Description
A breed with a truly working background, the Welsh Terrier is perhaps rather less exuberant than some of the other members of his group. As such, he tends to make a very satisfactory house-dog with a love of family companionship. He is a dog with a cheerful spirit and is good with children. Like so many of his cousins, he was originally used in hunting the fox, badger and even otter.
He is a neat, workmanlike dog with a tight wiry coat normally of black and tan that is relatively easy to maintain in a clean state with a normal degree of trimming.
The Welsh and Lakeland Terriers, which have considerable similarity, may well have had a common origin prior to the Roman invasion of Britain, when their Celtic owners retreated to the Welsh mountains and the Lake District.
Breed Group
Terrier
Vulnerable Native Breed
Yes
Size
Medium
How much exercise?
Up to 1 hour per day
Length of coat
Medium
How much grooming?
More than once a week
Supposedly sheds?*
Yes
Town or Country
Either
Type of home
Small or Large House
Minimum Garden Size
Small/Medium
Lifespan
Over 10 Years
* If you are asthmatic or have an allergy, you should consult your medical advisor before considering obtaining a dog. More information can also be found on
the Kennel Club website.
The Terrier Breed Group
Dogs originally bred and used for hunting vermin. 'Terrier' comes from the Latin word Terra, meaning earth. This hardy collection of dogs were selectively bred to be extremely brave and tough, and to pursue fox, badger, rat and otter (to name but a few) above and below ground. Dogs of terrier type have been known here since ancient times, and as early as the Middle Ages, these game breeds were portrayed by writers and painters.