Energetic & distinctive with a wiry coat—the Welsh Terrier is a spirited breed with a playful personality.
Sturdy and spirited, the ‘bearded’ Welsh Terrier (also once known as the Old English Terrier) is loved for its versatility and companionship.
Size:
Weight Range:
Male: 9-9.5 kg
Female: 8-9.5 kg
Height at Withers:
Male: 39cm in height
Female: 37cm in height
Features:
The Welsh Terrier is a charismatic dog breed known for its distinctive appearance and charming personality. With its compact and sturdy build, this breed boasts a dense, wiry double coat that comes in shades of black and tan, erect ears, bushy eyebrows and a beard.
Other notable attributes include: Highly Intelligent and energetic. Friendly and outgoing nature. Confident and good watchdogs. Affectionate and loyal and excel in obedience, agility and tracking. Considered to be hypoallergenic.
Expectations:
Exercise Requirements: >30 minutes to 1 Hour per day
Energy Level: Moderate to High
Longevity Range: 12-15 years
Tendency to Drool: Low
Tendency to Snore: Moderate
Tendency to Bark: High
Tendency to Dig: Moderate
Social/Attention Needs: High
Bred for:
Hunting
Coat:
Length: Medium
Characteristics: Wiry. Dense double coat
Colours: Tan and Black
Overall Grooming Needs: Moderate
Club recognition:
AKC Classification: Terrier Group
UKC Classification: Terrier Group
ANKC: Terriers
Prevalence: Moderate
Welsh Terriers are a small to medium sized dog breed best known for their friendly nature and their distinctive wiry coat that is most commonly seen in various shades of tan or black.
They typically weigh between 8 and 10 kilograms, with not too much difference in size between the male and females.
These terriers can be identified from their stern rectangular face shape, complete with black nose, small dark eyes, erect ears and a beard-like coat on the face. They have a compact and sturdy build with well-developed muscles.
Due to their friendly temperament and hypoallergenic coat, Welsh Terriers are considered a good dog for crossbreeding with popular mixes including the Woodle (Welsh Terrier + Poodle), the Welshon (Welsh Terrier + Bichon Frise) and the Welshie (Welsh Terrier + West Highland White Terrier).
Personality:
The Welsh Terrier is a friendly and loyal dog breed with a fun and energetic nature.
They are truly friendly and have a loyal disposition which makes them a highly desirable dog for companionship. Combining this with their protective instincts, often results in a strong bond with children, creating a trustworthy and playful member of the family.
Welsh Terriers are also known for their independent nature, which can sometimes make training a bit challenging. However, they are naturally smart dogs so with consistent and patient training, many owners find them a very well-behaved and obedient breed.
Living With:
Welsh Terriers require regular exercise to stay healthy with a minimum of 30 - 60 minutes daily. As active terriers, they enjoy plenty of walks, playtime and mental stimulation. Engaging them in interactive activities such as puzzle toys will be key to ensuring their mind stays sharp.
This dog breed can make for wonderful family additions as long as appropriate training and socialisation is done at an early age. Their energetic nature makes them a wonderful dog breed for adventurous families.
The unique and charming wiry coat of the Welsh Terrier will require regular maintenance and it should be hand-stripped twice a year to maintain its texture and remove dead hairs. A brushing routine will also be necessary all year-round to prevent any matting issues.
As they have a non-shedding coat, this makes Welsh Terriers a desirable dog breed for those with allergies as they are considered to be hypoallergenic.
Recommended Diet:
Puppy: Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Breed Dry Dog Food / Hill's Science Diet Puppy Medium Breed Dry Dog Food
Adult: Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Breed Dry Dog Food, Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Small & Mini Breed Dry Dog Food / Hill's Science Diet Adult Medium Breed Dry Dog Food, Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Medium Breed Dry Dog Food
Mature: Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Small & Mini Breed Senior Dry Dog Food / Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Medium Breed Senior Dry Dog Food
History:
The Welsh Terrier, also known as Old English Terrier in earlier years, is an ancient dog breed. Originating in Wales, they were bred to be versatile working dogs, primarily used for hunting small game such as badgers, foxes, and rodents. Their compact size and strong build made them well-suited for this.
Over time, Welsh Terriers gained popularity as companion animals due to their friendly nature and loyal disposition.
In the early 20th Century, the breed's standard was established, and they gained recognition as a distinct breed. Since then, Welsh Terriers have continued to be beloved pets and have participated in various dog sports and shows.
Health Concerns:
Welsh Terriers are generally a healthy breed, but like any dog, they can be prone to certain health conditions.
Whilst regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and proper exercise can help maintain their overall health, it’s important for potential owners to be aware of the higher-risk conditions.
Some common health concerns in Welsh Terriers include:
• Skin allergies: this can manifest as skin irritations, itching, and discomfort. Identifying and avoiding allergens, as well as regular grooming and maintenance of their coat can help manage this condition.
• Hip Dysplasia: a common orthopaedic condition which involves the abnormal formation of the hip joint, leading to mobility issues and arthritis. Breeding from tested parents with good hip scores can help reduce the risk of this condition.
• Keratoconjunctivitis sicca or 'Dry eye': decreased tear production leading to irritation of the surface of the eye. Regular eye examinations by a veterinarian can help detect any warning signs of poor eye health early.
It is advised that any prospective pet parents are aware of potential health challenges faced with this breed and that you do your own research before ownership.
