The Welsh
Terrier
The Welsh
Terrier is 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.
The
Welsh Terrier is a consummate terrier 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.
Welsh
Terriers were developed to hunt independently and this required that
they be very assertive and stoic dogs. As a consequence, developing
obedience in a Welsh 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 the Welsh, 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 have a run around the yard chasing something allows it to 'vent
some steam' and be quieter in the house. A Welsh Terrier 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.
The
Welsh 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.
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.
The
late President John F. Kennedy owned a Welsh Terrier pet name Charlie.
Breed Clubs and Societies
This breed of dog is a 'Vulnerable Native Breed'.
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