Welsh Terrier Grooming and Breed Care

Welsh Terrier Temperament

The Welsh Terrier is an active, playful dog with plenty of enthusiasm for everything he does. Spirited and alert, the Welsh Terrier has an outgoing personality, and is loyal and affectionate. These dogs are intelligent, with a high learning rate and an eagerness to please. However, they are also very independent and can be manipulative, which can make training a challenge. The Welsh Terrier needs an owner with confidence, assertiveness, and some experience in dog ownership and training. He is energetic and requires and fair amount of exercise. Play areas, where he is not on a leash, must be secured and safe, as he does have an inquisitive nature and could easily wander off. Early socialization is recommended with the Welsh Terrier to promote stability, and training should always be firm yet positive.

The Welsh Terrier is a born digger, and also loves the sound of his own voice, so he is not the right choice for those looking for a quiet life. He does make an effective watchdog, and is cautious around strangers. These dogs will be fine around gentle, older children, but do not take to rough handling. They tend to chase smaller animals unless properly socialized with them, and although some can be accepting of other dogs they are not afraid to rise to a challenge. Possessiveness is a trait to look out for with the Welsh Terrier, and some can be very protective of their belongings and food. The Welsh Terrier will make a good pet or companion for a confident owner, with an active lifestyle and time to dedicate to a pet.

Welsh Terrier Appearance

The Welsh Terrier is a distinctive looking dog, and is small in size but has a sturdy build. He has a distinctive beard, a long square-set muzzle, and small folded ears. The coat of the Welsh Terrier is close, hard, and wiry, and the coloring is black and tan. These dogs weigh in at around 19-25 pounds, and reach around 14-16 inches in height.

Welsh Terrier Grooming

You will need to put a fair amount of work into the grooming of a Welsh Terrier. His coat needs to be brushed a couple of times a week to keep it in good condition. You will need to clean the beard on a daily basis for hygiene reasons, and also keep the hair around his bottom trimmed. Every few months you may want to get the coat clipped or trimmed, and for show dogs stripping of the dead coat will be required. The Welsh Terrier sheds more as a puppy than when he starts to grow up, and once the puppy coat has gone is a low shedder  he could therefore suit those with allergies.

Welsh Terrier Health Problems and Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of the Welsh Terrier is around 12-15 years. There are a number of health problems to look out for with this breed, and this includes glaucoma, cataracts, lens luxation, luxating patella, seizures, allergies, and thyroid problems. The parents of the Welsh Terrier puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates.

Welsh Terrier History

Originating from Wales, the Welsh Terrier was originally bred to hunt badgers, foxes, and otters.

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