Which breed shares the most closely related genetic and phenotypic pool with the Welsh Springer Spaniel?

Answer

English Springer Spaniel

The Welsh Springer Spaniel shares a profound genetic heritage, known as a common ancestral pool, with the English Springer Spaniel. Both breeds originated from a shared lineage before selective breeding processes, guided by differing kennel club standards and regional preferences, led to their recognition as two distinct breeds. Although both are classified within the same species and share the Gundog functional group, the proximity of their recent divergence means they maintain very high levels of genetic similarity, distinguishing them from canids that separated much earlier from the wolf ancestor.

Which breed shares the most closely related genetic and phenotypic pool with the Welsh Springer Spaniel?
animalclassificationscienceDogWelsh Springer Spaniel