Welsh Terrier
The Welsh Terrier is a breed of dog, one of many British terrier
breeds. It was originally bred for hunting fox, rodents and badger, but during
the last century it has mainly been bred for showing. Despite this, it has
retained its terrier strength of character and so requires firm, non-aggressive
handling.
The Welsh Terrier originates from Wales and has been claimed to be the oldest
existing dog breed in the UK according to the research of Julian Calder and
Alastair Bruce for their book, 'The Oldest - in celebration of Britain's living
history'. The Welsh Terrier was a latecomer to the British show-ring (being
primarily a working dog) and was not officially registered until the 19th
century.
It is currently on the UK Kennel Clubs list of breeds that are in danger of
dying out, having as few as 300 or so pups registered annually, compared to the
nations most popular breeds that are registered in their tens of thousands each
year.
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Thanks Stacy for a great photo |
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His name is Chewbacca after the Star wars
character but I call him Prince Chewy |
Description
Appearance
The Welsh Terrier is coloured tan on the head, legs and underbelly while
having a black or sometimes grizzle saddle. The breed is a sturdy and compact
dog of about medium size that can grow up to 15.5 in. (39.5 cm) with a weight of
20-22 lbs (9–10 kg). The tail is usually docked and is more preferred in order
to complete the image of a square dog that is as tall as it is long. The body
shape is rectangular, with elongated, "brick-like" face. This shape is formed by
the whiskers and beard.
The hair contains two layers, an undercoat that insulates and an abrasive fur
on top that protects against dirt, rain, and wind. Welsh Terriers are born
mostly all black and during the first year they change the colour to standard
black and tan grizzle.
This breed does not shed it's hair.
An undocked Welsh Terrier tail is only an inch or so longer than a docked
tail and does not make a great deal of difference to the overall appearance. The
coat does not moult out but old hairs will eventually be stripped out through
play and movement etc if the coat is not regularly raked. Ungroomed coats can
also fade and thin out as the old hair loses colour and texture. to keep a moult
free house and a good coat on your Welsh Terrier it is necessary to rake out the
coat on a regular basis. Welsh terriers need some grooming. Their fur grows a
little long.
Generally speaking, the Welsh Terrier looks quite a bit like a compact
Airedale Terrier.
Temperament
The Welsh Terrier has a typical terrier temperament. In the right hands, it
is a happy, lively, and seldom shy or timid dog, but sometimes can have an
attitude. The Welsh Terrier is generally friendly with people and dogs but when
a challenge is perceived, he will not back down. Dogs of this breed can be
devoted friends and can function either as city dogs or as country dogs.
Welsh Terriers were developed to hunt independently and this required that
they be very assertive and stoic dogs. As a consequence, developing obedience in
a Welsh Terrier is a long term proposition and one has to constantly work on and
reinforce the training.
They rank 53rd in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs, being of average
working/obedience intelligence. This, however, does not mean that Welsh Terriers
fail to learn or understand commands, just that they tend to make their own
decisions; thus the need for constant reinforcement. When acting on their own,
they are quite creative and quick in decision making.
A Welsh Terrier is full of energy and requires regular exercise. A run around
the yard during the day is insufficient. They become yappy, and if bored, they
may explore and potentially cause mischief and damage. Welsh Terriers need a
challenge to keep them entertained. For example, they love chasing toys and love
swimming (a good example would be lake activities with their families).
Welsh Terriers get along well with children; they love to play and follow a
child as it plays, however, they will often tug at pant legs and can knock young
ones off their feet. If they are around young children at an early age, they
will easily learn to play more gently.
As with all breeds, it is important to socialize Welsh Terriers as early as
possible to a wide range of dogs, people, and experiences.
Your Dog Photos and Stories |
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Question: Is this a Welsh Terrier ? |
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Health
The body of the Welsh Terrier is normal and healthy so that the physique is
durable and lasting. Some studies have suggested a genetic predisposition to
Glaucoma, as yet inconclusive . A healthy Welsh Terrier lives around 12 to 13
years on average and stays active and alert up to a high age if it is well taken
care of and healthy.
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Comments |
| I have a 7 months old welsh terrier male and Jerry is a
real character:) I wasn't planning to get one but it just happened and no
regrets! After his morning and evening walk he sleeps like a baby. I really
recommend this breed if you want fun, loyalty and a real friend! |
| i have a welsh terrier! and his name is fergus and he is so cute!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
| I Want a Welsh Terrier soooo bad!!!!! They are by far one of the cutest dog
breeds I have ever seen! and a perfect size, not to big, and not to small :) |
| i just found a welsh terrier on the road but got ran over and needed tips. these
really helped!! :-) |
| I have owned many purebreds and lines. Of all the breeds that I have owned the
Welsh Terrier is the heartbreaker of all times. My closest friends and long
loved babies I have ever had. |
| my family has had a welsh terrier for 2 years and he is a great dog but a lot of
work. needs a lot play time |
| I have owned my welsh boy for 14 yrs. he's slowed down now but still comes to
life. I love him more than words can describe..It is my favorite breed. They are
by far the cutest dogs in the world. |
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i owned a welsh terrier for almost 16 years she was funny
friendly a real treat to own and although it is eight long years now without her
not a day goes by i do not think of her she has left a long lasting impression
on me |
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i love that dog!!! |
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a cat dog . he is half cat/pitbull/and huskie in him. he is 8
months old he is brown red and when you just get home he smiles! |
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