Welsh Springer Spaniel

Pick a Welshie if you like the Springer idea but would rather avoid the working-versus-show gamble: this breed never split into separate lines. It is a little smaller, about 43 to 48 cm and 16 to 20 kg, and comes only in red and white with a flat, soft coat. Expect a loyal, sometimes clingy dog that can be headstrong and wary of strangers, and one that still needs plenty of exercise. Glaucoma and hip scores are the health checks to ask about.