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Welsh Terrier

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General
OtherNames		Welshie
Dog Group Kennel Club		Terrier
Breed Classification		Welsh Terriers belong to the terrier group and are used as companions and seen in the show-ring.
Cost of Ownership Visit our dog food department
Average Food Cost		< £4
Feeding Requirements		They are relatively easy dogs to feed as they are not too fussy about their food.
Other Expenses		The price of a puppy is around £500 to £600. Welshies are not an expensive breed to keep. They are hardy dogs and so there should not be excessive veterinary bills. They will, however, need to be plucked 2 or 3 times a year and so this will add to their cost.
Average Puppy Price		£300-500
Lifespan		9 - 15 years
Average Litter Size		5
General Physical Description		Small, compact, sturdy-looking dogs, Welshies are also smart and workmanlike. They have wiry, hard coats and stand squarely right up on their toes.
Height Min Max Bitch 36cm 39cm Dog 36cm 39cm Weight Min Max Bitch 9kg 10kg Dog 9kg 10kg
Size Category		Small
Weight Height Range		Both dogs and bitches measure between 36 to 39cms and weigh between 9 and 10kgs.
Ailments		Welshies are a very hardy breed with few breed-specific problems. They do, however, need flea dips, since their waterproof coats are resistant to regular sprays. Regular grooming will prevent skin complications and particular attention must be paid to around their ears and eyes to prevent excess hair developing infections. Manmade fibre can cause ear and chest infections, therefore it is best to use cotton bedding.
Common Ailments
Susceptibility To Illness Pet insurance for dogs resource Pet health and vet advice		Low
Other
History		Some historians think that these Terriers are a direct link to the Old English Black and Tan (or the Broken-Coated Terrier) but there are lengthy Welsh pedigrees which would imply that the breed is not a descendant of the now extinct English breed. In 1737, residents in Carnarvonshire were said to pride themselves on the purity of their Welsh Terriers. Indeed, the breed was known as the Carnarvonshire Welsh Terrier. For over two and a half centuries this breed was used for pack hunting of otters and badgers and the breed was given separate recognition in 1885 in England. However, in America, the breed was still grouped as Old English Terrier until 1901.
Intelligence		The Welsh Terrier is bright enough to understand what is wanted of him but will be strong-willed and therefore needs firm, consistent handling.
Show Characteristics		The head should be flat with powerful jaws and a rather undefined stop. The eyes should be small, well-set in and dark. The ears are small and v-shaped, set on fairly high and carried forward. The neck should be a moderate length and thickness and slightly arched, adjoining long, sloping shoulders. The body should be short and well-ribbed up. The forelegs should be straight and muscular with ample bone; the hindlegs of a good length with strong, muscular thighs and again ample bone. The feet are small, round and cat-like. The tail is customarily docked and well-set on but should not be carried too gaily.
Country Of Origin		Wales
Famous Examples
Records Held
Characteristics Visit our dog training aids department
Energy		Medium
Overall Exercise		60 - 80 minutes
Distress Caused if Left Alone
Personal Protection		Low
Suitability As Guard Dog		Low
Risk of Sheep Worrying		Medium
Tendency to Bark		Medium
Ease of Transportation		High
Level of Aggression		Medium
Compatibility With Other Animals		Medium
Suitable For Children		High
General Character And Temperament		Welshies are active, cheerful dogs that are intelligent and affectionate. They bond very closely with their families although they can be somewhat reserved with strangers. They enjoy playing games and, as such, are ideal for children, taking some rough and tumble. If introduced to cats and other household animals when young, they will accept them willingly. If not, they will have a tendency to chase them. They are happiest being the only dog in the household! They are brave dogs who will hold their own fearlessly, although they are not normally aggressive.
Grooming Visit our dog grooming department
Coat Length		Short/Medium
Grooming Requirement		> Once a week
Trimming
Requires Professional Groomer		True
Grooming		Welshies need their coats plucked 2 or 3 times a year. Brushing and combing should be done 2 or 3 times a week. If being shown, more regular attention is necessary.
Colour		Welshies are either black or grizzle on their jackets with tan on their legs, quarters and heads.
Shedding		Little
Suffers From Allergies		True
Tendency to Cause Allergies