web site (www.wssca.com), which lists breeders in various regions of the country who are in good standing with the club and have been for at least two years. Be advised, however, that you may have a considerable wait. While that can be discouraging, it is important to view the wait in a proper light. It is a positive sign that Welsh springer breeders are not producing pups on a casual whim.

As always, before you buy a pup, make sure that the sire and dam have the appropriate health clearances, the breeder offers a written guarantee that provides for a refund of the purchase price in the event the pup develops genetic health problems and the breeder has a standing offer to take the pup back in the event the owners cannot or will not take proper care of it.

Most good breeders incorporate these items in a written contract that frequently includes restrictions on when or if the pup will be allowed to reproduce. Many breeders make use of the AKC's limited registration program to ensure that dogs from their breeding have met certain requirements before the full registration, which permits the resulting offspring from the dogs to be registered, is granted.

If you are patient and persistent, you will eventually be rewarded with a Welsh Springer and these WSS fanciers agree that it is well worth the wait. "They are great dogs, fun to hunt with and they are also pleasant to have around the house," said Randy Capsel. "What more can you ask?"