Sometimes mistaken for the miniature Airedale, Welsh terriers are a small but mighty terrier breed. These rough-and-tumble working dogs were bred to be driven hunters who can navigate challenging terrain and take down dangerous prey — foxes, otters, and even badgers.
Long beloved by Welsh farmers for their hunting and ratting prowess, Welsh terriers — sometimes affectionately called "Welshies" — now make charming house dogs for experienced dog owners.
The Welshie's brave, strong demeanor has attracted high-profile owners. King Edward VIII had a pet Welshie named Gwen, and Welsh terrier Charlie belonged to U.S. President John F. Kennedy. If you're considering getting your own Welshie companion, read on to learn everything you need to know about Welsh Terriers.
Characteristics of a Welsh Terrier
Likely descended from the Old English black and tan terriers like Airedales and Lakeland terriers, Welsh terriers are sturdy, muscular dogs. A square body shape, rectangular heads, and defined, squared-off muzzles give these dogs an angular appearance. Welshies have a medium-length coarse and wiry coat that comes exclusively in black and tan. Welsh terriers have V-shaped ears that hang down and almond-shaped eyes.
In the U.S., Welsh Terriers often have docked tails to emphasize the dog's square appearance.
Welsh Terrier Size
Welsh terriers are medium-small dogs, averaging 15 inches in height and 20 pounds in weight.
Welsh Terrier Personality
Welsh terriers have a large personality in a small package. Welshies have typical "terrier fire" and are very spirited, energetic, bold dogs — sometimes to the point of putting themselves in danger. Welsh terriers have working-dog instincts that remain strong in the breed, and they can be assertive, defensive, or even aggressive.
The Welsh terrier temperament can be stubborn and driven, making these dogs challenging to train. Welshies require a patient, experienced hand. Owners who want to build a bond with their dog and who use consistent positive reinforcement will be the best match for a Welshie.
Common Welsh terrier characteristics include being:
- Spirited
- Intelligent
- Bold
- Affectionate
- Alert
- Tenacious
Caring for a Welsh Terrier
Welsh terriers are not exceptionally high-maintenance dogs in terms of grooming and daily care, but their training is labor-intensive and best suited for experienced dog owners.
Welsh Terrier Grooming
Welshies have "broken coats" — wiry topcoats and smooth undercoats that can be hand-stripped for a more natural appearance. Hand-stripping is a grooming method where the fur is plucked by hand to maintain the shape of the coat, though it is a grooming art that can take years of experience to master.
If your Welsh terrier isn't a show dog, it's much easier to groom their coat using clippers. Welshies should get a haircut every eight to 12 weeks, though you can let their coat grow longer in the winter. If you choose to clip your Welsh terrier, their coat will become softer over time and will no longer be able to be hand-stripped comfortably.
Welshies don't have special bathing needs. A bath once every three months is suitable for most Welsh terriers. Like all dogs, Welsh terriers need nail trims and dental care. You should trim your Welshie's nails if they're clicking on the ground, and you should brush your Welsh terrier's teeth with a toothpaste formulated for dogs every day.
Welsh Terrier Exercise
Welsh terriers were bred to hunt, and they need significant mental and physical stimulation to keep them from getting bored or restless. You should give your Welsh terrier plenty of time to run freely in a fenced area as well as a daily long walk. Welsh terriers love to play chasing games like ball or frisbee and excel at activities that utilize their hunting instincts, like Earthdog and Barn Hunt events.
Welsh terriers will not typically exercise by themselves. You need to interact with a Welshie and actively engage them in play, so Welsh terriers aren't the best fit for an owner who would prefer to let the dog out in the yard to play solo.
Welsh Terrier Training
Welsh terriers can be difficult dogs to train and require extra time and effort. Early terrier-specific training is essential for Welshies to address common breed-specific behavioral problems. Welsh terrier puppies need lots of active socialization, for instance, to encourage them to behave well around other dogs. Still, due to their assertive nature, they may never be a good fit for daycare services or dog parks.
Welsh Terrier Medical Care
Like all breeds, Welsh terriers need medical care, including routine veterinarian visits, vaccinations, heartworm prevention, and flea and tick prevention.
