Welsh Terrier: Key Characteristics
of Welsh Terrier Dog Breed
Group: AKC and KCGB Terrier
AKC Ranking: 91
About Welsh Terrier
Origin and History
of the Breed
The Welsh Terrier was developed
for use in the Wales to hunt otter, fox and
badger. He also worked with hounds in packs.
He may be an offshoot of the old British Black
and Tan Terrier.
Most of today’s Welsh
Terriers are companion dogs, but there are
still working dogs. They are excellent at
competitive obedience and agility as well
as hunting, tracking, and watch dog duties.
|
 |
A General Appearance of the Dog
The Welsh Terrier is a very rectangular
dog with a boxy head. He looks like a small Airedale
Terrier. The back is very straight and level, parallel
to the floor. The Welsh has v-shaped ears which
fold forward on each side of the head. The head
and muzzle are wide and flat like a three-dimensional
rectangle.
The Welsh nose is black and the
eyes are dark. The docked tail of the Welsh Terrier
is carried high. If the tail is not docked, the
dog carries it gaily but not curled over the back.
Males have a mustache.
The Welsh Terrier is a very sturdy-looking
dog, strong and muscular with a very alert expression.
Coat Color
The jacket is black, spreading
up onto the neck, down onto the tail and into the
upper thighs. The legs, quarters, and head are clear
tan. The tan is a deep reddish color, with slightly
lighter shades acceptable. A grizzle jacket is also
acceptable.
Coat Type
The Welsh Terrier has a harsh
wiry coat all over his body. Its hair is bristly
and resistant to dampness. The wiry coat has a soft
undercoat. This coat is not shed so needs to be
‘stripped’ by a professional groomer
every 6-8 weeks.
Height: Maximum of 15.5 inches
Weight: Average weight of 20
– 21 lbs
Personality
Temperament of the Dog
The Welsh Terrier if very energetic
and active. He loves to play with children and can
handle rough play. He is curious, happy, and spunky.
An active family suits him well.
By socializing the Welsh Terrier
well, you can avoid problems with timidity or aggressiveness.
They can show dominance with other pets so should
be introduced early.
Welsh Terriers often enjoy swimming.
Most like to dig. Some are hard to housebreak (especially
females).
A very intelligent and clever
breed, the Welsh Terrier is smart enough to know
what you want and outsmart you to divert you from
your intentions.
They need variety but firmness
and consistency in their training.
Better suited to an indoor
or outdoor lifestyle?
The Welsh Terrier can live indoors
as long as he gets plenty of outdoor play and work
time. He could also live outdoors as long as the
weather is not too hot or too cold and he gets plenty
of time with his family.
Welsh Terriers are not recommended
for apartment living as they are very active indoors
and do not settle down as they age.
At least an average-sized, securely
fenced yard is necessary for the Welsh.
Are they suited to homes
with kids?
Welsh Terriers are great for homes
with children as they have an endless amount of
energy and love the rough and tumble of an active
family.
Activity
Level
How Active is the Breed?
This is a very high energy dog.
The Welsh Terrier is extremely
active, but will get plenty of exercise inside playing
ball and other games. He loves outdoor exercise
but must do it within a fenced area or will chase
anything that moves.
Walking, and perhaps jogging,
can help him get enough exercise.
How Much Exercise Does
the Dog Need at every stage of its Life?
Puppies, up to two years old or
a bit older, often are very rambunctious. After
two years, he settles down a bit but is still very
active even in the house. He needs both mental and
physical stimulation.
Do not take your Welsh running
or jogging until he is at least one year old so
that his bones and muscles are fully developed.
They love competition such as
obedience or agility – and training for it.
Grooming
Frequent brushing is needed to
keep mats from forming. Watch for burrs and debris.
Bathing and brushing can be done at home on a regular
basis but a complete grooming should be done professionally
4-6 times a year to keep the coat in proper shape.
Owners can keep hair around eyes plucked so as to
eliminate irritation or invite infection. Regular
(daily) washing of the beard is advised to keep
bacteria from food reduced that can promote gum
disease and tooth loss. Trim hair on the feet between
the pads.
Use a monthly flea and tick preventive.
Health
and Care
Genetic Problems
A variety of eye and skin problems
plague the Welsh. A very breed-specific issue is
dry skin and many skin allergies. If this affects
your Welsh, try an adjusted omega-6/omega-3 fatty
acid ratio in the diet.
Litter Size:
Average of 9 puppies
Life Span: 10
– 12 years
Subscribe Now - For Free!!
Subscribe to the Welsh Terrier Mini Course, today!
Get insider secrets on
Housetraining, Obedience Training, Teaching
Commands, Diet and How to Control its Bad
Behavior like Barking and Biting - delivered
to your email Inbox for FREE.
Just fill in your details below and get started...
|
National Breed Clubs
British – Welsh Terrier
Association – www.welshterrierassociation.co.uk
Welsh Terrier Club – www.welshterrierclub.co.uk
US – The Welsh Terrier Club of America, Inc.
- http://clubs.akc.org/wfca
Other Recognition: CKC,
FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, CET,
APRI, ACR
Rescue Link: www.wtcares.org/
|
