Welsh Terrier
Independent and a true terrier, the Welsh Terrier is charming, cocky, and confident.
Daily Care
Grooming Tips
Though the Welsh Terrier sheds only lightly, regular grooming is still required. The coat should be brushed three times per week, and stripped several times per year. Stripping can be done by hand or with a stripping knife. Bathe the Welsh Terrier as needed.
Check the ears on a weekly basis for signs of infection, irritation, or wax build up. Cleanse regularly with a veterinarian-approved cleanser and cotton ball. Brush the teeth at least once per week to prevent tartar buildup and fight gum disease. Additionally, nails should be trimmed once per month if the dog does not wear the toenails down naturally.
Exercise Tips
Welshies are small in stature but big on exercise. They need vigorous activities to be happy and calm in the house. Three or four brisk walks daily will suffice for a day or two but they really need a place to run and play as well.
Welsh Terriers can live quite comfortably in apartments or condos providing the owners are dedicated to walks and trips to the dog park a few times a week.
This breed makes wonderful family companions. Their need for exercise will keep both children and the dog busy and active. Welshies can become terrible housemates without enough exercise. Mentally stimulating toys can also provide the dog with an outlet during inclement weather.
Feeding Tips
An active dog, the Welsh Terrier needs a diet of high-quality, dry kibble made specifically for active dogs. Soft foods can cause tooth decay, gum disease and plaque buildup which results in bad breath. Dry kibble is best for this dog.
Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to gettingoverweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treatscan be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about whichhuman foodsare safe for dogs, and which are not.
Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet.Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
Health Tips
The average life span of the Welsh Terrier is 13 to 15 years. Breed health concerns may include epilepsy,glaucoma, lens luxation,skin problemsand thyroid disease.
Trainability
Welsh Terriers are rather bright dogs making them quite easy to train. You must keep in mind that Welshies do have independent streaks so training should be made fun and rewarding.
This breed enjoys yummy snacks as rewards for doing a good job while training. Early training is best for the Welshie as he tends to believe that he is the one in charge of the household. This is never a good thing. With early training, the owner will always be seen as the Alpha in the pack, keeping the Welsh Terrier in his rightful place.
History
Many old paintings and prints of terriers show a black and tan wirehaired terrier that looks much like the Welsh Terrier of today. The breed originated in Wales, where the dogs pitted their wits against badger, fox, and otter.
Dog shows became popular in the mid-nineteenth century. By 1884 there was a class for “Welsh or Old English Wire Haired Black and Tan Terriers,” a description that still fits the dogs of today. Dogs could be shown under either or both names.
Welsh Terriers were first brought to the United States in 1888 by Prescott Lawrence, who showed them at the Westminster Kennel Club show. They were recognized by the American Kennel Club the same year. The Welsh Terrier Club of America was established in 1900. Today the dogs rank 105thamong the breeds registered by the AKC.
