The Welsh Terrier dog breed‘s zest for life is contagious, and they always enjoy themselves to the fullest. He's a problem solver, which can be wonderful and terrifying.
Even though these are purebred dogs, you may find them in the care of shelters and rescues. Remember to adopt! Don’t shop in order to bring a dog home!
The Welshi’s joy, attitude, and brains all add up to one wonderful package: They’re a true Terrier. Affectionate with the whole family, even kids and other dogs, these high energy pups will be playmates with just about anybody. All that energy needs somewhere to go, though, so make sure you can keep up with plenty of exercise and mentally stimulating games. If you do, you’ll have a best buddy for life who will maintain you moving!
See below for complete list of dog breed traits and facts about Welsh Terriers!
Welsh Terrier Dog Breed Pictures
Vital Stats:
Dog Breed Group: Terrier Dogs
Height: 14 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: Up to 20 pounds
Life Span: 10 to 14 years
More About This Breed
He may look like a small Airedale, but the Welsh Terrier dog breed has his own personality. It's certainly a strong personality, and no wonder - he was bred to hunt badgers, foxes, and otters. Although not many folks hunt badgers these days, hunting cookies in the yard is a solid alternative.
Smart as can be, this party boy excels in agility, flyball, tracking, earthdog, and obedience competitions. He's also been involved in both search and rescue work and therapy.
The Welshie is a lot of dog in a medium-sized package, and first-time owners would do better with a less independent breed. However, other dog lovers may wish to step up to the challenge of life with a freethinker whose prime desire has nothing to do with pleasing you. Bred to hunt independently, with all the self-determination and intelligence that entails, the happy and lively Welshie rarely gets tired and wants to spend their days having fun, fun, fun! Don't underestimate his problem-solving skills, because if he's bored, that's a problem to be solved.
He's not for the faint of heart, or for those looking for a quiet companion or for instant obedience. As a matter of fact, obedience might be a long time in coming - but it will eventually, with repeated effort. He needs intellectual stimulation, and if you can provide that in his training, there'll be no stopping him in competition.
First and foremost, this boy has to burn off steam every day or you'll be scraping him away from the ceiling. He has a ton of energy and requires - not just needs - an hour of exercise every day. If you're looking for a jogging companion, he's your man; and he'll be up early brewing your coffee while waiting for you to get your running shoes on.
Regardless of how much exercise he gets, you should still expect to see some rough play in the house that can result in Welsh Terriers flying off couches or knocking over lamps. They're surprisingly tough when it comes to this kind of play (whereas some gentler canine souls dislike the wild enjoy of children). The kids will have a great time with him as they roughhouse - and nap - together; Welshies are terrific with kids.
- A word of caution: If you play with your Welsh Terrier inside the house, don't expect him to not race through the house at other times.
- Glaucoma: This is a painful disease in which pressure in the eye is abnormally high due to improper drainage of normal attention fluids. And that might be often, since he enjoys becomeing in high altitudes and will frequently relax on picnic benches and tables.
A Welshie is intelligent, and while that helps him grasp concepts easily, he can be difficult to train. You won't get anywhere with boring, rote lessons - in fact, repetition is the best way to get a Welsh Terrier to ignore you. On the other hand, you'll be amazed at what you can accomplish with fun, positive training that convinces him that you're the one in charge. He was bred to end up being freethinking, such as a child of the sixties, so if you work with this trait instead of against it, you'll have more fun than you can imagine.
He can do well in homes with other dogs, but he needs to be properly socialized to keep him from being dog-aggressive. He's definitely not recommended for homes with small animals due to his strong prey drive.
Although it's not ideal, the Welsh Terrier can live in an apartment. He's a born watchdog and will bark when he sees or hears something suspicious - which may be an issue in buildings with noise restrictions. A house with a small fenced yard is better suited to his energy and noise, particularly if you don't mind a few holes in the lawn here and there.
Like many terriers, the Welshie has a strong prey drive. Despite his hardiness, he does better living indoors with the people he loves rather than outside in a kennel.
The Welsh Terrier can be a perfect, devoted companion for an active family who has the time to care for him and meet his exercise requirements. He's independent enough to not yearn for or demand excessive attention, yet he's affectionate enough to enjoy time spent cuddling on the couch. He'll fill the house with the sounds of life and just might grace your furniture and tables. The Welsh Terrier is proof that lifestyle could be lived to the fullest and that not all good things come in big packages.
Highlights
- A Welsh Terrier can do all right in apartments if properly exercised, but the ideal is a house with a fenced yard.
As a low- to nonshedder, the Welshie can make a great companion for people with allergies. - Expect a fair quantity of grooming. Welshies need their coats brushed on a regular basis and also need their coats stripped about every eight weeks.
