Welsh Terrier Puppies

Photo of Welsh Terrier

The Lively and Courageous Welsh Terrier

Welsh Terriers are fun-loving, lively, and courageous dogs that many view as the perfect representation of a terrier breed. They were bred to hunt badgers, otters, and other prey that can be tricky to take down. They are still used for hunting, but more often they are used as family companions that do incredibly well with children. 


Welsh Terrier At a Glance

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Welsh Terrier At a Glance

  • Size: 15"-16", 20-22 lbs.
  • Lifespan: 12-15 years
  • Energy Level: high
  • Coat: Soft undercoat, Dense and wiry outer coat
  • Shedding: light
  • Hypoallergenic: Yes
  • Dog Group: Terrier
  • Common Nicknames: Welshie WT

Welsh Terrier Breed Guide

Learn More About Welsh Terriers

  • Temperament

    They were bred to hunt but Welsh Terriers make great family companions, especially for those with children. They do have a hard time with other animals, but with early socialization and training they can do well with other furry friends in the house. They love going on hikes, jogs, and walks with their owners, the more frequent the better. They are considered more relaxed than other terrier breeds, but they still have plenty of energy to go around. 

  • Health

    Welsh Terriers are extremely healthy, and are a sturdy breed even during the puppy stage. It is not uncommon for a Welshie to live to 15-18 years. Responsible breeders check for allergy issues and hip dysplasia, but with regular vet checkups you can expect your Welsh Terrier to experience very few health issues. 

  • Activity Level

    They are a moderately active breed that should get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. They especially love exercise with their owner, but having a fenced in yard that they can explore is also a bonus. They should be taken on a walk or hike at least every other day, and playtime in the house or backyard should occur everyday to stimulate their mind and body. 

  • Grooming

    Grooming a Welsh Terrier is fairly straight forward, but you have to stay on top of it ot keep their coat healthy. As they shed, hairs get caught in their wiry outercoat, so they should be brushed weekly to strip loose hair. You can also use a technique called hand stripping, but this can take years to master and may require the assistance of a groomer. Their coat should be clipped every 8-12 weeks, and should be kept longer during the winter months. 

  • Shedding

    Welsh Terriers shed very lightly year round, and their wiry outercoat will often catch the few hairs that fall out. 

  • Appearance

    Welsh Terriers have a square look to them which is accentuated by their docked tail. Their wiry coat is thick around their mouth and eyes, giving the appearance of a bushy beard and thick eyebrows. Their fur is almost always a combination of black and brown, and their back and torso are black giving the appearance of a jacket. 

  • History

    The history of the Welsh Terrier is a little cloudy, but the breed as it exists today originated sometime in the 1700s. They were bred to hunt difficult prey in the mountainous region of northern Wales, and they were up to the task. The breed began showing up in English dog events in the 1800s, and was distinguished from the Old English Terrier in 1885. They first traveled to the United States in 1901, when their popularity as a family dog grew.