Where does the 'Springer' part of the Welsh Springer Spaniel name originate?
Answer
Flushing gamebirds into the air for the hunter
The functional nomenclature 'Springer' directly derives from the dog's specific required action in the field. Spaniels, unlike pointers, are flushing dogs, meaning they actively pursue and drive hidden game, specifically gamebirds, out of thick undergrowth. This action forces the bird into the air, or 'springs' it, making it available for the hunter to shoot. This required capability, crucial to their historical hunting mandate alongside locating and retrieving, cemented this descriptive element into the breed's official title.
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