Welsh TerrierCharacteristics, history, training and care
Welsh Terrier. · Pleple2000 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped and resized.
The Welsh Terrier is a terrier from Wales with a wiry coat, usually black and tan, originally bred to hunt foxes, badgers and even otters. The FCI standard says it is a true working dog, perhaps less exuberant than other terriers, and describes it as affectionate, obedient, easily controlled, happy, game and fearless, but definitely not aggressive.
Quick facts
| Common name | Welsh Terrier |
| Scientific name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom (Wales) |
| Official recognition | FCI, definitively since 23 October 1954 (group 3, terriers; standard no. 78); also recognised by the AKC |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years, according to the AKC |
| Size (males) | no more than 39 cm at the withers; 9–9.5 kg |
| Size (females) | slightly smaller |
| Coat type | Wiry, hard, very dense and abundant |
| Common colours | Black and tan, black grizzle and tan |
| Energy level | High |
| Suited to an apartment? | Yes, with enough exercise |
| Temperament | Affectionate, obedient, happy, game |
| Tendency to aggression | Low; it can hold its own when needed |
| Good with children | Very good, according to the AKC |
| Good with other animals | Moderate |
| Genetic predispositions | Glaucoma, skin allergies, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease |
- Primary category:Dog breeds
- Explore this animal's categories:
History and origin
The FCI standard says that the Welsh Terrier, like many of its cousins, was used to hunt foxes, badgers and even otters. The Welsh Terrier and the Lakeland Terrier, which are very alike, may share a common origin from before the Roman invasion of Britain, when their Celtic owners retreated into the mountains of Wales and the Lake District.
Wikipedia says the breed probably appeared in the 1700s in the mountains of North Wales and was not officially registered until the 19th century, being mainly a working dog. Over the last century it has been bred mostly for shows, but it has kept the strength of character of a terrier.
How the breed developed
- 1700s – A hunting dog in North Wales.
- 19th century – Officially registered as a breed.
- 23 October 1954 – The FCI recognises the breed.
Breed rating
| Feature | Stars |
|---|---|
| Training and intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
| Easy to train | ★★★★★ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★★ |
| Independence | ★★★★☆ |
| Stubbornness | ★★★★★ |
| Behaviour and temperament | ★★★★☆ |
| Affectionate with family | ★★★★☆ |
| Friendly with children | ★★★★☆ |
| Good with other dogs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good with cats and other animals | ★★★★☆ |
| Loyalty | ★★★★☆ |
| Tendency to be aggressive | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Tendency to bark | ★★★★☆ |
| Needs and care | ★★★★☆ |
| Shedding | ★★★★☆ |
| Needs frequent grooming | ★★★★☆ |
| Activity and lifestyle | ★★★★☆ |
| Energy level | ★★★★☆ |
| Daily exercise needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Suited to apartment life | ★★★★☆ |
| Health and longevity | ★★★★☆ |
| Life expectancy | ★★★★☆ |
| Predisposition to genetic diseases | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Working abilities and uses | ★★★★☆ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★★☆ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★☆☆ |
Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.
Physical characteristics
The standard describes it as smart, workmanlike, well balanced and compact. The AKC says it has a rectangular head, small, dark brown, almond-shaped eyes with a calm, confident and alert expression, and small V-shaped ears.
General appearance
The coat is wiry, hard, very dense and abundant. A single coat, without undercoat, is not desirable.
| Feature | Welsh Terrier |
|---|---|
| Size | Small |
| Height at the withers | no more than 39 cm |
| Weight | 9–9.5 kg |
| Coat | Wiry, hard |
| Colour | Black and tan |
| Type | Terrier |
The standard prefers black and tan or black grizzle and tan, with no black pencilling on the toes. Black below the hocks is not desirable.
Training and socialisation
The standard describes it as affectionate, obedient and easily controlled, happy and volatile, rarely of a shy nature, game and fearless, but definitely not aggressive, although it can hold its own when needed.
Like any terrier, it needs consistent training with rewards. The AKC gives it 4 out of 5 for ease of training.
Tips for effective training
- Be consistent. It has a terrier's spirit.
- Use rewards. It learns easily.
- Keep it on a lead. Its hunting instinct is strong.
- Teach it “quiet”. It can bark quite a lot.
Activity needs and lifestyle
It is an energetic terrier that needs daily walks and play, as well as activities for the mind, such as scent games.
| Activity | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Walks | daily | Fitness |
| Play | daily | Energy |
| Search games | several times a week | Terrier instinct |
Tips for a balanced life
- It can also live in an apartment.
- Clip it every 8–12 weeks.
- Keep it on a lead in the street.
Care and health
Coat and skin care
The AKC says grooming is similar to that of other harsh-coated terriers. Hand-stripping is an art that takes years to learn. For pet dogs, grooming is simple: a clip every 8–12 weeks.
Common health problems
The AKC says the breed is generally healthy, with no genetic problems beyond those common to all dogs. It is not unusual for a Welsh to reach 15–18 years. Breeders check for:
| Condition | Description | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Glaucoma | Raised pressure in the eye | Red, painful eye |
| Skin allergies | Allergic reactions | Itching |
| Epilepsy | Recurrent seizures | Convulsions |
| Hip dysplasia | The hip joint forms incorrectly and, over time, arthritis develops | Limping, difficulty getting up or jumping, hip pain |
| Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease | The head of the thigh bone deteriorates | Limping |
Other care
- Ask for the parents' health tests.
- Check the skin for allergies.
- Go for yearly check-ups.
Diet and nutrition
The AKC recommends good-quality food suited to the dog's age, and attention to its weight.
Tips for a healthy diet
The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.
| Dog's weight | Calories per day (neutered) | Calories per day (not neutered) | Dry food per day (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 kg | 530 kcal | 600 kcal | 130–170 g |
| 9 kg | 580 kcal | 650 kcal | 140–190 g |
| 9.5 kg | 610 kcal | 680 kcal | 150–190 g |
- Treats count towards the daily portion.
- Split the food into two meals a day.
- A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.
Foods to avoid
Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.
Reproduction and development
Physical and emotional maturity
In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Small breeds become adults faster than large ones, usually at around one year.
Mating and pregnancy
Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.
Caring for the puppies
In small breeds, a litter has 3–4 puppies on average. The puppies are very small and fragile in the first weeks, so they must be kept warm and handled with care. Socialisation starts early: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.
Interesting facts
- An otter hunter. The standard says it also hunted otters.
- Related to the Lakeland. They may share a common, Celtic origin.
- Long-lived. Some reach 15–18 years.
- Hardy puppies. The AKC says they are not fragile.
- Less exuberant. Than other terriers, says the standard.
Frequently asked questions
What colour is it?
Black and tan.
Is it good with children?
Yes; the AKC gives it the top score.
How much does it weigh?
Around 9–9.5 kg.
How long does it live?
The AKC gives 12–15 years.
