Welsh Terrier
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Welsh Terrier | ||
|---|---|---|
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| Country of origin | ||
| United Kingdom (Wales) | ||
| Common nicknames | ||
| Welshie, WT | ||
| Classification and breed standards | ||
| FCI: | Group 3 Section 1 #78 | Stds |
| AKC: | Terrier | Stds |
| ANKC: | Group 2 (Terriers) | Stds |
| CKC: | Group 4 - Terrier | Stds |
| KC (UK): | Terrier | Stds |
| NZKC: | Terrier | Stds |
| UKC: | Terriers | Stds |
The Welsh Terrier is a breed of dog, one of many terrier breeds. It is suited for hunting fox, birds, and badgers and for being kept as a pet. The Welsh Terrier originates from Wales and has existed since the 1800s. Its origins lie in the Old English Black and Tan Terrier that existed in England 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 the Airedale Terrier or the Fox Terrier.
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[edit] Appearance
This breed is coloured black and tan. They can grow up to 39cm (15 in.) with a weight of 9 kg (20 lb).
The fur contains two layers, an undercoat that insulates and an abrasive fur on top that protects against dirt, rain, and wind. The colour is red-brown with black marks. White is allowed only as small marks on the front of the breast.
[edit] 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 and obedient friends and can function either as city dogs or as country dogs. Some Welshies exhibit a typical hunting instinct. A Welsh Terrier does not demand lots of physical exercise, but it hardly ever becomes tired and is a true comrade for the one who likes open-air activities. It is active and intrepid and not eager to fight, although it will hold its own when necessary. The Welshie needs a lot of intellectual stimulation to stay agreeable. A small yard to walk all day long, without any other activities, is not enough. These dogs need interesting things to do each day.
Welsh Terriers get along well with children; they love to play and to follow a child as it plays. These terriers love playing with children, but sometimes the child gets tired before the dog, so adult supervision is required to prevent misunderstandings.
[edit] Care
This breed is a so-called 'stripping breed'; it has curly, wiry hair that has to be hand stripped,not cut! It does not shed its fur as many other dog breeds do, but stripping consists of skillfully plucking out the longer, older hairs and so keeping down the overall length. This dog does not need constant bathing. The fur must be stripped about every 3 to 6 months. A complete stripping takes three to four hours and a breeder should be able to advise about where the dog can get stripped by a professional in the correct way. If you let someone clip the dog it will lose its clear black and brown patches for good, and go a dull muddy colour.
Many people whose Welsh Terriers are companion animals rather than show dogs have their dogs clipped rather than stripped. If the dog is given a proper terrier cut, it will maintain its markings and colour.
[edit] Health
The body of the Welsh Terrier is normal and healthy so that the physique is durable and lasting. There are no known defects related to the breed. A healthy Welsh Terrier lives about 15 years on average and stays active and alert up to a high age if it is well taken care of and healthy.
[edit] Miscellaneous
[edit] Famous Welsh Terriers
- Charlie, pet of John F. Kennedy
