Welsh Terriers

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Breed: Welsh Terrier
Temperament: Lively, boisterous
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Maintenance: Medium
Recommended for: Families

Maybe you can’t sing like Bryn Terfel but you can own a Welsh dog! Another of those gingery, scruffy breeds from the old country is still rare but gaining popularity among Australian dog owners.

Appearance

 

The Welsh Terrier is smaller than the better known Airedale but retains great presence and energy. They stand around 36-39cm (14-15") and weigh 9-10kg (20-21lb), with a lean build and wiry coat in black and tan, or black, grizzle and tan.

Temperament

 

A true terrier, the Welsh is lively, inquisitive, always ready for a game, and unable to resist a chase! The temperament needs to be amenable as the coat does require some regular attention.

Health

 

Australian breeders say the Welsh Terrier is a hardy breed with few hereditary problems. The soft ears fold down and must be cleaned regularly as the moist, airless canals are perfect grounds for bacterial growth if neglected.

Breeding

 

Puppies are born black with 3-6 per litter. Colours begin to come through at 3-4 months. There are few whelping problems reported.

Housepet potential

 

A small, neat dog which should be a good watchdog, without shedding copious amounts of hair on clothes and furniture.

Space & exercise

 

Secure fencing is essential with a terrier, they are, after all, earth dogs developed for digging and the Welsh Terrier is no different. Equally, they thrill to a chase so should be kept on a leash outside the property if only for their own safety – cars are invisible to terriers intent on fun. A daily walk will keep the dog healthy and socialised.

Grooming

 

Exhibition Welsh Terriers will have their coats stripped (pulled) out twice a year to allow the new, coloured coat to show through. Pets are mostly clipped to maintain the neat but whiskery appearance, as the wiry coat doesn’t easily shed its old hair.

Aside from the clipping, every dog needs a thorough brush each week to remove knots, leaves and twigs caught up in the wiry coat.

Training

 

Welsh Terriers are probably easier to train than many other terrier breeds, although persistence is needed and breeders say they respond best to stimulating techniques – in other words, make training a game!

Ideal owner

 

Aside from their appealing image, Welsh Terriers are best suited to people with the time to attend to the regular grooming and clipping necessary, as well as a responsible attitude to training and containing their pet. An outgoing pet for families with children, they may suffer loneliness (and destructive behaviour) if left alone for long hours each day.

National contacts

To find up-to-date contacts for breeders, contact the following organisations.


Dogs NSW
http://www.dogsnsw.org.au/breeders-directory
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1300 728 022 (NSW only) or (02) 9834 3022
Fax: (02) 9834 3872


Dogs Victoria
http://www.vca.org.au
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (03) 9788 2500
Fax: (03) 9788 2599

Dogs ACT
http://www.actca.asn.au
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (02) 6241 4404 – Fax: (02) 6241 1129.

Dogs West
http://www.cawa.asn.au
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (08) 9455 1188
Fax: (08) 9455 1190

Dogs SA
http://dogssa.com.au
Phone: (08) 8349 4797

Canine Control Council of Queensland
http://www.cccq.org.au
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (07) 3252 2661
Fax: (07) 3252 3864

Tasmanian Canine Association
http://www.tasdogs.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (03) 6272 9443
Fax: (03) 6273 0844

Dogs NT
http://www.territorydogworld.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (08) 8984 3570
Fax: (08) 8984 3409