- Welsh Terriers can be difficult to train and require a consistent and fun training program. For this reason they aren't recommended for first-time owners.
- The Welsh Terrier is an independent breed not prone to separation anxiety. He will require toys and activities to keep him entertained, since a bored Welsh Terrier can become destructive.
- Welshies love kids.
- They like to be up in high places and will climb onto tables and other high furniture. Like many other terriers, the Welshie has a great time digging and can easily make a mess of gardens and yards.
- Welsh Terriers could be combative with other dogs and need to be properly socialized from an early age.
Barking and digging are common traits. - To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Look for a reputable breeder who tests her breeding dogs to make sure they're free of genetic diseases that they might pass onto the puppies, and that they have sound temperaments.
History
Although the history of the Welsh Terrier is not completely clear, we can ascertain from paintings and prints that the breed is quite old and may have been one of the first Terriers.
He was originally known as the Black-and-Tan Wire Haired Terrier or the Old English Terrier. Although associated with Wales, he lived in many parts of England during the 19th century. He was commonly used to hunt foxes, otters, and badgers, and he excelled at eradicating vermin.
He was commonly shown and categorized as an Old English Terrier, a category under which many Terrier breeds were clbecausesified. It wasn't until 1885 that he was classified as a Welsh Terrier by the Kennel Club of England.
Welsh Terriers began arriving in the United States within 1888, though their importation was erratic. By 1901, however, the Welsh Terrier finally established a footing in america, and his popularity grew at a steady pace.
Size
The Welsh Terrier is really a medium-sized dog. The average height is 15 to 15.5 inches, females being slightly smaller than males. The typical weight will be usually 20 pounds, but weight should be in proportion to the height and bone density of each individual dog.
Personality
The Welsh Terrier is a cheerful, intelligent dog who loves to have fun and is always affectionate. He's energetic and has a playful nature. Loyal and devoted to his family, he can nevertheless be quite the social butterfly.
He loves to amuse both himself and his family, and he's not as hot-tempered since some other terrier breeds. the front of the eye will have a whitish, almost blue cloudiness.
The Welshie can be independent, which may lead to some training difficulties (especially with inexperienced owners). But this is usually offset by what most people love best about the Welsh Terrier: his happy, fun-loving zest forever.
Temperament is affected by several factors, including heredity, training, and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Choose the middle-of-the-road puppy, not the one who's beating up his littermates or the main one who's hiding in the corner.
Always meet at least one of the parents - usually the mother is the one who's available - to ensure that they have nice temperaments that you're comfortable with. Meeting siblings or other relatives of the parents is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when he grows up.
Like every dog, the Welshie needs early socialization - exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences - when they're young. Socialization helps ensure that your Welshie puppy matures to be a well-rounded dog.
Enrolling him in a puppy kindergtherten class is a good start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills.
Health
Welshies are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all Welshies will get any or all of these diseases, but it is important to be aware usually of them if you're considering this breed.
If you're buying a puppy, find a good breeder who will show you health clearances for both your puppy's parents. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.
In Welshies, you should expect to see health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hip dysplasia (with a score of fair or better), elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand's disease; from Auburn University for thrombopathia; and from the Canine Eye Registry Base (CERF) certifying that eyes are normal. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site (offa.org).
- Allergies: Allergies are a common ailment in dogs, and the Welsh Terrier is no exception. There are three main types of allergies: food allergies, which are treated by eliminating certain foods from the dog's diet; contact allergy symptoms, which are caused by a reaction to a topical substance such as bedding, flea powders, dog shampoos, and other chemicals; and inhalant allergies, which are caused by airborne allergens such as for example pollen, dust, and mildew. Treatment varies according to the cause and may include dietary restrictions, medications, and environmental changes.
- Epilepsy: This is a neurological condition that's often, but not always, inherited. It can cause mild or severe seizures that may show themselves as unusual behavior (such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding) or even by falling down, limbs rigid, and losing consciousness. Seizures are frightening to watch, but the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. It's important to take your dog to the vet for proper diagnosis usually (especially since seizures can have other result ins) and treatment. It becomes an accepted behavior, and he'll launch himself off furniture whenever the mood hits. This causes damage to the optic nerve, resulting in vision loss and blindness. Glaucoma may be hereditary, or it could be the result of some other problem in the eye, such as inflammation, a tumor, or injury. The affected eye will be red, teary, squinty, and appear painful; His loving disposition and energy makes him an excellent family companion who's great with children. Vision loss and eventually blindness will result, sometimes even when treated with surgery or medication.
- Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is really a disorder of the thyroid gland. It's thought to be responsible for conditions such as epilepsy, alopecia (hair loss), obesity, lethargy, hyperpigmentation, pyoderma, and other skin conditions. It is treated with medication and diet.
