Welsh Terrier

also known as Welshie, WT

Pros History


The Welsh Terrier is a small, spirited breed with a rich history dating back to the 19th century. The breed originates from Wales, where it was used for hunting small game such as foxes, otters, and badgers. The breed was developed to be a hardy and versatile hunting dog, able to work in a variety of terrains and conditions.

The Welsh Terrier's name reflects its origin, with "Welsh" referring to the country of its origin and "terrier" referring to its origins as a hunting and vermin-control dog. The breed was known as the "Old Welsh Black and Tan Terrier" in the early days, but was later simplified to Welsh Terrier.

The Welsh Terrier was first officially recognized by the Kennel Club (UK) in 1885 and by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1888. The breed quickly gained popularity in both Europe and America, especially among farmers, hunters, and sportsmen.

The Welsh Terrier was created by breeding various small terrier breeds together, such as the Old English Terrier, the Fox Terrier and the Black and Tan Terrier. The breeders aimed to develop a small, hardy dog that could hunt and work on farms. The breeders were looking for a dog with a strong, athletic build, a wiry coat that could withstand harsh weather conditions and a keen sense of smell.

Breed Information


Type

Is Welsh Terrier a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the Welsh Terrier name? How do you say Welsh Terriers?

welsh TAIR-ee-uhr

Purpose

What were Welsh Terriers originally used for?

otter, fox, badger, and rat hunting

Lifespan

How Long Do Welsh Terriers Live? What is average life expectancy for a Welsh Terrier? How long can Welsh Terriers live?

10-14 years

The average Welsh Terrier lifespan is somewhere between 10-14 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Welsh Terrier Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Welsh Terrier?

What is the average height of a Welsh Terrier? How big is a Purebred Welsh Terrier height? Welsh Terrier dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 13-15 inches (33 - 38.1 cm) 11.0 inches (27.9 cm) 14.0 inches (35.6 cm) 14.0 inches (35.6 cm)
Female 12-15 inches (30.5 - 38.1 cm) 10.5 inches (26.7 cm) 13.5 inches (34.3 cm) 13.5 inches (34.3 cm)
What is the average weight of a Welsh Terrier? How much should Welsh Terriers weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 17-22 pounds (8 - 10 kg) 15.0 pounds (7 kg) 16.5 pounds (7 kg) 19.5 pounds (9 kg)
Female 15-20 pounds (7 - 9 kg) 12.5 pounds (6 kg) 15.5 pounds (7 kg) 17.5 pounds (8 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Welsh Terriers get fat easily?

The Welsh Terrier is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Welsh Terriers Hypoallergenic?

Yes

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Welsh Terriers are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Temperament

What is a Welsh Terrier personality? What are Welsh Terrier dogs best known for?

Alert
Intelligent
Independent
Friendly
Spirited
Loving

Shedding Level

Are Welsh Terriers heavy shedders? How Much Does a Welsh Terrier Shed?

Welsh Terrier will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Welsh Terrier dog?

The Welsh Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, this breed will alert their owner.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Welsh Terriers come from?

Wales

Ancestry

What are Welsh Terriers descended from?

old english black and tan terrier

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Welsh Terrier breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Welsh Terriers first bred? How old is the Welsh Terrier breed?

1700s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Welsh Terrier?

Terrier (AKC:1888 & UKC)

Welsh Terrier Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Welsh Terrier eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Welsh Terrier nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Welsh Terrier coat be naturally?

Black
Brown

Coat Length

How long is a Welsh Terriers coat?

The coat of a Welsh Terrier falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Welsh Terrier Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Welsh Terrier?

Wiry

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Welsh Terrier have in a litter? How many puppies can a Welsh Terrier have in her first litter?

10-14 puppies per pregnancy

A Welsh Terrier can have a litter of 10-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Welsh Terriers are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Welsh Terrier Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Welsh Terriers have a lot of health problems?

The Welsh Terrier is a breed of dog that is known to have a higher frequency of health issues compared to other breeds. These issues can range from minor to serious, and regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential in order to identify and address any potential problems as early as possible.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Welsh Terrier?

