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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.
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
