It’s Dexter, the beloved Welsh Spring Spaniel! I get to photograph this spaniel twice a year for his owner, and this time we wanted to highlight his recent titles and GIANT ribbon, as well as our normal portraits and personality shots amongst the gardens in Grandville, Michigan.

If you aren’t familiar with the Welsh Spring Spaniel’s breed, here is a short recap of their history and breed personality… Affectionately known as Welshies, they are the oldest of Britain's spaniels, descendants of the original spaniels of the Iberian Peninsula. The breed then traveled from Spain to Wales, exactly how these dogs traveled in ancient times is a mystery that historians chalk up as 'lost in the mists of history,' but Welshie-type dogs appear in British art and literature going back some 250 years b.c. Welsh and English Springers emerged as separate breeds in the early 1900s.

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a vigorous, medium-sized bird dog of happy disposition, known for versatility in the field, companionability at home, and dashing good looks anywhere. The Welshie is among Britain's oldest sporting breeds. Welshies have two hallmarks that distinguish them from other spaniels: A uniquely tapered head and an eye-catching coat of bold red and white patterns. The beautiful coat isn't just for looks. It is a waterproof, weatherproof, and thornproof suit that enables Welshies to show off their renowned versatility in all climates and on all terrains.

CH Stannyfield’s Perfect Crime, aka “Dexter”
(CH- Show Conformation Champion, BIMBS- Best in Multi Breed Show, BISS- Best in Sweepstakes)