Welsh Terriers: A guide to dogs and puppies of the Welsh Terrier breed

The Welsh Terrier!

The Welsh Terrier is an old breed dog that resembles a small Airedale. It has small V-shaped ears that fold over and hang close to the cheeks. This sturdy, rugged dog has a thick wire-textured coat. Its tail is cut short and carried upright. This gives an impression of a square shape with its height approximately the same as its length. The Welshie, one of the breed’s most common nicknames, was also known as the Old English Terrier or Black-and-Tan Wired Haired Terrier. Its place of origin is Wales where it was used extensively as a sporting dog.

Some Quick Facts:

Life Expectancy:
10 to 13 years

Energy Level:
Calm.

Living Conditions:
City and country life.

Barking:
Average.

Exercise Needs:
Daily walk; play involving mental exercises.

Breed Group:
Terrier

Size:
Medium-Small

Height:
14-16 inches

Weight:
19-21 pounds

Standard Hair Colors:
Black and tan or black, grizzle and tan.

National breed club:
The Welsh Terrier Club of America

Welsh Terrier Skills

The Welsh Terrier was developed to hunt otters, foxes and badgers. Aside from being an excellent hunter, it is also a good companion, a responsible watchdog and a hardworking terrier.

Welsh Terrier Personality

A Welsh Terrier is calm and friendly, showing its best when treated with respect and understanding. It could be trusted as a companion and guardian of children as well as a good natured playmate of other dogs in the household. It is intelligent and always desires to please its masters. This breed is moderately territorial as most terriers are, but some behavior problems may be encountered such as dominance challenges and touch shyness.

Exercise Needs

Welsh Terriers are quite active and need daily walks as well as playtime. Although they will not misbehave on days that owners find it impossible to take them out for some exercise, other activities offering intellectual stimulation should be given to make sure that they stay agreeable.

Living Conditions

City and country life are both suitable for a Welsh Terrier. Country life gives it a chance to show its natural expertise for ground skills but it is quite contented with daily walks and playtime afforded by city life. This breed is a den animal making it the perfect student for crate training. The crate will provide it with a small space of its own. Leaving the dog on its own when the owners have to be out for the day would not be a problem. However, the Welsh Terrier likes to dig holes and have been known to climb or jump fences. It is best to provide a suitably fenced yard and additional wire fencing at least 6 inches below ground level.

Grooming Requirements

Stripping can bring out the best texture and color in a Welsh Terrier’s coat. Clipping for about four to five times a year will keep the dog looking trim. Since an adult coat does not shed, the dog will benefit from a good brushing and combing once a week to remove dead hairs. Frequent baths are not necessary.

Health Issues

There are no known major health problems for the Welsh Terrier breed but cases of dislocation of the lens in the eye that may lead to glaucoma or blindness have been reported. A Welsh Terrier can stay active and alert even in an advanced age if it is well taken cared of.

If you liked this dog…

...consider an Airedale Terrier as it is similar to the Welsh Terrier especially in terms of its protectiveness over children and level of intelligence and loyalty.