Welsh Terrier Breed Guide

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.

Who are Welsh Terrier dogs 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.

How much grooming does a Welsh Terrier need?

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.

Remember, Welsh Terriers have a double coat, an undercoat to keep them warm in the valleys, and an outer coat to protect 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 Terrier bark much?

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.

Do Welsh Terrier bite?

According to the American Kennel Club, Welsh Terriers, like other dog breeds, are extremely feisty and have a high prey drive; this means they are prone to biting if they aren't properly trained. if you want to introduce a Welshie to your home, make sure they have been socialised and trained or that you are capable of doing so; otherwise, they can become a little aggressive.

What is the temperament & personality of a Welsh Terrier?

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.

What is the weight & size of a Welsh Terrier?

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.

How much training does a Welsh Terrier need?

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.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Welsh Terrier?

According to the breed club, a Welsh terrier has a lifespan of between 12 and 14 years; in general, they are a healthy dog breed, but they do have some minor 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 should you feed a Welsh Terrier?

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.

What is the price of 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 $1200 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, you can pay up to $2000.

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.