Welsh Terrier breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Welsh Terrier
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Welsh Terrier breed
Welsh Terriers, also known as "Welshies," are a lively and friendly breed that originated in Wales. They were originally bred for hunting small game, such as foxes and badgers. Welsh Terriers were also used as messenger dogs during World War I.
They have a distinctive wiry, dense coat that comes in various shades of black and tan.
Weight, height & life expectancy
They have a medium-sized build, with males standing at an average height of 39-40cm and females at 35-36cm.
In terms of weight, males typically range from 9-9.5kg, while females weigh between 8-8.5kg.
Welsh Terriers have a life expectancy of around 12-15 years.
What is the temperament of a Welsh Terrier like?
Welsh Terriers are known for their friendly and outgoing nature. They are intelligent, spirited, and make excellent family companions. They are generally good with children and enjoy active play. They have a strong prey drive, so it's essential to supervise them around small pets.
Welsh Terriers are also known for their independent streak, which can make training a bit challenging. Early socialisation and consistent, positive reinforcement training methods are important to help them develop good manners and obedience.
Our Welsh Terrier Community
“A terrier with a capital T. Very brave, active, happy and curious. Can be a bit stubborn at times, but overall, she is a big love bag. Her football skills are second to none!”
Coolka’s owner, Anna from Essex
“Cracking personality - cheeky but good fun and very sociable. Loves to play tug toy and fetch. Enjoy walks and sitting in the windowsill watching the world go by!”
Dylan’s owner, Frank from London
How much exercise does a Welsh Terrier need?
Welsh Terriers have moderate exercise needs and should receive around 1 hour of exercise per day. They enjoy brisk walks, interactive play sessions, and mental stimulation.
They are active and agile dogs, so providing them with opportunities to explore and engage their senses is important. They also excel in activities such as obedience, agility, and tracking. Welsh Terriers benefit from both physical and mental exercise to keep them happy and prevent behavioural issues that may arise from boredom.
Welsh Terrier puppies have boundless energy and curiosity. However, their growing bodies require controlled exercise to avoid putting excessive strain on their developing bones and joints. Puppies should have several short play sessions throughout the day, totalling around 30-45 minutes. Structured play, such as gentle fetch or interactive toys, can help satisfy their energy needs.
Avoid intense exercise or long walks until their bones are fully developed, usually around 12-15 months. Consult with your vet for specific exercise recommendations based on your puppy's age and development.
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Do Welsh Terriers need a lot of grooming?
Welsh Terriers have a double-layered, weather-resistant coat that requires regular grooming to maintain its texture and appearance. Their wiry outer coat should be hand-stripped every few months to remove dead hair and encourage new growth. Weekly brushing with a slicker brush can help keep their coat tangle-free. Welsh Terriers do not shed excessively but should still be brushed to prevent matting.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Are Welsh Terriers easy to train?
Welsh Terriers are intelligent dogs but can be independent thinkers, which may make training a bit challenging. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods that involve rewards, praise, and consistency.
Early socialisation is crucial to help them develop good manners and adapt well to various situations and people. Welsh Terriers thrive on mental stimulation, so incorporating interactive toys, puzzle games, and training sessions into their daily routine can keep them engaged and eager to learn.
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What do Welsh Terriers eat?
Welsh Terriers should be fed a balanced, high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Most Welshies do well being fed twice daily.
Puppies have specific nutritional requirements for growth, and they should be fed a specially formulated puppy food until they reach their full adult size, typically around 9-12 months. Puppies should be fed 3-4 times a day, then reduced to twice daily at 6 months old.
It's important to monitor their weight and adjust their portion sizes accordingly to prevent obesity. Treats should be given in moderation and as part of their overall daily calorie intake.
Are Welsh Terriers healthy?
Welsh Terriers are generally a healthy breed, but they may be prone to certain health conditions. Some of the health concerns that can affect Welsh Terriers include:
Bones and joints
Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint, which can lead to discomfort and arthritis
Eyes
Dry eye - an ongoing condition where the tear glands in the eyes don’t produce enough protective tear film, which can lead to discomfort, infections and damage of the eye
Glaucoma - the pressure of the eye becomes too high which can damage the eye
Primary Lens Luxation - the lens of the eye shifts from its normal position, which results in glaucoma and inflammation
Skin
Atopy - when the immune system overreacts to an allergen and results in skin irritation
This list is by no means comprehensive, so if you have any concerns about the health of your dog or want to discuss further if a Welsh Terrier is right for you, consult with your vet.
Vet top tip
Welsh Terriers are intelligent, independent, and spirited, so they thrive with clear guidance and positive reinforcement. Early socialisation is crucial to manage their natural terrier tendencies, such as digging or chasing. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are key to keeping their energy and curiosity satisfied.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog's health, contact your local vet.
