Welsh Terrier
Other names: Welshie

Originally bred in Wales, the Welsh terrier is one of the oldest terrier breeds known. Previously named the Black and Tan terrier, when the breed was standardised in 1885 by the UK Kennel Club, the name was changed. Welsh terriers were bred for vermin control on farms and also to hunt otters, badgers and foxes. The happy and energetic terrier has a zest for life and a wonderful attitude and certainly great self-determination.
Key facts about the Welsh Terrier
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Origins and history
The Welsh Terrier is one of the oldest known dog breeds in the UK, dating back many centuries. With his high energy levels and abilities to eradicate vermin and hunt small game, he is a competent working dog. In some circumstances, the breed has been used alongside hunting hounds, giving chase to otters, badgers and foxes.
Previously known as the “Black and Tan Wire-Haired Terrier”, the breed name was changed to “Welsh Terrier” in 1885 in the UK. Although many of these dogs are now used for showing purposes, the breed appears to be dying out and is now classified by the UK Kennel Club as a rare breed.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 3 - Terriers
Section
Section 1 : Large and medium sized Terriers
Physical characteristics of the Welsh Terrier
Adult size
Female : Between 14 and 15 in
Male : Between 14 and 15 in
Weight
Female : Between 20 and 22 lb
Male : Between 20 and 22 lb
Coat colour
Black and tan, or black grizzle and tan.
Type of coat
Medium length hair.
The Welsh Terrier has a double coat that is dense, wiry and coarse.
Eye colour
Dark eyes that are round in shape.
Description
This breed has a very similar appearance to the Airedale and the Lakeland Terrier. This breed is of medium build with a wiry coat, and either black and tan or black grizzle and tan in colour. Even though it’s an illegal practice, tail docking does sometimes take place. New-born puppies from this breed are generally born solid black, then their coat changes shade as they get older.
Good to know
The Welsh Terrier dog is among just a very few dog breeds that sweat or perspire. As he is a very active dog, you may notice an obvious body odour. You certainly cannot use antiperspirant deodorant on him, so we would suggest frequent baths to keep him smelling sweet!
Temperament
Behaviour of the Welsh Terrier
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Is the Welsh Terrier right for you?
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Compatibility
Price
The initial purchase cost to buy a Welsh terrier puppy is between £650 to £950.
They aren’t known to be an expensive dog to care for and feed. As hardy canines, their health visit costs won’t be too high. Consider though that they do need to visit the grooming salon to strip out their thick coats several times a year. You should budget between £40 to £50 overall monthly cost for this breed, to take into account pet insurance, grooming, veterinary visits, vaccinations and of course his food bills.
Grooming
The outer coat of this breed is quite thick and at a minimum, weekly brushing or combing is suggested. In addition, because of the wiry dense coat, the dog will need to be trimmed a few times each year. Hand stripping the coat hair is a possibility, but it's very time consuming.
Shedding
This dog generally has no loss of hair through moulting, hence the need for him to be trimmed around 3-4 times annually.
Nutrition of the Welsh Terrier
Many dogs of this size have a faster metabolism than others. Taking this into consideration together with his high energy levels, he must be fed little and often. A nutrient-dense and good quality diet is suggested, possibly a small-size kibble. As this breed are prone to gaining weight if they don’t do enough activities, hold back on the fattening treats.
Health of the Welsh Terrier
Life expectancy
This breed often live to a ripe old age of between 12 to 14 years.
Strong / robust
As a member of the canine “Terrier” group, this dog is a brave, hardy pup who is bred to pursue rats, badgers and foxes.
Withstand heat
As a canine with a thick dense coat, trimming and stripping the hair is advised, especially during the warm summer months. However, this robust dog generally tolerates the heat quite well, with no issues.
Withstand cold
This delightful terrier has a double-layer coat that protects the dog, no matter what the weather. His waterproof coat offers protection when he is out hunting in all climates, even in rain and snow.
Tendency to put on weight
Providing he receives a sufficient amount of daily exercise, and this breed needs quite a lot, his high energy activities will prevent him from gaining too much weight. On the other hand however, a pup that remains at home and lays on the sofa most of the day, will certainly become overweight very quickly.
Common illnesses
The Welsh Terrier is susceptible to some health issues. These are:
- Hip dysplasia
- Achalasia
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes syndrome
- Addison's disease
- Eye concerns such as glaucoma
- Food sensitivity and allergies
- Epilepsy
- Hypothyroidism