- Welsh Terrier
Infobox Dogbreed
akcgroup = Terrier
akcstd = http://www.akc.org/breeds/welsh_terrier/index.cfm
ankcgroup = Group 2 (Terriers)
ankcstd = http://www.ankc.org.au/home/breeds_details.asp?bid=72
ckcgroup = Group 4 - Terrier
ckcstd = http://www.ckc.ca/en/Default.aspx?tabid=99&BreedCode=WLT
country =United Kingdom (Wales )
fcigroup = 3
fcinum = 78
fcisection = 1
fcistd = http://www.dogdomain.com/FCI/fcistandards/fci-078.htm
image_caption = A Welsh Terrier on the beach.
kcukgroup = Terrier
kcukstd = http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/88
name = Welsh Terrier
nickname = Welshie
WT
nzkcgroup = Terrier
nzkcstd = http://www.nzkc.org.nz/br284.html
ukcgroup = Terriers
ukcstd = http://mail.ukcdogs.com/UKCweb.nsf/80de88211ee3f2dc8525703f004ccb1e/132e569780d0de118525704d006a5ed5?OpenDocument The Welsh Terrier is a breed ofdog , one of manyterrier breeds. It is suited for huntingfox , birds, andbadger s and for being kept as a pet. The Welsh Terrier originates fromWales and has existed since the 1800s. Its origins lie in the Old EnglishBlack and Tan Terrier that existed inEngland as early as the 13th century. It also existed in Wales and it was that sort that finally was registered by The Kennel Club under the name Welsh Terrier. Until 1900, it was called the "Old English Terrier" or "Black and Tan Rough Haired Terrier". The breed has been recognised since 1886 and is more common than theAiredale Terrier or theFox Terrier .Description
Appearance
of about medium size that can grow up to 15.5 in. (39.5 cm) with a weight of 20-22 lbs (9-10 kg). The tail is usually docked and is more preferred in order to complete the image of a square dog that is as tall as it is long. The body shape is rectangular, with elongated, "brick-like" face. This shape is formed by the whiskers and beard.The hair contains two layers, an
undercoat that insulates and an abrasive fur on top that protects against dirt, rain, and wind. Welsh Terriers are born mostly all black and during the first year they change the color to standard black and tan grizzle.This
breed has little to no shedding [http://www.gopetsamerica.com/dogs/dogs-that-do-not-shed.aspx Go Pets America: Dogs that do not shed - Retrieved September 7, 2008] ] (seeMoult ).Temperament
The Welsh Terrier is a consummate terrier—a terrier in a nutshell—with a typical terrier temper.In the right hands, it is a happy, lively, and seldom shy or timid dog. Dogs of this breed can be devoted friends and can function either as city dogs or as country dogs. Welsh typically exhibit a hunting instinct: they chase anything that moves: dry leaves, cats, other animals, small children, almost anything.
Welsh Terriers were developed to hunt independently and this required that they be very assertive and stoic dogs. As a consequence, developing obedience in a Welsh Terrier is a long term proposition and one has to convince the dog that the owner is the alpha male. Application of physical force should be done only in the extreme situations as Welsh Terriers, like most terriers, will not back down and will fight back. A quiet but persistent approach to ensure that Welsh Terrier in the end completes the command, in the end will establish who is in control.
A Welsh Terrier is full of energy and it hardly ever becomes tired. Letting a WT to have a run around the yard chasing something allows it to 'vent some steam' and be quieter in the house. WT is a true comrade for the one who likes open-air activities. It is friendly with people. Some get along with other dogs, but many do not. They are not necessarily eager to fight, although they will hold their own when necessary and like any true terrier they will never give up. Females will especially become very jealous of their owners attention.
The Welsh Terrier is a very smart dog. Couple this with typical terrier persistence, and you have a dog that can come up with solution for any problem that stands in his way to make mischief. In other words, WT needs a lot of intellectual stimulation to stay agreeable. A small yard walk a day, without any other activities, is not enough. These dogs need interesting things to do each day. Leaving WT alone in the yard will make it bored and WT will amuse itself by digging under the fence, digging out plants, hunting mice, or even scaling the fence. Most Welshes make excellent swimmers and thorougly enjoy pool and lake activities with their families.
Welsh Terriers get along well with older children; they love to play and to follow a child as it plays. However, they will often tug at pant legs of young and old and in doing so will knock young ones off their feet. But if they are around young children at an early age will easily learn to play more gently.
Health
The body of the Welsh Terrier is normal and healthy so that the physique is durable and lasting. Some studies have suggested a genetic predisposition to
Glaucoma [Glaucoma] . A healthy Welsh Terrier lives about 12-13 years on average and stays active and alert up to a high age if it is well taken care of and healthy.Miscellaneous
Famous Welsh Terriers
*Charlie, pet of
John F. Kennedy
* Clement Attlee, Ist Earl Attlee,Prime Minister of the United Kingdom 1945-1951 owned a Welsh Terrier. The dog is incorporated in to Earl Attlee's coat-of-arms
* Owen, Welsh Terrier pet of Edward, Prince of Wales, laterKing Edward VIII .References
1. College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri [http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/GLX/rsrchGLX.htm] External links
* [http://www.weltaf.co.uk/ Welsh Terriers and Friends - British-based site about the breed]
* [http://www.welshterrierassociation.co.uk/ The Welsh Terrier Association] For purchasing a Well Bred Welsh Terrier in North America, find a member of the Welsh Terrier Club Of America who has signed the code of ethics:
* [http://clubs.akc.org/wtca/ The Welsh Terrier Club of America]
* [http://www.weltos.org.uk/ The Welsh Terrier Owners Society (United Kingdom)]
* [http://www.suttonwelshes.com/ Sutton Welsh Terriers]
* [http://www.welshterrier.com/ Bruhil Welsh Terriers] Home of the all time Top Winning U.S. Welsh Terrier
* [http://www.welsh-terriers.nl/ New Husken Welsh Terriers] (Holland) Bob & Annemiek Krautscheid
* [http://www.shaireabs-bayleigh.net/index.html/ Shaireabs Bayleigh Welsh Terriers] Experience the Difference - Breeding and exhibiting dogs which are superior representatives of the AKC breed standard in health, type and temperament
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