WELSH SPRINGER SPANIEL
THOMAS
Hi there! I'm Thomas, half Norwegian and half Italian. I work at IKEA, but my true passion lies with dogs, a love that has been with me since childhood.
My journey into the dogs world started with my participation in my first dog shows, alongside my pursuit to become a certified dog trainer recognized by Libertas and FISC at the "ASD Nuvole Rosse," under the mentorship of Carlo Marzoli.
WELCOME TO
KENNEL WHISTLEDOW
"Our story in brief"
Hello and welcome to our page!
We are Thomas and Ernesto, a couple who share not only life but also a deep passion for animals. Since we met in 2003, our love for animals has bonded us from the beginning. Our first dog together was a Boxer, followed by a Golden Retriever, which introduced us to the world of dogs and inspired us to breed.
Years later, in Italy, during one of the dog shows we attended with our dogs, we met a Welsh Springer Spaniel brought by a breeder friend.
It was love at first sight. By chance this dog came to stay with us for a few months, allowing us to show him at dog shows and to appreciate all aspects of the breed. Moreover, the breeder gave us the opportunity to have a litter for her, and in 2012 our first litter of Welsh Springer Spaniel was born... We were so passionate about the breed that we wanted to start breeding. In 2015, we made the decision to add a Welsh Springer Spaniel to our family, and we welcomed Rosie from Kennel Benton, one of the finest kennels in Finland.
But suddenly, few months later, a flood completely destroyed our garden and everything we had created in years for dogs. As if that wasn't enough few months later life decided to take away our beloved Rosie. Tired and completely overwhelmed by unfortunate events, we decided to make a radical change in our lives. So, in 2017, we decided to move to Norway with all our dogs. But life without a Welsh Springer was unthinkable for us, so some time later we found out that Rosie's mother would have a litter in the US, so we decided to fly to Chicago to Kennel Trystyn and return to Norway with Raya which marked the beginning of a new chapter for us...
ERNESTO
Hey everyone! I'm Ernesto, an Italian interior designer running my own studio.
While I'm all about creating beautiful spaces, my true passion lies with dogs. You'll often catch me in the company of my "girls", who bring endless joy and inspiration to my life.
Design and dogs are my two great loves, and they both play a huge role in shaping who I am and what I do.
OUR DOGS
A Puppy From
Kennel Whistledown?
We like to consider Kennel Whistledown as one big family, and we would be delighted if you'd join us.
If you're interested in meeting us and our dogs, please send us an email. Tell us more about yourself, your family, your lifestyle, and why you're interested in adding a Welsh Springer Spaniel to your family.
We look forward to hearing from you!!
GALLERY
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE
WELSH SPRINGER SPANIEL HISTORY
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a breed with a rich history dating back several centuries. Its origins are believed to trace back to ancient times, where similar spaniel-type dogs were used for hunting in Wales. However, the modern Welsh Springer Spaniel we know today began to take shape in the 18th and 19th centuries.
These dogs were highly valued for their hunting abilities, particularly for flushing out game birds like pheasants and ducks.
Their compact size, agility, and keen sense of smell made them excellent companions for hunters, especially in the rugged terrain of Wales.
The breed's name, "springer," comes from its hunting style of "springing" or flushing game out of hiding. They were adept at working in dense cover and retrieving downed game from water or land.
Welsh Springer Spaniels became popular not only for their hunting prowess but also for their friendly and loyal temperament, making them beloved family pets as well. Their distinctive red and white coat, along with their expressive eyes and friendly demeanor, endeared them to many households.
However, despite their popularity, Welsh Springer Spaniels faced a decline in numbers during the early 20th century due to changes in hunting practices and the devastating effects of World War I and II. Efforts by dedicated breed enthusiasts helped revive the breed, ensuring its survival into the modern era.
Today, the Welsh Springer Spaniel continues to be cherished for its versatility as both a hunting companion and a beloved family pet.
Their intelligence, affectionate nature, and boundless energy make them excellent partners for various activities, including obedience trials, agility courses, and, of course, long walks in the countryside.
THE STANDARD
by The Kennel Club UK
General Appearance: The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a compact, medium-sized dog with a well-balanced and robust build. They should convey strength, stamina, and agility.
Head: The head is in proportion to the body, with a slightly rounded skull and a well-defined stop. The muzzle is of medium length, tapering slightly towards the nose, which is typically black or dark liver in color. The lips are tight and the jaws are strong.
Eyes: The eyes are oval-shaped, medium-sized, and dark in color. They should have a kind and alert expression, set moderately apart on the skull.
Ears: The ears are moderately long, set level with the eyes, and hang close to the cheeks. They are well feathered with silky hair.
Neck: The neck is moderately long, muscular, and slightly arched, blending smoothly into well-laid-back shoulders.
Body: The body is compact with a level topline and a well-sprung ribcage. The chest is deep, providing ample lung capacity, and the back is strong and straight.
Tail: The tail is customarily docked to a medium length, set level with the topline and carried gaily. It is well feathered.
Legs: The forelegs are straight and well-boned, with moderate feathering. The hindquarters are well-developed with well-turned stifles and strong, muscular thighs.
Feet: The feet are round and tight, with well-arched toes and thick pads.
Coat: The coat is flat, straight, and weatherproof, with moderate feathering on the ears, chest, belly, and legs. The color is rich red and white, with clear and well-defined markings.
Size: Adult Welsh Springer Spaniels typically stand between 17 to 19 inches (43 to 48 cm) at the shoulder and weigh between 35 to 45 pounds (16 to 20 kg).
Temperament: Welsh Springer Spaniels are known for their friendly, gentle, and affectionate nature. They are intelligent, eager to please, and make loyal companions. They have a keen sense of smell and are enthusiastic hunters.
More about the standard in these 4 video chapters produced by the American Kennel Club:
Address
Nordengvegen 21, Hurdal
Norway
Contact
+47 916 83 936 ( Thomas )
+47 458 63 561 ( Ernesto )
By Appointment
Saturday
10:00 am – 14:00 pm
Sunday
10:00 am – 14:00 pm