Welsh Terrier
The Welsh Terrier is a playful and adventurous member of the Terrier group, always on the lookout for fun games and entertainment. They are not quite as temperamental or feisty as most terriers are, which makes them a reliable house dog. They can be boisterous when running around outside, yet calm and mild-mannered indoors - making these dogs a joy to have around the home.
Welsh Terriers are also wonderful around children but may be a bit territorial when it comes to other pets in the house. They are weary and reserved when it comes to strange people, making them excellent watchdogs. Some Welsh Terriers can be a little stubborn and head-strong when it comes to training. They also tend to bark and dig when given the chance
A Brief History Of The Welsh Terrier
The history of the Welsh Terrier goes back to the 1700s in Whales. They are one of only two breeds of terriers that is native to Whales. It is said that the Welsh Terrier is a descendant from the Black and Tan Rough Terrier, which was a popular breed in Britain around the late 18th century.
During that time, North Whales had produced a terrier strain known as the “Ynysfor”. At the exact same time period, Northern England had produced a breed that looked identical to the Ynysfor, known as the “Old English Broken Haired Terrier”. The two strains looked so much alike that when both were entered into the show ring many people mistook them for one another.
They eventually were grouped together and both became known as Welsh Terriers. The Welsh was officially recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1886. Breeders wanted to further improve the breed and so crossed them with the Wire Fox Terrier. Today they can be found as loving companions and a regular contender in earthdog trials.
Upkeep Requirements For The Welsh Terrier
A fairly active dog breed, the Welsh Terrier needs a moderate amount of daily exercise. These requirements can be met with a few brisk walks on the leash and some time to run around the yard. These dogs quickly tire after vigorous exercise and enjoy relaxing just as much as they do playing. Welsh Terriers also tend to hunt so be sure to have them confined to a safe, fenced-in yard at all times when off-leash.
Welsh Terriers can tolerate moderately cool or warm temperatures, but should not live completely outside. Sleeping indoors with the family at night is ideal as they form very tight bonds with their owners and need as much human contact as possible. Grooming requirements for the breed's wiry coat calls for a thorough brushing every two to three days. A professional shaping should also be done every few months to keep the coat neat.
Health Concerns
The average lifespan of the Welsh Terrier is between twelve and fourteen years. There are no major health concerns in the breed. Minor health issues include glaucoma and lens luxation. Rarely seen are seizures and allergies. Veterinarians suggest that Welsh Terriers get specifically tested for eye problems.
History
The Welsh Terrier springs from the Old English Terrier and the Black and Tan Rough Terrier. This sort of terrier had been in Wales and England possibly before 1200 A.D., but definitely since around that time. But these two breeds are now extinct.
One form of this rough-coated terrier called Ynysfor was a hunting dog in North Wales during the 18th century. The Ynysfor hunted badgers, otter, and fox. During this period, a parallel dog known as the Old English Broken-Haired Terrier was the terrier that hunted the same animals in Northern England.
It it thought that the Celtic extraction comes from the Coarse-Haired Black and Tan Terrier and the English extraction comes from the Fox Terrier and Airedale. These two types of terriers were very much alike, enabling them to compete in dog exhibitions in each other's category. Since these types were put in the same class, in short order they were all called Welsh Terriers.
The first ones weren't competitive enough in the show-ring, so selective breeding was employed to perfect the Welsh Terrier. Breeders bred them with the Wire Haired Terrier too. That changed the appearance of the Welsh Terrier to what we know today.
The Welsh Terrier was recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1886. The AKC gave this breed recognition in 1888. One notable Welsh Terrier belonged to President John Fitzgerald Kennedy.
General Looks
It is a square bodied dog. The legs are long and the tail is docked. It has a rectangular shaped head. The eyes are brown and shaped like almonds and set widely apart.
Is This Your Breed?
This breed is normally good with kids. They are sometimes difficult to housebreak. The best owners for them are active people. They need plenty of exercise. Don't let them outside without a leash, unless the yard is fenced. They tend to chase other animals. Their coat must be brushed a few times each week and it needs clipping at three month intervals.
Coat
The coat is rough, wiry, and thick. It fits close to the body. The undercoat is short and soft.
Color
The coat is black on the neck and back going into the tail and on the upper thighs. The legs, quarters, and head are tan.
Locomotion
The gait is straight, moves freely, and looks effortless.
Personality
The Welsh Terrier enjoys swimming, playing, and digging. They are sometimes standoffish with strangers. They tend to fight with other pets and unknown dogs. This breed is friendly, spunky, alert, smart, curious, affectionate, and independent.
Welsh Terrier video:
Tags: excellent watchdogs, United Kingdom, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Northern England, fenced-in yard, rough-coated terrier, Tan Rough Terrier
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