Type the name of the breed you're looking for below
[wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Don't see the breed your're looking for? Click here and let us know!
Breed Characteristics
1 paw - breed exhibits the least amount of this characteristic
5 paws - breed exhibits most amount of this characteristic
[fbcomments]
Welsh Terrier
| Other Names | Welshie, WT |
| Country of Origin | Wales |
| Weight | 20 - 21 lbs. (9 - 9½ kg) |
| Height (at withers) | Maximum allowed: 15 inches (39 cm) |
| Coat | The Welsh Terrier's coat is hard, wiry, and dense with a close-fitting thick jacket and a short soft undercoat. The undercoat provides insulation, while the wiry topcoat protects from dirt, rain and wind. Furnishings on muzzle, legs, and quarters are dense and wiry, as well. Welsh Terriers are typically red/brown with black marks. |
| Colour | The Welsh Terrier's jacket is black, spreading up onto the neck, down onto the tail and into the upper thighs. Their legs, quarters, and head are clear tan, which is a deep reddish brown colour. Some have grizzle jackets, as well. White is allowed only as small marks on the front of the breast. |
| Litter Size | 3 - 6 puppies |
| Life Span | 13 - 15 years |
| Origin & History | The word terrier is from the Latin word "terra" meaning "earth." Welsh Terriers originated in Wales around the 1800s. They descended from the Old English Black and Tan terriers that have been in existence in England since the 13th century. The breed has been officially recognized since 1886. Prior to 1900, Welsh Terriers were referred to as Old English Terriers or Black and Tan Rough Haired Terriers. Welsh Terriers were bred to be hunters of otter, fox and badgers on Welsh farms. To accomplish such tasks, they needed to be compact, brave and natural hunters. Over time, the Welsh bred their own version of the English black and tan, slowly breeding the features that appealed to their needs. They wanted a dog of good bone and muscle, with strong jaws and teeth. In addition, they needed the dog to have strength and stamina, but have a calm enough disposition that it could be trusted with their children or other dogs. Due to the weather, the dog needed a rugged, weather resistant coat. Appearance was less important than function. |
| Personality | The Welsh Terrier is a vigilant, active, cheerful dog that is affectionate and intelligent. Loving, devoted, playful and happy, it is usually patient with children and can withstand rough play. Curious, courageous, hardy, energetic and peppy, it is best suited to an active family. Welsh Terriers need plenty of exercise along with leadership, clearly knowing the rules of the home and what is expected of them. This structure is what makes a dog happy and well balanced. When a dog is lacking in this it can become timid and unsure. They can also possibly become dog-aggressive and stubborn as they make up their own rules. They will not listen if they sense that they are stronger minded than their owner, however they will also not respond well to harsh discipline. Owners need to be calm, yet possess an air of natural authority. Socialize this breed well with people, places, dogs and other animals. The Welsh Terrier has a slightly lower energy level than some of the other hunting terrier breeds. It likes to swim and dig. Some can be difficult to housebreak. The Welsh Terrier is bright enough to understand quickly what you want of it, but if you are not a calm, assertive leader, it can be sly enough to try to divert you from your intentions. Give these dogs constant variety in their training and remain consistent toward them. Remember to always be your dog’s pack leader. |
Care Requirements
| Health | Welsh Terriers are typically very hardy and healthy dogs. There are no specific medical defects noted in the breed, except that they are prone to luxated lens, a dislocation of the lens in the eye that can lead to secondary Glaucoma and cause blindness. They also occasionally have Epilepsy and thyroid conditions. In addition, some blood lines tend to be prone to minor skin and eye problems. Overall, they have maintained their healthy and sturdy tendencies through years of Breeding. |
| Grooming | The Welsh Terrier needs to have its coat plucked two, three or more times a year, depending upon the condition of the coat. It also requires grooming with a brush and comb a number of times each week. The dogs that are to be shown will require even greater levels of attention to their grooming. The longer hair at the feet, on the belly and around the face gives the Welsh Terrier its typical appearance. This breed sheds little to no hair. |
| Exercise | The Welsh Terrier is untiring. It needs to be taken for a daily walk or jog. It is always ready to play with a ball and to run and gambol off the leash in the open countryside. The Welsh Terrier likes to chase after anything that moves. Take caution when letting these dogs off their lead. |
| Other Considerations | Welsh Terriers will do okay in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. They are very active indoors and a small yard is sufficient. Notable Welsh Terriers; Charlie, pet of John F. Kennedy Clement Attlee, Ist Earl Attlee, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom 1945-1951 owned a Welsh Terrier. The dog is incorporated into Earl Attlee's coat-of-arms Gwen, Welsh Terrier pet of Edward, Prince of Wales, later King Edward VIII. In popular culture; In the animated film Balto III: Wings of Change, the character of Mel is a Welsh Terrier. He is very neurotic and is voiced by Oscar-nominated actor David Paymer. |
