History

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. The Welsh Terrier was first shown in England in 1884 and first imported to the United States in 1888. 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.

Appearance

The Welsh Terrier is a sturdy, compact, rugged dog, about 15 inches at the withers and 20 pounds in working-condition weight with a thick, coarse, wiry coat. The legs, underbody and head are tan (ranging from light tan to dark reddish brown); the jacket is black or occasionally grizzle. The docked tail completes the image of a square dog, about as high as he is long. The movement is a typical trot of the long-legged terrier -- effortless, with good reach and drive.

The breed is friendly, outgoing to people and other dogs, showing spirit and courage. Intelligence and desire to please are evident in attitude. An ancient Welsh triad sets forth three things most distasteful to a true Cymro (Welshman): "to look with one eye; to listen with one ear; to defend with one hand." Surely the Welshie meets the test, for he is an intense dog who looks with both eyes, listens with both ears, and defends with great vigor.The Welsh is generally gay and even in disposition and afraid of nothing; he truly fulfills a traditional Welsh motto: Gwell Angau Na Cywilydd: "Better death than shame." His coat is double, with a wiry top layer and a woolly undercoat that must be hand-stripped, or plucked, for the show ring.

Grooming

Stripping brings out the best texture and color of the coat. Many pet owners are not equipped or have the time, talent, or inclination to pluck the dead hairs, so they use electric clippers. However, clipping makes the coat softer on the back, and, in many dogs with gray undercoats, leads to the appearance of gray hairs in the black jacket. In black undercoats the color changes from season to season when the coat is clipped. About four or five clippings a year will keep a pet looking trim. The adult coat doesn't shed, so a good brushing and combing once a week is necessary to keep the dead hairs removed.

The all-weather coat repels water and insulates against heat and cold. The dog should not be bathed too frequently as water destroys the coat's wiry texture and natural oils. Many Welshes go a lifetime with only two or three baths without doggy odor.

Care

This breed is a so-called trimming breed; it has abrasive hair that has to be trimmed—not cut! However, it does not shed its fur as many other dog breeds do. This dog does not need constant bathing. The fur must be trimmed about every third month. A complete trimming takes three to four hours and the breeder should give tip about where the dog can get trimmed by a professional (in the correct way so that the fur is not destroyed).

Health

The body of the Welsh Terrier is normal and healthy so that the physique is durable and lasting. There are no known defects related to the breed. 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.