WELSH TERRIER
APPEARANCE
The Welsh Terrier is colored 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.
PERSONALITY
The Welsh Terrier is a consummate terrier—a terrier in a nutshell—with a typical terrier temper.In the right hands, it is a happy, lively, and seldom shy or timid dog. Dogs of this breed can be devoted friends and can function either as city dogs or as country dogs. Welsh typically exhibit a hunting instinct: they chase anything that moves: dry leaves, cats, other animals, small children, almost anything. Females will especially become very jealous of their owners attention. The Welsh Terrier is a very smart dog. Couple this with typical terrier persistence, and you have a dog that can come up with solution for any problem that stands in his way to make mischief. In other words, WT needs a lot of intellectual stimulation to stay agreeable. A small yard walk a day, without any other activities, is not enough. These dogs need interesting things to do each day. Most Welshes make excellent swimmers and thoroughly enjoy pool and lake activities with their families.
TRAINING
As a consequence, developing obedience in a Welsh Terrier is a long term proposition and one has to convince the dog that the owner is the alpha male. Application of physical force should be done only in the extreme situations as Welsh Terriers, like most terriers, will not back down and will fight back. A quiet but persistent approach to ensure that Welsh Terrier in the end completes the command, in the end will establish who is in control.
EXERCISE
This breed will need a large amount of exercise daily in order to burn off their energy. Long walks and time spent off-leash playing with other dogs or just chasing a ball will be needed! 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.
SOCIALIZATION
These dogs will be fine around gentle, older children, but do not take to rough handling. They tend to chase smaller animals unless properly socialized with them, and although some can be accepting of other dogs they are not afraid to rise to a challenge. Possessiveness is a trait to look out for with the Welsh Terrier, and some can be very protective of their belongings and food. The Welsh Terrier will make a good pet or companion for a confident owner, with an active lifestyle and time to dedicate to a pet.
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
You will need to put a fair amount of work into the grooming of a Welsh Terrier. His coat needs to be brushed a couple of times a week to keep it in good condition. You will need to clean the beard on a daily basis for hygiene reasons, and also keep the hair around his bottom trimmed. Every few months you may want to get the coat clipped or trimmed, and for show dogs stripping of the dead coat will be required. The Welsh Terrier sheds more as a puppy than when he starts to grow up, and once the puppy coat has gone is a low shedder he could therefore suit those with allergies.
HEALTH ISSUES
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, cataracts, lens luxation, luxating patella, seizures, allergies, and thyroid problems. A healthy Welsh Terrier lives about 12-13 years on average and stays active and alert up to a high age if it is well taken care of and healthy.
HISTORY
Originating from Wales, the Welsh Terrier was originally bred to hunt badgers, foxes, and otters. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1888.
