THE WELSH TERRIER

The Welsh Terrier is a black and tan terrier, originating from Wales and widespread throughout the United Kingdom. Believed to be one of the oldest terrier breeds, also known as the Old English Terrier, it was bred for hunting foxes and badgers and excellent at eradicating rodents.

The Welsh Terrier is a sturdy and compact dog of small/medium size and has only one colour which is black and tan. Welsh Terriers are born mostly all black and during the first year they change to their standard colouring. They have a hard and wiry outer coat, which protects them from dirt and rain, and a soft and short undercoat, which insulates them in colder weather. The coat does not shed but requires regular grooming including brushing or raking several times a week. If the coat is not clipped it will require stripping to remove loose or dead hair to prevent matting. Like all dogs, ears and eyes should be checked regularly and nails trimmed when required.

The Welsh Terrier is an intelligent, affectionate dog who is playful and full of energy which makes them an excellent family companion. Because of their energetic nature, they are not well suited to apartment living, and prefer a well fenced back yard to burn off energy. The Welsh Terrier requires regular exercise and entertainment, and if bored, may become mischievous and destructive. Like all terriers they love to dig holes. They make and excellent watchdog and will bark when seeing or hearing something suspicious.

Welsh Terriers can be difficult to train and require a fun, positive and consistent training program otherwise they get bored and will ignore you. Their intelligence and high energy levels make them well suited to dog sports such as agility, flyball, tracking, earthdog, and obedience competitions. The Welsh Terrier requires walking every day and loves to run or swim although because of their natural instincts should be kept on a lead.

The Welsh Terrier is an independent breed but also loyal and devoted to their family. They get along well with children but can have a dominant nature which may lead to problems with other dogs, so socialisation at an early age is a must. Being a hardy dog they are happy to rough and tumble with the older kids or chase toys around the house. While they enjoy outdoor life they prefer to live indoors in the company of other and will quite happily cuddle up on the couch when required.


Welsh Terriers are generally healthy and have a life span of 12 - 15 years.

Height: 36 - 39 cm
Weight: 9 - 10 kg