Welsh Terrier Dog Breed Information

General Information:

Height: 14 – 15½ in
Weight: 18 – 22 lbs
Life Span: 10 – 12 yrs
Coloring: Tan with black saddle
Area of Origin: Wales
Similar Breeds: Lakeland Terrier, Airedale Terrier, Irish Terrier, Wire Fox Terrier, Smooth Fox Terrier, Border Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Scottish Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier

History and Origin:

Perhaps the oldest oldest British dog breed still existing, the Welsh Terrier is believed by some to be the “Old English Terrier” that was used to develop most modern-day terrier breeds. Bred to hunt badger, fox, and otter, the Welsh Terrier was a valuable working dog across Britain; eighteenth century Wales called the breed “Ynysfor”, and used it with elkhounds for hunting while northern Britain was breeding the dog referred to as the “Old English Broken Haired Terrier” at the same time. The two types were kept separate from one another for over one hundred years, however when the breed was introduced to the British show scene, a single dog could successfully compete in either breed category. At this time, the Welsh Terrier was still extremely “gamey” in appearance, and was deemed too rough to be shown in the elite dog shows. It was breed with the sleeker Wire Fox Terrier to give it a more refined look, and was accepted into the Kennel Club in 1886. While recognized by the American Kennel Club two years later, the Welsh Terrier did begin to gain popularity until the turn of the twentieth century.

Personality and Temperament:

Intelligent, lighthearted, and keen, the Welsh Terrier is a fantastic companion for an active household. It is not scrappy like other terrier breeds; the Welsh Terrier is typically extremely easy-going and agreeable with both humans and other dogs. It is incredibly energetic, however, and is very active. It pairs will with children who like to play hard and rough as it is a sturdy dog not prone to injury, yet not so big that it risks harming smaller children. The Welsh Terrier is typically friendly with stranger, however it is extremely loyal to its family and makes a good watch dog. While devoted, it is nevertheless an independent breed; hunters would rely on the dog’s keen sense of intuition to assess a situation when separated, and this trait remains preserved to the present day. As such, the Welsh Terrier is not prone to separation anxiety, however it needs to be provided with toys and activities to keep it stimulated mentally when alone; a bored Welsh Terrier can be extremely destructive. Because it needs firm and confident leadership to allow it to blossom into a beloved family companion, the Welsh Terrier not suited for the nervous or first time dog owner.

Exercise & Training:

The Welsh Terrier is an extremely athletic and energetic breed, and needs extensive exercise to keep it happy and healthy. Daily walks and runs are necessary, as are activities or dog sports such as agility, flyball, or earth dog trials. These sports challenge the dog both mentally and physically, and will help to ensure it is continuously stimulated and learning. The Welsh Terrier tends to have an extremely high level of energy indoors even if sufficiently exercised, and is not suited for apartment living. A house with a fenced yard is ideal to allow it to burn off excess energy. It is an extremely intelligent dog, however its independent thinking can make the Welsh Terrier a challenging breed to train. It can excel at high levels of obedience training with consistency and firm guidance; enrollment in obedience training is highly recommended with this breed.

Grooming:

The rough, double coat of the Welsh Terrier requires stripping two or three times a year to allow the undercoat to rejuvenate. Brushing the coat a few times a week will help to eliminate excess hair and keep the skin healthy; this is a low shedding breed. Bathe only when necessary to avoid drying out the skin.

Similar Breeds:

As possibly the oldest surviving breed of terrier in Britain, the Welsh Terrier has likely been used in the development of most other British terriers, such as the Lakeland Terrier, Border Terrier, Cairn Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Scottish Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rough Coated Fox Terrier, among others. Today, it is perhaps most closely related to the Fox Terrier, which was used to streamline the Welsh Terrier to suitable proportions for the show ring in the late nineteenth century.

Interesting Facts about the Welsh Terrier:

1. The Welsh Terrier has had many names throughout history, including the Black and Tan Wirehaired Terrier, Old English Terrier, and Old Reddish Black Wirehaired Terrier.

2. The White House has been home to a Welsh Terrier; Charlie, pet of Caroline Kennedy, made the presidential residence his home when her father, John F. Kennedy, was in office.