welsh terrier dog

History of origin

The UK boasts a large number of national breeds, because the British are recognized dog lovers. However, it is the Welsh Terrier that can be called the original Celtic dog. It is believed that this dog traces its lineage from the now extinct Old English Terrier, but perhaps its history is much older, because this compact, but at the same time active and courageous dog was simply indispensable on any farm, thanks to its unpretentiousness and versatility.

At first there were two varieties of this breed: one was the descendant of crossing the Fox and Airedale Terriers, and the other – the heirs of the Old English Wirehaired Terrier. The dogs were similar, but in the end the latter won, and the former faded away. So the similarity of modern Welsh Terriers with Airedales is completely accidental, although there is no doubt.

At home in Wales, Welsh Terriers hunted rats, which can be very dangerous opponents, as well as other burrowing animals, in particular, foxes and badgers. However, now these small dogs are increasingly being adopted as family friends – fortunately, their small size is very convenient for keeping in the city.

In our country, the breed is much less known than the Airedale Terrier, but it has had a circle of admirers since Soviet times, which is now slowly but steadily growing.

Breed description

A small, harmoniously built dog, outwardly being a reduced copy of the Airedale Terrier. The head is rectangular, the muzzle is rather long. The eyes are slightly slanted, dark, the expression is attentive and intelligent. The ears are semi-erect, the tips are bent forward. Despite its small size, the Welsh Terrier does not give the impression of a pampered room dog, but looks strong, athletic and agile – a real hunter. The tail is set high, usually docked at 2/3, but this is not necessary now. Keep it up.

The coat is hard, if not trimmed, shaggy. With the right haircut, it should be fairly short all over the body, and form a mustache and beard on the muzzle. Longer hair is also left on the paws, which makes the dog begin to resemble a plush toy.

Color black-backed: on a wheaten-red background, a black saddlecloth, captivating the back, sides and back of the neck.

Photos

Character

Incredibly agile, ready for action at any moment, but at the same time smart and loyal – such is the Welsh Terrier. He never sits idle. Welsh is not the kind of dog that will sleep peacefully in a basket while you leave for work. You leave – he needs you. Go to the kitchen to cook dinner – Welsh is right there. And if you are going for a walk, there will be no limit to his joy, because on the street you can throw out your indefatigable energy: run in the open, chase cats and birds, or even fight with a neighbor’s shepherd dog. Yes, they also love it, moreover, if the size of the opponent plays a role, it is only in terms of “the bigger, the better”. So, if you are the proud owner of a bearded hunter, do not even think about other animals in the house – they will all become his prey. But you can hardly find a more devoted friend. And the Welsh will never show aggression to other people.

Care and maintenance

If you are not a big fan of active pastime, it is better to opt for another breed. The Welsh Terrier needs a partner who is ready to walk many kilometers a day on an equal footing with him and take part in all his games. If there is no such comrade nearby, the dog begins to independently invent ways to apply his irrepressible energy, and most often this ends with the destruction of the apartment.

The Welsh Terrier coat also requires special care. They do not shed on their own, therefore, once every six months, and for show dogs, once every 2 weeks, they must be trimmed (plucked) and cut, in accordance with the shape provided by the exterior. But then you can not be afraid of shreds of wool throughout the apartment.

Well, and most importantly, you need to be constantly in contact with your dog, because Welsh are very social and affectionate creatures that need your love and care.

Education and training

First of all, you need to understand that the Welsh Terrier is a hunter to the bone, which means that it is a smart, active, courageous and very independent dog. This is not a German Shepherd that will be happy with the mere fact that you gave her an order. Welsh will think three times before doing what is required of him. And this is not at all due to the fact that he did not understand something. On the contrary, this dog is too smart to completely rely on someone. So, if you want to get some commands from him, you need to prove that, firstly, you have the right to demand something, and secondly, you will have to interest the dog so that she wants to obey. In a word, find a common language with your bearded pet and tune in with him, as they say, on the same wavelength. And then you will see a miracle – the Welsh Terrier, it turns out, perfectly understands not only every word you say, but also any thought.

Health and disease

The Welsh Terrier is an exceptionally healthy breed. Even joint dysplasia, the scourge of most dogs, more often than others bypasses it. The rest depends on the owner: how balanced food he offers his pet, how long he walks with him, how much time he devotes to communicating with the dog and whether he neglects vaccinations and treatment for parasites.

It is worth noting the tendency of the Welsh to pick up all kinds of “goodies” on the street, which often ends in serious poisoning, so every owner from childhood must explain to his bearded friend that any food outside his bowl is taboo.

Word to the breeder

Elena Vasilieva from Lobnya, breeder of the Siversky kennel:

“The Welsh Terrier is comfortable to keep in an apartment if you are ready to walk a lot and actively. They are perfect for lovers of an active lifestyle and often accompany their owners on tourist trips around Our Country and beyond.

These dogs do not shed, but their coat requires regular grooming – trimming (pinching).

Welsh Terriers, like most members of the terrier group, love to be the leader of the “pack”, regardless of the size and gender of other dogs – this is something to consider if you already have a dog. If you have no experience, then it is better to take a bitch – they are more focused on the owners and it will be easier for an inexperienced owner to find a common language with the dog.

Welsh Terriers are popular with both hunters and ordinary owners due to the fact that fearlessness and activity are combined with high intelligence.”

Popular questions and answers

We talked about the content of welsh terriers with zoo engineer, veterinarian Anastasia Kalinina.