Welsh Terrier

Certainly, the Welsh Terrier is quite mild-mannered, yet he is still quite mischievous and playful. With early socialisation, he will often become attached to one member of the family. It’s usually the puppy that decides this, not necessarily the owner.

With an inquisitive and playful personality, the Welsh Terrier is always ready for a game of fetch. Welshies are usually a bundle of fun even though they maintain their sparky terrier attitude most of the time. He is very happy when engaged in a tug of war or a game of frisbee in the garden.

Although we think of a terrier dog as being high energy and full of attitude, the Welsh terrier is less excitable, more sensible and a steadier dog, even though he is still brimming with drive and energy. These dogs have a sensitive side and they love nothing better than being calm and quiet and spending time with the family at night.

This very intelligent breed uses its brain as well as its body. The dog can however bore very easily and will become quite mischievous if he has nothing to occupy him.

As a working dog, the Welsh Terrier is efficient and spirited in the field. He is playful, alert and active and is always eager to please.

This breed may initially be wary of strangers, but soon overcomes this shyness and enjoys the company of anyone who wishes to get to know them.

This dog has a fun-loving, happy personality and is usually quite independent. This independence however, can lead to some difficulties when training the Welsh Terrier.

If this dog is raised to understand that he is sometimes left alone during the day, he shouldn’t have any problems with solitude. He has a laid-back attitude and is quite adaptable to different situations. If he is left alone at home, he can easily become bored. You can counteract this by giving him plenty of interactive toys to keep him busy and prevent him from destroying the soft furnishings.

Once you begin the training process, the Welsh Terrier is usually happy to commit. His independent streak will sometimes mean he doesn’t listen to you, but on the whole, he is keen to learn new skills. It’s advisable to teach the dog that his master is the pack leader and try to vary the training activities to keep the dog keen.

Welshies can certainly bark and make themselves heard. It’s very important that you teach this terrier to be quiet when you command, otherwise he will drive you and the neighbours mad with his barking.

The Welsh Terrier has hunting instincts that mean he will chase after everything that runs in front of him. Any outside area needs to be fenced securely, gates closed and made dog-proof.

Certainly this breed can become destructive if left alone for long periods or are fed-up and bored. Young puppies tend to chew when they are teething. It may help to place your puppy in a dog crate to prevent him from destroying things in your home. Walk him before you place him in the crate and give him plenty of dog toys to keep him occupied and all should be fine.

The Welsh Terrier is a greedy dog, so take care not to overfeed him at mealtimes.

If you are looking for a decent watchdog for the home, this Welshie is definitely a good choice. He will alert you to any strangers who approach and will be a terrific watchdog. Remember though, that he will also bring every other sound or sight he sees to your attention too.

Providing this active dog receives sufficient daily exercise, he will be okay in a flat or small house. Likewise, he doesn’t need much outside space if he can manage a daily gallop around the exercise field.

A Welsh Terrier just loves to run around and burn off excess energy. He needs a vigorous exercise regime to prevent him becoming destructive, bored and noisy in the home. Tire him out with plenty of activities and he will be more relaxed and rested in the house.

As this dog is a medium sized breed, he is suitable for transporting in a vehicle. He will be extra keen to get into the dog crate in the boot of your car if he knows he is going to the playing field for his daily run and to chase after a ball.

This happy go lucky dog will get along ok with cats when they are raised together from a young age. However, something to bear in mind is that the Welsh Terrier is also a hunting breed and he may have a tendency to chase after cats and other small animals.

In most cases, the Welshie isn’t likely to incite a fight with another dog for no reason, however if challenged he won’t back off, no matter how small or large the other dog is. Your Welsh Terrier pup must be socialised with other canines from a young age so that he understands that other animals are not always a threat to him.

There is a high chance that your child and the Welsh Terrier will become great buddies and companions. However, early socialisation together from a young age, certainly helps the situation. The Welshie loves nothing better than a game with the children and is generally gentle and watchful around younger kids too.

This dog breed can have two personalities – he will either be a couch potato, or an active pet. Ideally, a home where he receives abundant exercise is recommended, but likewise, he’s just as happy curled up on the sofa next to you. These loyal dogs make excellent family pets.

 As a breed that is very easy to train, and as a very sociable pet, he will make a brilliant choice for a first time dog owner. Remember however, that you will need to dedicate time to his training if you do not want a rowdy, boisterous terrier on your hands.