Welsh Terrier

Terrier

Size:

Grooming:

Exercise Level:

Trainability:

Barking Level:

Good with Children:

Good with other pets:

Affectionate:

Protective:

Height: 36 - 39cm M | 36 - 39cm F

Weight: 9 - 10kg M | 9 - 10kg F

Life Expectancy: 10 - 14 Years

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Introduction

True to its name, the Welsh terrier traces its origins to Wales and is one of the little known breeds in the UK. The Welshie, as it is also called, is sturdy, intelligent, charming, fun, affectionate, and friendly with humans and other canines. It is good with children of any age and is easy to train. It is also not prone to separation anxiety, but has a stubborn streak.

Whilst its coat does not shed much, it requires a lot of grooming. Being a high-energy dog, it needs a lot of physical and mental engagement to keep it occupied and balanced. A good watchdog, the Welsh terrier is better suited to be the only dog in the family.

History

The Welsh terrier, hailing from Wales in the UK, has a similar ancestor with the Lakeland terrier. Naturally, both breeds also share a number of traits. There may be stories on how the Welshie came to be. The exact origin of this dog breed is largely still a mystery. It is speculated that it may be a direct link to the Old English black and tan. Another is that it may have been brought by the Celts fleeing Roman invaders.

In the 1800s, this canine was known as the Caernarvonshire Welsh terrier, which took on the role of a vermin hunter. This workmanlike terrier was bred for this role and excelled in it. Despite this, it only received recognition as a distinct dog breed in the UK in 1885. The breed is recognised by the Kennel Club in the UK.

Although the Welsh terrier is not as combative as other terrier breeds, its numbers dwindled in the UK. To this day, the Welshie is still on vulnerable status as very few have been registered with the Kennel Club. It has been reported that only about three hundred Welsh terrier puppies are registered with the KC yearly.

Appearance and Grooming

A medium-sized pooch, the Welsh terrier dog’s height is approximately 39 cm for both male and female. It weighs anywhere between 9 and 10.5 kg.

The Welshie’s rectangular body is sturdy and compact. It has a rather flat-at-the-top, brick-like head and face, topped with ears that flop forward and toward its cheeks. Its eyes are small, dark, and alert. Its stop is subtle and punctuated by a black nose. It has a powerful jaw with a clean scissor bite, which allows it to capture its vermin target effectively.

The Welshie's chest is wide and its back is muscular yet short. However, its loins and back legs are strong, which are also coupled with muscular thighs. The tail is typically carried upright in a jaunty way, thus enhancing its happy look. The feet are small and round, making them look feline-like.

The two-layered coat of the Welsh terrier is wiry and hard, lying closely to its body. The colours accepted by the KC are black and tan. As a puppy, a Welshie is born with a black coat until it turns a year old. After that first year, the coat colour starts turning into the standard black and tan.

Although this canine sheds minimally, its coat still needs regular maintenance and brushing.

Temperament and Intelligence

Very affectionate, loyal, lively, outgoing, and clever, the Welsh terrier forms a solid bond with its humans. As such, it loves family life and to get involved in the activities of its household.

Although it may have the usual terrier temperament, the Welshie is not known to be aggressive even with strangers. It is more laid-back than the other types. It prefers to keep its distance until it finally gets to know them. However, in true terrier fashion, it will not back down when threatened.

This spirited dog breed is intelligent, has a high prey drive, and is prompt with its bark. Although it may have a stubborn streak, it is eager to please its human. As such, it makes a good watchdog. However, it should be kept on a lead when going on walks.

As is the nature of terriers, the Welshie also likes to dig and explore. As such, homes with yards must be securely fenced. This is to prevent this canine from escaping.

A good family pet, this earth dog should be trained and socialised at an early age. This is to ensure that it develops into a well-balanced pooch. First-time dog owners may also find the Welshie a suitable companion provided that the owner can provide for this animal’s needs. Also, it is best kept as the only dog in the family as it is not tolerant of other canines in the home.

Nutrition and Feeding

The Welsh terrier should be fed a diet that fulfils its nutritional requirements. A regular feeding schedule must be followed, preferably twice a day. The same food should be consistently served to avoid gastrointestinal issues. Should there be changes in the diet, it should be done gradually.

A Welshie puppy should be fed 3–4 times daily. It should be fed 113 g–174 g of food from ages 2–6 months, depending on its size and activity level. At eight months old, it may be fed 117 g–137 g of food. From 8–10 months, it is best to feed it 117 g–137 g daily. Once it reaches thirteen months, it may be offered adult food.

For an adult Welsh terrier, feed about 125 g–144 g for those weighing 9 kg. Those tipping the scales at 9.5 kg can be given 130 g–150 g of food.

Health and Exercise

On average, the Welshie can live for twelve to thirteen years. It is a sturdy and healthy dog breed. Despite this, it is not immune to the following hereditary health issues:

Skin allergies
Paroxysmal dyskinesia
Primary lens luxation
Masticatory muscle myositis

As this breed’s coat is rather coarser and thicker than that of others, flea treatment options should be discussed with the vet.

The Welsh terrier is an active and intelligent breed, thus requiring quality mental and physical exertion daily. It should be exercised for sixty to eighty minutes, although this period can be distributed at various times during the day.

Cost of Ownership

If you are planning to buy a Welsh Terrier, expect to go on a breeder’s waiting list as this breed is rare in the UK. The price for a well-bred pedigree puppy is at least £800. To ensure that it grows healthy, you would need to feed it high quality dog food, which can cost from £20-£30 a month. You would also need to buy it treats and accessories such as food bowls, leads, collars, and bed. The initial combined cost for these things can set you back £200 depending on the brands you opt for.

Aside from the initial purchase, pet insurance is another cost that you will have to shoulder monthly, ranging from £20 for a basic cover up to £43 for a lifetime cover. These prices vary depending on your dog’s health and age, size, weight, and where you live in the UK.

You may also need to set aside £800 a year for veterinary consultations and other necessary procedures such as vaccinations, boosters, neutering/spaying as these are not always covered by pet insurance. To give you a rough idea on how much you will likely spend month on month, it would be within the range of £50 and £80. This is exclusive of walking or grooming services that you might want to use at times.

Welsh Terrier Breed Highlights

This earth dog is more laid-back than other terrier breeds.
The Welshie loves people, is affectionate, and outgoing, albeit quick to bark.
It is a good pet for families and first-time owners, provided it is given enough time for training and early socialisation.
Although non-aggressive, it is likely not to back down when threatened.
This canine is a healthy breed with few hereditary health issues.
Intelligent and independent, the Welsh terrier can learn new skills quickly.
It is not prone to separation anxiety, but is likely to indulge in digging when not sufficiently exercised.
This pooch is a high-energy canine that requires a lot of daily physical exertion and mental stimulation.
Whilst not much of a shedder, its coat is high-maintenance in terms of grooming.
The Welshie does best when it is the only dog in a household.