WELSH TERRIERS

Please note we do not breed Welsh Terriers.

Holly and Dexter

We are often asked about the comparison of the Airedale Terrier with the Welsh Terrier

SUE AND ANDY SAYS -  He has been the most adorable and adored dog. he is still in tip top condition EXCEPT FOR A COUPLE OF MINOR AILMENTS and always eager for his walks and will do anything for food!  ENJOYS HOLIDAYS IN DEVON. He is very much part of the family and we love him to bits.

The Welsh Terrier is now on the Kennel Club’s Vulnerable Breeds List - which means that fewer than 100 are bred annually. 

 History and Character

If Airedales are considered the King of Terriers - Welsh are the ’Heir Apparent’.  They may only be a small breed but their demeanour and stature is ‘one who believes he is King’.  He is a no nonsense dog who has no reservations about taking on bigger dogs if the occasion warrants. He considers himself the boss and has right-of-way in all cases. However, he can quite happily live alongside most any other larger breed of dog, provided the other dog agrees that the Welsh is No.1!

Its origins, as its name suggests, is firmly rooted in Wales - a black and red bellied bitch being mentioned by a Welsh poet as early as 1450.  Wales at that time had a multitude of game and wildlife ranging from badger, beaver, polecat, fox, stoat and other vermin just waiting for the versatile Welsh terrier to hunt it down.

Reasonably easy to train so long as you are firm and start as you mean to go on.  An 8 week charming feisty little bundle soon grows up to be a feisty hard to handle adult. Early training is a necessity as he can become quite deaf when he is on the trail of something of interest. A hunter by nature he loves nothing better than going off on a foray into fields and woods, but he can also quickly change into a regular lap dog hogging the nearest chair by the fire. Welsh Terriers have a great enthusiasm for life and so are not for people who want a dog that needs little exercise.  He is adaptable enough to fit into many lifestyles but they do need regular daily exercise, otherwise all their pent up terrier spirit will turn him into a destructive demon. 

A hardy breed. Compact and square in shape.  Sometimes referred to as the “miniature Airedale” but there the comparisons stop.  They have very different characters from the Airedale -  much more energetic, very quick on their feet (so be careful when opening doors), slightly more vociferous which could be a problem if not properly checked when a puppy.  They make good watchdogs, letting their owners know if something is amiss.  They are good with children, but as with all dogs/children ,you must lay down boundaries and teach both to respect each other. Puppies are not toys and they need their sleep and rest periods just like babies to enable them to grow into sound mature adults. Patient firm training as a puppy will reap great rewards in the older dog.

Grooming

The Welsh Terrier has a harsh wiry black and tan coat which needs regular grooming and as they do not moult they need to be hand trimmed or clipped on a regular basis, at least 4 to 5 times per year.  The tan can be anything from mahogany to honey in colour. The basic grooming equipment you need is a terrier palm pad, a fine and a wide tooth comb and a good bristle brush. The palm pad can be used everywhere on the dog, the wide tooth comb should be used for combing through the beard and the leg hair and the fine tooth comb the back coat.  The bristle brush can be used all over for the final gloss. A well groomed Welsh Terrier is a very smart dog indeed.  Nails should be clipped every two weeks and this is best started off when a puppy so that it becomes used to this.  Teeth should be cleaned regularly.

Feeding

They can be greedy so be very careful not to over feed.  For adults 1/2 to 1  standard tin of food plus biscuit per day. The actual amount greatly depends on the amount of exercise the dog has.  For complete diets follow the breeder’s advice or that shown of the manufacturer.  Any change in diet should be introduced gradually. Every dog is an individual so what is right for one may be too much or not enough for another. The breeder of your puppy should give you a diet sheet along with Kennel Club Registration papers, Pedigree Certificate and Worming Certificate.

There follows a little story about a family owning a Welsh Terrier named Olly.

Olly

Now it is nearly one year since we brought Olly home.

He has settled in really well and our other dog, Bex the 5yrs old Lurcher. We also have two cats Zebra and Onion.

Training Olly has its moment. We started off with the puppy socialising classes. He would sit back and take it all in and performed beautifully when it was his turn, however it was a different story when out of the class!

But I remembered being told by the breeder that I must be very firm and possibly extra firm due to my Deafness. 

He would go up to everybody and everything that moved just like a very nosey puppy or sociable one whichever way you wish to look at.

I had an advantage to my side, Bex the Lurcher turned out to be a very bossy dog that we had not noticed while being the only dog before Olly joined the household.

Whenever I had to correct Olly, Bex would be there to neck him to the ground and the ‘bad’ behaviour would not be seen again.

I also paid extra money for a one to one training lesson; I was told by the trainer (who is currently one of the trainers for underdog programme in Sky with Kevin and Stacey (?)) that one lesson was enough as she thought Olly was a very bright dog and quick to learn. So she sent me off packing with ideas to do at home.

People have commented and being surprised when I mentioned his age, they all thought he was mature puppy. They have also said that it makes a refreshing change to see a Welsh terrier instead of Westie or Border terrier

So Olly is now a much laid back terrier and an absolute joy to have.

He loves his squeaky toys and soft toys. When we visit our friends, he would go round the house looking for their soft toys which always bring a smile to our faces as well the hostess.

One thing still stand, he hates having his forelegs brushed/combed. I think it is going to be like that for the rest of his years to come.

We are still delighted with him.

 

JAPANESE CHAMPION STARGUS OLYMPIC DREAM

UK'S Top Welsh Puppy 2001, CC Winner

Shelby holds a Clear eye certificate

Links

www.welshterrierclub.co.uk 

The Welsh Terrier Association

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