Description: The Welsh Terrier is similar in looks to the Airdale Terrier. It has a rectangular head. The muzzle is about half the length of the head. It is no more than 15 inches in height and the weight is 20-21 pounds. The teeth meet in a scissor bite or a level bite. The Welsh Terrier has almond shaped eyes that are small and wide apart, these are dark brown in colour. The ears are slightly folded and V in shape. This dog has straight front legs with small cat like feet that are round. In countries that permit docking, the tail is docked to be even with the height of the head, when the tail is raised. This helps give the square look of the Welsh Terrier. This breed has a double coat that is wiry and hard on the top with the undercoat being soft. This dog has bushy eyebrows and a beard with a moustache. Colouring is black and tan, grizzle with black jacket marking over the back of the dog. This dog’s life expectancy is 10-12 years.

History: The original name was the Black and tan Wired Haired Terrier and over time the name has change to what we see today, the Welsh Terrier. This dog, as the name suggests, comes from Wales and were used for their hunting abilities. This dog was a hard working dog that used to hunt fox, badgers and the odd otter if by water, as all these animals would destroy the crops, of the farmers. This breed would be used to hunt in packs. The Welsh Terrier was first shown in 1884 and came to the USA in 1888. This dog has talents in; tracking, hunting, watchdog and today we can add agility and the performing of tricks to a good standard.

Temperament: Here the Welsh Terrier has many good qualities and is a dog with intelligence as well. This dog is happy, fun loving, playful, affectionate, devoted to the family, energetic, and is wonderful with children being able to cope well with rough and tumble playing. This dog will have a lot of energy and need good long walks daily to channel some of their energy. Having a good structure will enable this dog to be a well balanced dog. As well as this the dog requires good leadership from the owner and rules to follow. Socialize this dog well when they are a puppy as this will help them to not be an aggressive dog, when they are older. This breed needs firm but not harsh discipline, but it is better to be calm yet the leader of the dog. Without this the dog can be timid and aggressive, with a lot of stubbornness. This dog has slightly lower energy than some of the Terrier family but still will be best suited to an active family. Training needs to have verity, to gain the best from this breed. The Welsh Terrier can swim and dig and may need to learn where digging is permitted. Being consistent with this breed will go a long way to giving you a well balanced dog. Take care with this dog off a lead, as they love to chase things, but they also love time off the lead to run free and play, so a game such as fetching a ball can help.

Health issues: In some lines of the Welsh Terrier is some eye problems and skin problems.

Grooming: The Welsh Terrier will need their coat plucking two to three times a year. Brushing every few days will help this dog’s coat. This is a low shedder.

Living conditions: The Welsh Terrier does fine in an apartment, if their needs for good long daily walks are met. This breed needs a small garden with good fencing.