Information on AKC Welsh Terrier Puppies
AKC MEET THE BREEDS®: Welsh Terrier
The Welsh Terrier is a zippy, compact companion, always looking for action and entertainment. This breed loves to swim and dig. The "Welsh Terrier expression" comes from the set, color, and position of the eyes combined with the use of the ears. His coarse wire-texture coat is always black and tan. Caroline Kennedy had a Welsh named Charlie.
A Look Back
The Welsh Terrier was originally known as the Old English Terrier or Black-and-Tan Wire Haired Terrier. Welsh Terriers’ native home is Wales, where they were used extensively as a Sporting dog and renowned for their gameness on badger, fox, and otter. Welsh Terriers were first brought to this country by Prescott Lawrence in 1888.
Right Breed for You?
The Welsh Terrier is a friendly and spirited breed. Their intelligence and desire to please are evident in their attitude. Welsh Terriers are friendly, outgoing to people and other dogs. They are usually patient with children and can withstand a bit of rough play, but can be difficult to housebreak. They are best suited with a young, active family. Welsh Terriers like to chase after things, so they shouldn’t be let off lead except in an enclosed area. They need to have their coat plucked several times a year and their bushy facial hair should be combed twice a week.
If you are considering purchasing a Welsh Terrier puppy, learn more here.
- Terrier Group; AKC recognized in 1888.
- Ideal size approximately 20 pounds.
- Fox hunter.
© The American Kennel Club, Inc.
Welsh Terrier Breed Standard
General Appearance
The Welsh Terrier is a sturdy, compact, rugged dog of medium size with a
coarse wire-textured coat. The legs, underbody and head are tan; the jacket
black (or occasionally grizzle). The tail is docked to length meant to complete
the image of a "square dog" approximately as high as he is long. The
movement is a terrier trot typical of the long-legged terrier. It is effortless,
with good reach and drive. The Welsh Terrier is friendly, outgoing to people
and other dogs, showing spirit and courage. The "Welsh Terrier expression"
comes from the set, color, and position of the eyes combined with the use of
the ears.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Males are about 15 inches at the withers, with an acceptable range between
15 and 15½. Bitches may be proportionally smaller. Twenty pounds is considered
an average weight, varying a few pounds depending on the height of the dog and
the density of bone. Both dog and bitch appear solid and of good substance.
Head
The entire head is rectangular. The eyes are small,
dark brown and almond-shaped, well set in the skull. They are placed fairly
far apart. The size, shape, color and position of the eyes give the steady,
confident but alert expression that is typical of the Welsh Terrier. The
ears are V-shaped, small, but not too thin. The fold is
just above the topline of the skull. The ears are carried forward close
to the cheek with the tips falling to, or toward, the outside corners of
the eyes when the dog is at rest. The ears move slightly up and forward
when at attention. Skull--The foreface is strong with powerful,
punishing jaws. It is only slightly narrower than the backskull. There is
a slight stop. The backskull is of equal length to the foreface. They are
on parallel planes in profile. The backskull is smooth and flat (not domed)
between the ears. There are no wrinkles between the ears. The cheeks are
flat and clean (not bulging). The muzzle is one-half the length of the entire head from
tip of nose to occiput. The foreface in front of the eyes is well made up.
The furnishings on the foreface are trimmed to complete without exaggeration
the total rectangular outline. The muzzle is strong and squared off, never
snipy. The nose is black and squared off. The lips are black and tight.
A scissors bite is preferred, but a level bite is acceptable. Either one
has complete dentition. The teeth are large and strong, set in powerful,
vise-like jaws.
Neck, Topline, Body
The neck is of moderate length and thickness, slightly arched and sloping
gracefully into the shoulders. The throat is clean with no excess of skin.
The topline is level.
The body shows good substance and is well ribbed up. There is good depth of
brisket and moderate width of chest. The loin is strong and moderately short.
The tail is docked to a length approximately level (on an imaginary line) with
the occiput, to complete the square image of the whole dog. The root of the
tail is set well up on the back. It is carried upright.
Forequarters
The front is straight. The shoulders are long, sloping and well laid back.
The legs are straight and muscular with upright and powerful pasterns. The feet
are small, round, and catlike. The pads are thick and black. The nails are strong
and black; any dewclaws are removed.
Hindquarters
The hindquarters are strong and muscular with well-developed second thighs
and the stifles well bent. The hocks are moderately straight, parallel and short
from joint to ground. The feet should be the same as in the forequarters.
Coat
The coat is hard, wiry, and dense with a close-fitting thick jacket. There is
a short, soft undercoat. Furnishings on muzzle, legs, and quarters are dense
and wiry.
Color
The jacket is black, spreading up onto the neck, down onto the tail and
into the upper thighs. The legs, quarters, and head are clear tan. The tan is
a deep reddish color, with slightly lighter shades acceptable. A grizzle jacket
is also acceptable.
Gait
The movement is straight, free and effortless, with good reach in front,
strong drive behind, with feet naturally tending to converge toward a median
line of travel as speed increases.
Temperament
The Welsh Terrier is a game dog-alert, aware, spirited-but at the same time,
is friendly and shows self control. Intelligence and desire to please are evident
in his attitude. A specimen exhibiting an overly aggressive attitude, or shyness,
should be penalized.
Faults
Any deviation from the foregoing should be considered a fault; the
seriousness of the fault depending upon the extent of the deviation.
Approved August 10, 1993
Effective September 29, 1993
