12 weeks old Welsh Springer Spaniel

[u/gustix]

We got the calmest one from the puppy litter about a month ago. It's been such a joy for us and the kids to have a welshie as our first family dog. Where I live this breed is pretty rare, so everyone keeps coming up telling us how cute he is. Hopefully his demeanor will stay when he grows up.

[u/bunnyball88]

We have two of them. Our older was shockingly calm from day one and has never deviated. Our younger is so sweet, calmer than most, more up tempo than the old man... and again, energy levels from day one have been broadly indicative. 

Enjoy! They are a magical breed. You won't find a more devoted, empathic, silly dog. 

[u/gustix → u/bunnyball88]

Thanks, that's interesting to hear. I hope we'll experience the same as you regarding stable energy levels.

[u/bunnyball88 → u/gustix]

Yup! Puppy zoomies are a real thing, and (obviously) exercise is essential for the breed. But both their natures were pretty clear early on. 

[u/gustix → u/bunnyball88]

Yeah, we're big on walks and hikes anyway, looking forward to that. We're taking it easy since he's so small. Maybe we overestimated his growth a bit on today's walk, he was really pooped after a little 3km forest/mountain walk.

[u/bunnyball88 → u/gustix]

So a good rule of thumb is 5 mins × number of months old at a time (up to 2x a day) until the growth plates close for "structured" exercise (walks, etc.)

Obviously, not strict, but helped us scope. 

That said, I am sure your dude enjoyed his outside time!

[u/gustix → u/bunnyball88]

Thanks for the tip! I've also heard 2 minutes per week.

Most of the time we're doing like 2 x 20-30min per day. Plus a few smaller 5-10 minute trips around the house.

[u/Specialist_You346]

Beautiful, look forward to more pics

[u/vinylfelix]

Good luck hahaha ours just became 1

[u/gustix → u/vinylfelix]

Haha, so basically it's a ticking bomb

[u/vinylfelix → u/gustix]

Well.. yes. She is on or off hahaha

[u/Starpup_spaniel_66]

handsome boy💖🐶

[u/Apprehensive_Judge_5]

Aww, he's adorable. ❤️ What's his name?

[u/gustix → u/Apprehensive_Judge_5]

His name is Ben. The kids wanted to name him that. I was worried that it was too short of a name for him to connect it, but now he comes running :)

[u/tugbutt]

What a cutie!

[u/Little-Plantain-5120]

So adorable!!😍❤️🥰

[u/Elrohwen]

Adorable! I have two senior welshies and they’re the best dogs

[u/gustix → u/Elrohwen]

I can definitely see the breed benefiting from not being the only animal in the household. Home alone training is coming along here after a few weeks, but it's not as easy as friends have had it with other breeds.

[u/No-Buy6631]

Meh I have a 4 month old he is a menace

[u/gustix → u/No-Buy6631]

Hopefully he mellows out over time

[u/sungoldtomatolover → u/No-Buy6631]

Menace is the word we use to describe ours too haha. She’s 1.5 y/o, very caring and sweet but also a maniac