|
|
Welsh Terrier |
|
|
The Welsh Terrier breed profile is sponsored by www.PetWearUSA.com visit PetWear to custom design your Terrier's next designer dog collar, leash or more and then let PetWear hand make it and then ship for free!
The Welsh Terrier packages all the best traits of Terrier, from his determined, fearless attitude when faced with a challenge to his jaunty, confident, playful love of family. The Welsh Terrier does everything well and with style. Even so, this is not the dog for everyone. While the Welshie is known for an obedient and loving nature, he is a Terrier and will not suffer fools gladly. Badly behaved children, cats who ask to be chased can all end up at the receiving end of the Welsh Terrier's sense of independence, drive and working ability. As such, the dog needs to be protected from them (and the harm he might do to his own wellbeing) as they might from him. For the retired couple or single adult home however, he/she really can't be beat as a companion. This is a dog that positively thrives on attention so a home with someone there much of the time is ideal. |
|
|
General Information |
Group(s):
Terrier |
Height: not above 15.5 inches |
Weight: usually 20-21 pounds |
Longevity: high teens |
Colors: black and tan or black grizzle and tan |
Coat type: wiry, coarse, very close and abundant top coat, undercoat is very short, dense and soft |
Recognized Registries: ANKC, CKC, KC, AKC, UKC, FCI, NCA and others |
Overall Appearance: Compact, well balanced and very workmanlike small short coupled dog with distinctive Terrier coat and head. |
 |
Personaility - Behavior - Training |
Energy Level: High |
General Nature: |
Fearless, affectionate, volatile, always in motion, happy, rarely shy typically quite confident |
|
with Children: somewhat variable but typically good with older, well behaved children if properly introduced |
|
with other pets: not a good match as they are bred to kill smaller animals |
|
with dogs: generally not good unless they know the other dog well |
|
Socialization requirements: fairly high: while not inclined to shyness they can become very territorial and protective or tyrannical |
Ideal home characteristics: appreciates the high energy and entertainment value, that can dedicate significant amounts of time, this dog thrives on attention. |
Temperament Notes: Obedient and generally easy to control, fearless, intelligent, devoted, affectionate and yet somewhat independent |
Training requirement: moderate: socialization and basic manners |
Trainer notes: The Welsh Terrier is a working man's Terrier. They are very busy and always want to know what is going on (even if it is nothing they will verify it first). This level of distractability can unnerve all but the best of trainers which might be why they are so fun to train! The Welsh Terrier KNOWS what they think is fun, it's up to the trainer to figure that out and tap into it. While the occasional individual might display exceptional prowess in a dog sport with the help of an exceptional trainer, this is not likely a breed to topple the top winning Border Collies and Golden Retrievers from their places in dogsport. However this doesn't mean that working with a Welshie doesn't come with its own rewards! |
 |
Background Information |
Year range of first recognition: 1500s |
Country of Origin: Wales |
Original Function: hunter and killer of vermin |
History: Developed during the middle ages as the homeowner's/farmer's friend, dispatching vermin that would eat animal feed and otherwise be a nuisance. |
 |
Adoption Information |
|
Deviations from Standard: |
Health Notes: hypothyroidism, epilepsy, eye problems |
Health Testing: CERF, Thyroid Panel |
Questions to ask Breeder:
http://www.digitaldog.com/breeder_questions.html - The Breeder Questions as listed here provided with explanations and answers you will want to be looking for!
How long have you had Welsh Terriers?
Why do you have Welsh Terriers (show, performance, earthdog, etc.)?
What do you consider to be the most important single characteristic of a Welsh Terrier?
What health issues have you seen in the breed?
What criteria do you set for your breeding stock?
Do you plan to keep a puppy from this litter?
How often do you have puppies?
Do you have a written contract and puppy guarantee?
At what age do you send your pups to their homes?
How would you describe the ideal Welsh Terrier?
How would you describe the ideal Welsh Terrier home?
Are your puppies whelped in your home?
What advice would you offer someone in raising and training an Welsh Terrier?
How do you assist or help Welsh Terriers in need of rescue? |
Web Sites: http://www.wtcares.org/ - Welsh Terrier Rescue |
|
 |
Other Resources |
|
|
|
|
|