Description

The Welsh Terrier looks like a small Airedale Terrier: compact and rugged-looking, with a wiry coat. The head is long, flat and rectangular, with bushy eyebrows, mustache and beard. The Muzzle is squared at the end, never pointed and is somewhat deeper than that of the Fox Terriers. The v-shaped ears fold forward. The nose is black and the almond-shaped eyes are small and dark. The teeth meet in a scissors or level bite (scissors bite is preferred). The cat-like feet are small and rounded. The top of the back forms a straight, level line. Dewclaws on front and back legs are removed. The harsh wiry coat comes in black & tan and grizzle. Puppies are born all black. The extremities then lighten gradually, leaving a black "jacket." The tail is docked and carried gaily.

Origin

The Welsh Terrier was originally developed in Wales to hunt otter, fox and badger in their dens and also to hunt with hounds in packs. The breed was probably an offshoot of the old British Black & Tan Terrier. The Welsh Terrier was first shown in England in 1884 and first imported to the United States in 1888. For sometime it had existed as the old Reddish-Black Wirehaired Terrier. Today's Welsh Terrier is primarily a companion dog, but still retains his hunting ability. Some of the Welsh Terrier's talents include: hunting, tracking, watchdogging, agility, and performing tricks.

Temperament

The Welsh Terrier is a vigilant, active, cheerful and uncomplicated dog, which is affectionate and intelligent. Loving, loyal and hardy, it is usually patient with children and can withstand a bit of rough play. Welsh Terriers are curious and playful. Happy, energetic and spunky, they are best with a young, active family. Welsh Terriers are generally brave, though some tend to be timid when touched unexpectedly. Socialize them well when they are young to combat this tendency. Some are very combative with other animals and some are not quarrelsome at all. The Welsh Terrier is a little calmer than the other long-legged terriers. He likes to swim and some like to dig. Some can be difficult to housebreak, especially bitches. The Welsh Terrier is bright enough to understand quickly what you want of it but is also cunning enough to try to divert you from your intentions. Give these dogs constant variety in their training and remain consistent towards them.

Height

Height: Maximum allowed: 15 (39cm)

Weight

Weight: 20-21 pounds (9-9½kg)

Known Health Problems

Some lines are prone to skin and eye problems.

Conditions for Living

Welsh Terriers will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are very active indoors and a small yard is sufficient.

Exercise Requirments

walk. 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 things, so don't let them off the lead except in an enclosed area - unless the dog is very well trained.

Life Expectancy

About 10-12 years.

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, give the Welsh Terrier its typical appearance. This breed sheds little to no hair.

Group

Terrier, AKC, Terrier