Welsh Terrier Dog Breed Information

Group

Terriers

Weight

10 kg

Height

38 cm

Lifespan

10-13 years

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About the Welsh Terrier

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

Welsh Terriers make the perfect family companion – if you know what you’re doing! These feisty and friendly canines are an old breed of dog, making them resilient, healthy, and mostly purebred. But don’t rush out for one right away; their intelligence makes them a challenge.

Welshies were originally hunting dogs that were bred to run after small animals in the Welsh valleys and bark to tell hunting groups where the prey was hiding. That’s why these top dogs have so many hunting traits, including aggression, intelligence, barking, and energy to spare.

But don’t let that put you off if you’ve fallen in love with their curly coats and their bouncy personalities; with the right training and socialisation, a Welshie makes the perfect family pet and will stick around in your home longer than most family dogs. Read on to find out more.

What is the history & origin of the Welsh Terrier?

The Welsh Terrier is one of the oldest breeds of hunting dog, according to some historians. It was originally bred in the high and inaccessible hills and mountains of Wales hundreds of years ago, but it became popular in other places when roads were introduced. Nowadays, the Welsh Terrier is bred for domestic use, but it still has hunting traits and a typical terrier temperament.

This dog was bred as an ‘earth-stopper’ — that’s a dog that will go to the ground for prey; it will also search out burrows and dive into caves and quarries. As well as hunting behaviours, Welsh Terriers needed to stay warm in the hills, so they were mostly bred with a double coat; the soft undercoat grows faster than the outer coat. These days, Welshies make excellent show dogs.

What is a Welsh Terrier breed?

A Welsh Terrier is a happy-go-lucky family dog that was once bred for hunting. These purebred dogs have all of the agility and intelligence that you would expect from a dog that has to chase rodents into burrows and collect game from the fields, but when it’s not at work, it’s a playful and lively addition to the family. These top dog breeds can often be found in rescue kennels.

Who is a Welsh Terrier best for?

If you’re pretty new to dog ownership, then you might want to avoid Welshie breeds; these energetic dogs need a lot of training to be happy and satisfied. However, if you know what you’re doing, you couldn’t ask for a better dog in your life. Whether you’re single or have a family – a Welsh Terrier is extremely friendly and affectionate; a loyal and fun life companion.

Welsh Terrier Grooming & Shedding

If you have some allergies, then Welsh Terriers are a good choice; they rarely shed their coats and are mostly hypoallergenic. Despite this, they still appreciate some regular grooming to keep their fur looking healthy and shiny – when they want to show off! Remember, some Welsh Terriers also have double coats, so always adapt your grooming set to keep them super happy.

Welsh Terriers’ undercoat keeps them warm in the valleys and their outer coat protects them from the harsh weather when they’re on the hunt. The undercoat grows quite quickly and will need to be trimmed back every three to six months.

Do Welsh Terriers bark a lot?

Some dogs bark more than others, and Welsh Terriers are definitely the barking type. These historical breeds have a prey drive, so they have a lot of inner strength along with a competitive nature.

Expect Welsh Terriers to bark loudly at other dogs in the park and let you know when they see something of interest. At least you will always know where they are.

What is the average weight & height of a Welsh Terrier dog?

Welsh terriers are medium-sized dogs, which means they are around 38 cm tall and weigh around 10 kilos. However, the size and weight of an adult dog depend on the individual dog. A Welsh terrier enjoys digging, so don’t think twice about loading them into the car; in general, a Welshie is a sturdy and compact dog that you won’t forget to leave behind.

Are Welsh Terriers easy to train?

There’s no doubt about it; Welsh terriers need some good training to be satisfying house companions, so make sure you know what you’re doing, or you can find someone who does. Create routines for the Welshie to make them feel comfortable and focus on positive reward mechanisms. Contact the kennel club for the best advice on training many terrier breeds.

How do Welsh Terriers behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Research any breed club, and they will give you all the information you need about a welsh terrier’s personality. Originally, they were bred for hunting otters, badgers, and fowl, so they have a determined aggressiveness when they need it.

That said, Welshies are mostly lively, friendly, and energetic like several other terrier breeds. Most Welshies are strong country dogs.

Does the Welsh Terrier have any common health issues?

According to the breed club, a Welsh terrier is a healthy dog breed. Yet these dogs do have some health issues, such as lens luxation and glaucoma. Lens luxation is a genetic condition that causes the breakdown of lens zonals affecting their sight. Glaucoma is also an issue in the terrier group, including Welshies.

What is the lifespan of a Welsh Terrier?

The average lifespan of a dog is between 10 and 13 years, which makes a Welsh terrier something of a long-liver! Welsh terriers are not only tough on the outside; this dog breed can live up to 15 years in some cases, making them a good choice for a family dog. But these stoic dogs need training to control excessive barking and make them a more timid dog for the kids.

How much does a Welsh Terrier need to be fed?

Like most dogs, Welsh terriers love their food, but they also display some food guarding behaviours which are worth keeping in mind if you have young children in the house. Kids should never be allowed to touch the dog’s food. As with other breeds, you should try to feed your Welshie better dog food to keep them healthy and sharp. Choose food with real meat.

How much can you expect to pay for a Welsh Terrier in Australia?

A Welshie is a prime breed in general and therefore doesn’t come cheap; that said, for a dog of this calibre, you will probably pay less overall. Expect to pay between $700 and $1,200 in Australia for an average Welsh terrier.

If the dog has won a competition, some dog sports, or comes from an excellent breeder, you might pay more. In this case, the puppy could set you back up to $2,000.

If you want to buy a Welshie in Australia, you have two options — you can buy from a breeder, or you can buy from a rescue centre. Welshies are a reliable breed, so you can count on a puppy from a breeder, but rescue centres are also an excellent idea to endorse better forever homes.

Welsh Terrier FAQs

Is a Welsh terrier ideal for a first-time dog owner?

The short answer is ‘no,’ but the long answer is ‘maybe.’ These dogs are friendly and loyal, but they are also very energetic and intelligent; if you don’t know an English terrier from your Welshies, it’s best to avoid them for a first dog. That said, if you can’t resist their curly fur and happy eyes, then consult a dog trainer or hire a professional to help with early socialisation.

Do Welsh terriers suffer from separation anxiety?

With some dog breeds, you have to make sure they know where you are at all times, or they become quite unhappy and agitated. This is called separation anxiety, but it’s not something you need to worry about with Welsh terriers. Welsh terriers were bred for a tough life in the countryside, and they can handle themselves, but they are still pack dogs and like company.

Are Welsh terrier hypoallergenic dogs?

According to a reputable breeder, a Welshie is a hypoallergenic dog meaning it’s better for people who have animal allergies. Loose or dead hair from a dog, as well as allergies and proteins found in their saliva, can cause sneezing and itchy eyes for some people, but unlike other dogs, a Welsh terrier is easier on people suffering from animal allergies from an early age.

Will a Welsh terrier need professional grooming?

Bred for the tough weather conditions in the Welsh valleys, it is no surprise that Welsh terriers have a double coat. This double coat consists of a soft undercoat and a tougher outer coat to keep them warm and protect them. The undercoat grows faster and needs to be regularly trimmed or plucked; if you’re not experienced, professional grooming is an option.