Welsh Terrier

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Description: The Welsh Terrier is a medium sized, compact and sturdy dog with a lively spirit. While the coat is described as black and tan, it really looks like a tan coat with a black jacket. The dense and wiry top coat is waterproof and the soft and thick undercoat provides insulation. The Welsh Terrier is an old breed dating back hundreds of years ago and has barely changed at all during this time making it one of the oldest pure bred terriers. The purpose of the Welsh Terrier was to hunt fox, otter and badger and to control vermin.

In 1885, Welsh Terriers were first shown in Caernarfon, Wales. And in 1888, the first two Welsh Terriers were imported to the United States by Lawrence Prescott - the same year the American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in the Terrier Group.


Height: The average height for a Welsh Terrier when measured at the shoulder is 15½ inches (39 cm).

Weight: The ideal weight for a Welsh Terrier is about 20 pounds (9 kg).

Coat Type: The Welsh Terrier's coat is hard, wiry and dense and lies flat. The undercoat is soft and short. The coat needs to be brushed regularly and clipped or hand stripped every few months. Show dogs require much more involved grooming of the coat. The Welsh Terrier's coat sheds very little.

Color: The color of the Welsh Terrier's coat is black and tan.

Temperament: The Welsh Terrier is lively, active, outgoing and friendly. They have a steady temperament and are a bit calmer than most terriers. Welsh Terriers are very loyal, affectionate and patient with children - all characteristics which make this breed a great family pet. The Welsh Terrier is very intelligent and happy to please its master. These type dogs need to be properly raised which means they need early and consistent socialization and training -and- their owner must be able to have strong leadership skills. Welsh Terriers are independent and can be difficult to housebreak; they love to dig and because of their natural hunting instinct - love to chase. They have a huge bundle of energy, therefore, it's very important to incorporate a lot of exercise and play into their daily schedule.

Health Concerns: The Welsh Terrier is a healthy breed. Some health issues which may affect a Welsh Terrier include: glaucoma, skin conditions or problems (allergies), thyroid abnormalities and epilepsy. The average life span of a Welsh Terrier is between 10 - 12 years.

Special Interest:
• The Welsh Terrier was initially known as Black-and-Tan Wire Haired Terrier and Old English Terrier.

Classifications:
AKC: Terrier Group
ANKC: Terriers Group 2
CKC: Terrier Group 4
FCI: Group 3 Section 1 Large & medium-sized Terriers
KC: Terrier
NZKC: Terrier
UKC: Terriers