Physical attributes
- Height: ranges from 48cm / 15 inches up to 38cm / 18 inches.
- Weight: ranges from 9kg / 20lbs up to 10kg / 21lbs.
- Typical fur colours: black & tan.
- Eye colour: brown.
- Size category: small.
Health attributes
- Common health problems: lens luxation, glaucoma and hip dysplasia.
- Usual longevity: 12 to 15 years.
- Hypoallergenic? Yes.
Welsh Terrier breed behavioural traits
- Character traits of a Welsh Terrier: The Welsh Terrier usually exhibits character traits that include alert, spirited, intelligent and confident.
- Welsh Terrier obey scale: In percentage terms, the Welsh Terrier typically scores around 50% on the obey scale.
- Trick repetitions required: In terms of how many times the Welsh Terrier needs to learn new tricks, expect between 26 and 40 repetitions before they pick things up.
- Intelligence category: The Welsh Terrier sites in the average category when it comes to intelligence.
- Suitability for children: If you have kids, it’s worth knowing that the Welsh Terrier is moderately suitable for children.
Welsh Terrier: A Deep Dive into Their Fascinating Background and History
The Welsh Terrier stands proud as one of Britain’s oldest dog breeds, with a rich heritage deeply rooted in the rugged landscapes of Wales. These plucky little dogs have been turning heads and stealing hearts for centuries, bringing their characteristic charm from the Welsh hillsides to homes worldwide.
Back in the day, these spirited terriers earned their keep as working dogs in the Welsh countryside. Their primary job? They were absolute masters at hunting foxes, badgers, and other pesky vermin that threatened local farmers’ livestock. What made them particularly special was their incredible ability to squeeze into tight spots and fearlessly pursue their quarry both above and below ground.
These canine warriors belong to the terrier group, and they’ve certainly earned their place there. While they’re not typically as high-strung as some of their terrier cousins, they’ve got that classic terrier spunk that makes them such engaging companions. When it comes to smarts and work ethic, Welsh Terriers sit comfortably in the middle of the pack – they’re clever enough to learn commands and tricks, but they’ll definitely keep their owners on their toes with their independent streak.
What’s particularly interesting about Welsh Terriers is how they’ve adapted from their working-class roots to become versatile family companions. They’ve proven themselves to be reasonably good at obedience training, though they’ll occasionally remind their families of their independent nature with a stubborn streak that’s both amusing and challenging. Their intelligence shines through in how they problem-solve, even if they sometimes choose to use those smarts to find creative ways to pursue their own agenda!
These days, while they might not be chasing foxes through the Welsh valleys, they’re still showing off their versatility in various dog sports and activities. They’ve maintained their athletic build and keen instincts, making them excellent candidates for agility courses, earthdog trials, and other canine sports that put their natural abilities to good use.
Typical costs for buying and owning a Welsh Terrier
- Typical purchase price: £666. (Ranges from £454 to £988).
- Expected lifetime cost: £11,005.
- Food costs per year: £595.