Care
Training a Welsh Terrier cthen be a study in who is more determined, the trainer who's trying to get the Terrier to listen, or the bored Terrier who's ignoring the coach. The Welshie is known for having a mind of his own and he's not the most obecomedient of breeds - he's no sunny Golden Retriever - so he will often test limits. Train him with positive reinforcement and consistency. Harsh corrections can shut down any chance at getting through to him.
The Welsh Terrier can also become bored easily, so he requires an interesting training routine. Breaking training up with fun games, keeping it free of repetition, and giving him something to work for are excellent ways to get him more interested in training.
Socialization is important with a Welsh Terrier. He can be combative with other dogs and animals, but this trait can end up being corrected with proper training and early and ongoing socialization. In fact, Welsh Terriers generally do well with other dogs once they're socialized.
A Welsh Terrier is a high-energy dog. Even with a vigorous exercise routine, you should expect some of that energy to be converted into room-crashing escapades that range throughout the house. He should have a minimum of 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise, which can be accomplished by playing in a yard or dog park (provided that he isn't too dog-aggressive to go to the dog park), playing in the house, or going on a long walk. Letting him hang in the lawn by himself is not going to be enough - and he'll probably jump the fence.
The Welsh Terrier is very fond of toys and will burn off ample energy playing by himself with his favorite squeaky toy. He can also make an excellent jogging companion, though his high prey drive means you need to keep him leashed on walks.
Crate training benefits every dog and is a kind way to ensure that your Welshie doesn't have accidents in the house or get into things he shouldn't. A crate can be a place where he can retreat for a nap. Crate training at a young age will help your Welshie accept confinement if he ever needs to be boarded or hospitalized.
Never stick your Welshie in a crate all day long, however. It's not a jail, and he shouldn't spend more than a few hours at a time in it except when he's sleeping at night. Welshies are people dogs, and they aren't meant to spend their lives locked up in a crate or kennel.
Although it's not ideal, the Welsh Terrier can reside in an apartment. He will bark, though, and this may become a problem in buildings with noise restrictions. A house with a small, fenced yard is better. Also, he needs to live indoors with individuals he loves.
Feeding
Recommended daily amount: 3/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Note: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don't all need the same amount of food. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will require more than a couch potato dog. The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference - the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog and the less of it you'll need to shake into your canine's bowl.
Keep your Welshie in good shape by measurwithing his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out constantly. If you're unsure whether he's overweight, give him the eye test and the hands-on test.
First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread lowerward. He should be brushed at least once per week, although it's frankly better to do it every other day. If you can't, he needs less food and more exercise.
For more on feeding your Welshie, see our guidelines for buying the right food, feeding your puppy, and feeding your adult dog.
Coat Color And Grooming
Sporting two coats to waterproof himself, the Welsh Terrier has an outer coat that's hard and wiry and an undercoat that's soft and short. He only has one color pattern: tan and black.
A non- to light shedder, the Welshie still requires a fair amount of grooming. You ought to be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. Unless he's clipped, that wiry coat will need to be stripped several times a year to remove any loose or dead hair and to prevent it from matting.
Brush your Welshie's teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the bacteria that lurk inside it. Daily brushing is even better in order to prevent gum dwill beease and bad breath.
Trim nails once or twice a month if your dog doesn't wear them down naturally to prevent painful tears and other problems. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they're too long. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding - and your dog may not cooperate the next time he sees the nail clippers come out. So, if you're not really experienced trimming dog nails, ask a vet or groomer for pointers.
His ears should be checked weekly for redness or a bad odor, which can indicate an infection. When you check your dog's ears, wipe them out with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to help prevent infections. Don't insert anything into the ear canal; just clean the outer ear.
Begin accustoming your Welshie to being brushed and examined when he's a puppy. Handle his paws frequently - dogs are touchy about their feet - and look inside his mouth. Make grooming a positive experience filled with praise and rewards, and you'll lay the groundwork for easy veterinary exams and other handling when he's an adult.
As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early.
Children And Other Pets
The Welsh Terrier is really a loving dog who can be patient when he must be. Add to that a hardiness that allows him to take pleasure from a fair amount of roughhousing, and you'll find that he makes a wonderful companion for children.
As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. Teach your child never to approach any dog while he's eating or sleeping or to try to take the dog's food away. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child.
He's also basically compatible with other dogs and can prosper in homes where he isn't the only canine companion. He is a Terrier though, and he may be dog-aggressive if not properly socialized or trained. He's not recommended for homes with small pets that might be viewed as prey, because all Terriers have a strong prey drive and will give chase.
Rescue Groups
Welshies are sometimes bought without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. These dogs may end up in need of adoption or fostering.
- Welsh Terrier Club of America
By Dog Care Tip