Usually A Very Healthy Breed

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Welsh Terriers?

Cataracts
Glaucoma
Epilepsy
Lens Luxation
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Welsh Terrier breed?

Eye
Blood Test
Heart
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Welsh Terrier Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Welsh Terriers have a lot of energy?

Welsh Terriers are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do Welsh Terriers need socialization? How social are Welsh Terriers?

Welsh Terriers have average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be less active and independent than other breeds, and they are content with spending time alone and with their human family.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Welsh Terriers get?

The Welsh Terrier dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Welsh Terrier have? Do Welsh Terriers sleep a lot?

Welsh Terriers are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Welsh Terrier drool a lot?

The Welsh Terrier is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Welsh Terrier dogs bark and howl frequently, they are not a good fit for quiet homes.

Territorial

Do Welsh Terriers exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.

Mouthiness

Are Welsh Terriers mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Welsh Terrier running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Welsh Terrier dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Welsh Terriers enjoy doing? How do I keep my Welsh Terrier busy?

Walks in the pa

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Welsh Terrier? How much energy does a Welsh Terrier have?

Medium

Welsh Terriers are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Welsh Terrier walk each week? How many miles should a Welsh Terrier walk every week?

7 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Welsh Terrier, it's at least 7 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Welsh Terrier should exercise a day? How much activity does a Welsh Terrier need?

30 minutes

In general most Welsh Terriers usually need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Welsh Terrier?

The Welsh Terrier is a breed of dog that requires a significant amount of grooming. They will also require regular trims, and a professional groomer's help is often necessary to keep their coat in good condition. They may also need regular baths to maintain their coat and skin.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Welsh Terrier?

Weekly

Welsh Terrier should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Welsh Terriers?

Slicker Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Welsh Terrier eat?

1.8 cups

For an average 17-22 pound (8 - 10 kg) Welsh Terrier feed 1.8 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Welsh Terrier Cost Daily?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Welsh Terrier is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Welsh Terrier Cost Per Month?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Welsh Terrier is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Welsh Terrier Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Welsh Terrier?

Welsh Terriers has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The Welsh Terrier is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Welsh Terrier dog?

Welsh Terrier dogs have average emotions and are adaptable to different situations, not requiring extra care like sensitive breeds do.

Affection Dependance

Are Welsh Terrier dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Welsh Terrier do well in apartments? Are Welsh Terriers good indoor dogs?

The Welsh Terrier is an apartment-friendly dog breed. They can do perfectly well in apartments providing they are sufficiently exercised and taken out and about as part of their owner's daily lifestyle.

Child Friendly

Are Welsh Terriers good with kids? Are Welsh Terriers good around children?

Welsh Terriers are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Welsh Terriers good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Welsh Terriers good with cats? How friendly Welsh Terriers are toward cats?

Welsh Terriers are not cat friendly dogs.

Dog Friendly

Do Welsh Terrier dogs get along with other dogs? Are Welsh Terriers OK with other dogs?

Welsh Terriers are below average dog friendly dogs. Welsh Terrier dogs may not always get along well with other dogs they have not been raised with,

Pet friendly

How do Welsh Terrier dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Welsh Terriers friendly with strangers?

Welsh Terriers are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Welsh Terriers like to play? Are Welsh Terriers playful?

The Welsh Terrier is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Welsh Terrier is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

Are Welsh Terrier easily trained?

Welsh Terrier dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Apartment Friendly
    Living in an apartment is a good fit for Welsh Terrier breeds.
  • Energetic
    Welsh Terriers are energetic and playful, making them great for active families.
  • Hypoallergenic
    Because of their hypoallergenic nature, Welsh Terriers may cause fewer allergic reactions than other breeds.
  • Minimal to no shedding
    The Welsh Terrier breed is known for having minimal to no shedding of hair.
  • Intelligent
    They are intelligent and trainable, making them a good choice for obedience training.

Cons

  • Not suitable for office environment
    Keeping a Welsh Terrier in an office may not be ideal
  • Not cat-friendly
    It is unlikely that a Welsh Terrier will be comfortable around cats.
  • Barking
    A distinctive trait of this breed of dog is their loudness.