History of occurrence
The Welsh Terrier was originally developed in Wales to hunt otter, fox and badger in their dens and also to hunt with hounds in packs. The breed was probably an offshoot of the old British Black & Tan Terrier, and one of only two terrier breeds native to Wales. For sometime it had existed as the old Reddish-Black Wirehaired Terrier. Today's Welsh Terrier is primarily a companion dog, but still retains his hunting ability. Some of the Welsh Terrier’s talents include: hunting, tracking, watchdogging, agility, and performing tricks.
General form
Smart, workmanlike, well-balanced and compact.
Отличительная особенность породы Welsh Terrier
Head and Skull: the skull should be flat and rather wider between the ears than the Wire-Haired Fox Terrier. The jaw should be powerful, clean cut, rather deeper and more punishing - giving the head a more masculine appearance than that usually seen on a Fox Terrier. Stop not too defined, fair length from stop to end of nose, the latter being of a black colour.
Eyes: should be small, well set in, of a dark colour, expressive and indicating abundant keenness. A round full eye is undesirable.
Ears: should be V-shaped, small, not too thin, set on fairly high, carried forward and close to the cheek.
Mouth: should be level with strong teeth.
Neck: the neck should be of moderate length and thickness, slightly arched and sloping gracefully into the shoulders.
Body: the back should be short and well-ribbed up, the loin strong, good depth and moderate width of chest.
Forequarters: the shoulders should be long, sloping and well set back. The legs should be straight and muscular, possessing ample bone, with upright and powerful pasterns.
Hindquarters: should be strong, thighs muscular and of good length, with the hocks well bent, well let down and with ample bone.
Feet: the feet should be small, round and cat-like.
Customarily docked. The tail should be well set on, but not too gaily carried.
Coat: should be wiry, hard, very close and abundant. A single coat is undesirable.
Colour: the colour should be black and tan for preference, or black grizzle and tan, free from black pencilling on toes. Black below the hocks is a fault.
Fore-and hindlegs carried straight forward and parallel. Elbows move perpendicular to body, working free of sides, stifles turning neither in nor out.
Height at shoulders — should not exceed 39.3 cm.
Weight — 9-9.5 kg.
Character
This curious and playful dog is also intelligent and affectionate. Welsh Terriers are patient and do well with children. They enjoy swimming, playing and digging. Happy and spunky, Welsh Terriers do best with a young active family whose activities matches its level of activeness.
Maintenance care
The Welsh Terrier needs a moderate walk on leash every day or an invigorating play session. If allowed to run off leash, it should be in a safe area because it tends to hunt. The Welsh can live happily outdoors during nice weather, but it should sleep inside in cold weather. It does best when allowed access to house and yard. Its wiry jacket needs combing two to three times weekly, plus shaping every three months. Shaping for pets is by clipping, and for show dogs is by stripping. The ears of puppies may need to be trained in order to ensure proper adult shape.
Lifespan — 12-14 years.
Dignity
Makes a keen watchdog.
Not as boisterous or argumentative with other dogs as some terriers.
Doesn't shed too much.
Difficulty keeping
Providing enough exercise and activities to keep them busy.
Aggression toward other — chasing instincts.
Stubbornness.
Digging holes.
Barking.
Regular brushing and clipping.
Diseases
The Welsh Terrier may suffer from minor health problems like lens luxation and glaucoma. The breed is also susceptible to allergies and seizures. Veterinarians often advise for eye tests for Welsh Terriers.