All dogs over one year of age should visit the vet annually for a routine checkup. Seniors should be examined every 6 months. Puppies need more frequent vet visits — typically every 3 to 4 weeks — for vaccinations and routine care.
All dogs receive core vaccines which include protection against canine parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis and rabies.
Non-core vaccines include Bordetella bronchiseptica, Borrelia burgdorferi and Leptospira bacteria. Your vet may or may not recommend these depending on your Welsh terrier’s exposure risk.
Heartworm prevention medication is prescribed by your veterinarian, while tick and flea prevention is available by prescription as well as over the counter. Ask your veterinarian about the best options for your Welshie.
Welsh Terrier Health Issues
The average Welsh terrier lifespan is 12 to 15 years. They tend to be hardy dogs and have few breed-specific health problems. Some health issues to watch out for with a Welsh terrier, though, may include:
Hip Dysplasia
While hip dysplasia is most commonly seen in large breeds, Welsh terriers can also be prone to this painful skeletal condition. Hip dysplasia occurs when the ball and socket of the hip joint don't fit together correctly and grind against each other. This misalignment causes pain, deterioration, and, over time, loss of joint function. Symptoms include:
- Lethargy or decreased activity
- Loss of thigh muscles
- A swaying or hopping gait
- Lameness in the hind legs
- Stiffness
- Pain
Let your veterinarian know if your Welsh terrier shows signs of hip dysplasia. Your veterinarian may order imaging, such as an x-ray, to make a diagnosis.
Treatment for hip dysplasia depends on the severity of the condition. Possible treatments include:
- Weight loss
- Physical therapy
- Supplements such as glucosamine
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Surgery, such as hip replacement
Canine Atopic Dermatitis
Commonly called Atopy, Canine Atopic Dermatitis (cAD) is the dog version of eczema and can cause long-term itching and irritation. Atopy is caused by genetics and exposure to environmental allergens such as pollen, mold, or dust mites. Symptoms include:
- Itchy skin
- Red, inflamed skin
- Frequent scratching or licking
- Rough, scaly skin
- Fur loss
The symptoms of cAD can be caused by other conditions such as mange, food allergies, or fleas. Diagnosing cAD is often the end result of a process of elimination.
Treatment options may include antihistamines or allergen-specific immunotherapy. You should discuss your dog’s treatment options with your vet.
Addison's Disease
Most often occurring in young to middle-aged female dogs, Addison's disease occurs when the adrenal glands don't produce normal amounts of hormones such as cortisol. These hormones regulate your Welsh terrier's internal organs and systems, and without proper hormone production, your dog can experience serious complications. Addison's disease has the potential to be fatal, but with appropriate treatment, dogs can live an average lifespan. Symptoms include:
- Lethargy
- Poor appetite
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fur loss
- Slow, irregular heart rate
- Dehydration
- Increased thirst
- Increased urine output
- Shaking
Addison's disease is treated with replacement hormone medication. Your Welsh terrier will likely need a monthly injection and a daily steroid. Follow your vet’s recommendations for monitoring and treatment.
Welsh Terrier: Special Considerations
Welsh Terriers Have a High Prey Drive. As born and bred hunting dogs, they see small animals as prey and have the instinct to chase and hunt moving objects. Welshies will often chase anything that moves — cars, other pets, and even running children if given the chance. Welsh terriers are consequently not safe for households with cats or small animals such as rabbits or guinea pigs.
Welsh Terriers Dig. Fences should extend 6" belowground to keep a Welsh terrier from tunneling underneath, and it's best to supervise your Welsh terrier at all times to discourage digging.
Welsh Terriers Are Not Recommended for Inexperienced Homes. The extensive training that Welsh terriers require makes them a poor fit for a first-time dog owner. In addition, while Welsh terriers are friendly and affectionate dogs, they're not recommended for households with small children due to their defensive reflexes.
Welsh Terrier History
Welsh Terriers were originally bred as working terriers to help control vermin like badgers and rats on Welsh farmlands.
Welsh Terriers were imported to the U.S. in 1885, and the Welsh Terrier Club of America was founded in 1900.
