Dog Breed Guide

Welsh Terrier

Profile

Size

Small - Medium

Country of origin

United Kingdom (Wales)

Origin

18th century

Bred for

Hunting fox, badger and otter

Height

39cm (15in) and under

Weight

9 - 9.5kg (20 - 21lb)

Life span

12 - 15 years

A black saddle on the back, a tan head and legs and a compact, square body are its hallmarks. It looks like a smaller Airedale Terrier. The harsh, wiry coat comes with an impressive beard and eyebrows.

Bright, cheerful and curious, the Welsh is fairly calm for a terrier, affectionate with its family and friendly. At the same time it has a terrier's courage and independence and a strong instinct to chase small animals.

It needs plenty of exercise, and daily walks and play are a must. It sheds little, and the harsh coat is kept in shape with regular grooming.

Good to know

It is thought to descend from the Old English Black and Tan Terrier, which had long lived in Britain, and was kept in Wales as a hunting dog for fox, badger and otter. Records of Welsh terriers are said to exist from as early as the 15th century.

The family of US President John F. Kennedy kept a Welsh Terrier named Charlie. Charlie was a gift from the president's father, and during tense, critical moments the president is said to have had Charlie brought to his office to calm his nerves.

What's more, Charlie fathered puppies with Pushinka, a dog given to the Kennedys by Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev. These puppies, linking the United States and the Soviet Union at the height of the Cold War, made headlines as the "pupniks."