Welsh Terrier

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Welsh Terrier
A Welsh Terrier on the beach.
Country of origin
United Kingdom (Wales)
Common nicknames
Welshie WT
Classification and breed standards
FCI:	Group 3 Section 1 #78	Stds
AKC:	Terrier	Stds
ANKC:	Group 2 (Terriers)	Stds
CKC:	Group 4 - Terrier	Stds
KC (UK):	Terrier	Stds
NZKC:	Terrier	Stds
UKC:	Terriers	Stds

The Welsh Terrier is a breed of dog, one of many terrier breeds. It is suited for hunting fox, birds, and badgers and for being kept as a pet. The Welsh Terrier originates from Wales and has existed since the 1800s. Its origins lie in the Old English Black and Tan Terrier that existed in England as early as the 13th century. It also existed in Wales and it was that sort that finally was registered by The Kennel Club under the name Welsh Terrier. Until 1900, it was called the "Old English Terrier" or "Black and Tan Rough Haired Terrier". The breed has been recognised since 1886 and is more common than the Airedale Terrier or the Fox Terrier.

[edit] Description

[edit] Appearance

The Welsh Terrier is colored tan on the head, legs and underbelly while having a black or sometimes grizzle saddle. The breed is a sturdy and compact dog of about medium size that can grow up to 39cm (15 in.) with a weight of 9-10 kg (20-22 lb). The tail is usually dockted in order to complete the image of a square dog that is as tall as it is long. The body shape is square, with elongated, "brick-like" face. This shape is formed by the whiskers and beard. The hair contains two layers, an undercoat that insulates and an abrasive fur on top that protects against dirt, rain, and wind. Welshies are born all black and during the first year they change the color to standard black and tan.

[edit] Temperament

The Welsh Terrier is a consummate terrier—a terrier in a nutshell—with a typical terrier temper.In the right hands, it is a happy, lively, and seldom shy or timid dog. Dogs of this breed can be devoted friends and can function either as city dogs or as country dogs. Welshies typically exhibit a hunting instinct: they chase anything that moves: dry leaves, animals, anything.

Welshies were developed to hunt independently and this required that they be very assertive and stoic dogs. As a consequence, developing obedience in a Welshie is a long term proposition and one has to convince the dog that the owner is the alpha male. Application of physical force should be done only in the extreme situations as Welshies, like most terriers, will not back down and will fight back. A quiet but persistent approach to ensure that Welshie in the end completes the command, in the end will establish who is in control.

A Welsh Terrier is full of energy and it hardly ever becomes tired. Letting a WT to have a run around the yard chasing something allows it to 'vent some steam' and be quieter in the house. WT is a true comrade for the one who likes open-air activities. It is friendly with people and other dogs. It is not eager to fight, although it will hold its own when necessary.

Welshie is a very smart dog. Couple this with typical terrier persistence, and you have a dog that can come up with solution for any problem that stands in his way to make mischief. In other words, WT needs a lot of intellectual stimulation to stay agreeable. A small yard walk a day, without any other activities, is not enough. These dogs need interesting things to do each day. Leaving WT alone in the yard will make it bored and WT will amuse itself by digging under the fence, digging out plants, hunting mice, or even scaling the fence.

Welsh Terriers get along well with children; they love to play and to follow a child as it plays.

[edit] Health

The body of the Welsh Terrier is normal and healthy so that the physique is durable and lasting. Some studies have suggested a genetic predisposition to Glaucoma^[1] . A healthy Welsh Terrier lives about 15 years on average and stays active and alert up to a high age if it is well taken care of and healthy.

[edit] Miscellaneous

[edit] Famous Welsh Terriers

• Charlie, pet of John F. Kennedy
• Clement Attlee, Ist Earl Attlee, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom 1945-1951 owned a Welsh Terrier. The dog is incorporated in to Earl Attlee's coat-of-arms

[edit] References

1. College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri[1]

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Welsh Terrier

• Welsh Terriers and Friends - British-based site about the breed
• The Welsh Terrier Association
• The Welsh Terrier Club of America
• The Welsh Terrier Owners Society (United Kingdom)
• Sutton Welsh Terriers