Miniature and energetic Welsh Terrier is considered one of the brightest representatives of burrowing dogs. This four-footed creature is characterized by fearlessness, friendliness and uneasy character.
History of origin
On the planet there are a large number of species of terriers, some of which have already disappeared, but left heirs. The Welsh Terrier is one of the representatives of the hunting dogs, the first owners of which were Welsh farmers. People used a charming dog to fight rodents. For the first time about the representatives of this breed mentioned in the XVI century, this is evidenced by engravings with a dog image.
The official recognition of the Welsh Terrier breed occurred in 1886, a little later, dog breeders established a standard for this breed. Currently, the Welsh Terrier is quite popular in England, which is considered its homeland, the USA and Germany.
There is information that during the formation of the phenotype used a fox terrier, Irish terrier, leykentterrier.
Breed description
Welsh Terriers are medium-sized dogs that have strength and endurance. The maximum body weight of a dog can be 10 kilograms. Males reach a height of 0.39 meters, females are more compact. The head of the animal has a square shape, a clear outline, a flat, strong forehead. The teeth of an animal are characterized by strength and whiteness, as well as a scissor bite.
Nose has a classic square shape, it is painted black. Pet nostrils wide open. The Welsh Terrier has small, low-lying eyes. Look at the dog smart, lively, full of interest. The ears have a triangular shape. The body is square, but exudes physical strength and potential.
The oval neck is covered with muscle fibers, it is wider around the shoulders than near the head. The legs of the welsh terrier are parallel to each other, they have a strong knee joint, as well as a pronounced knee bend. The tail of the animal is high, it can be stopped. Dog hair is characterized by stiffness, density and thickness. Usually the fur is colored reddish brown with black or black with gray.
Black color does not fall below the hock.
Modern hangers have the following varieties:
- working;
- exhibition.
The difference between the animal of the first species is its strong bones and hard wool. These dogs are used as assistants during the hunting of the burrowing animal. The show beast has softer wool and a lighter skeleton.
Character
Welsh terriers are cheerful, whimsical and energetic creatures, they are excellent companions. It is an intelligent and obedient animal that can be easily controlled in everyday life. The fervor and fearlessness of the pet are not combined with the aggressiveness of the dog. Welch Terrier tries not to participate in conflicts, but if necessary, he can stand up for himself.
The representative of this breed is cunning, stubborn and resourceful, he always tries to achieve what he needs. Pet unpredictable in behavior towards other living creatures in the house. With dogs of other breeds he can easily find a common language, which cannot be said about attitudes towards cats. He considers small animals and birds as potential prey.
Welsh Terriers are truly devoted to their owners, they adore all family members with adoration.
Unfamiliar people cause dog alertness or indifference. Since this is a rather brave dog, it is always ready to stand up for its owner and property. Since the dog has hunting roots, he takes part in hunting and chasing small animals with curiosity and vigor. Lack of attention can lead to a destructive state of the dog. Most breed Welsh Terrier is suitable for active people.. Such a pet should not get phlegmatic personalities.
Lifespan
The Welsh Terrier is characterized by stamina and strong health, as it has good genetics. Among the hereditary diseases of representatives of this breed are the following:
- eye diseases - cataract, lens dislocation, and glaucoma are among the most common diseases of the organs of vision;
- allergic reactions;
- thyroid function disorder;
- dermatological diseases;
- epilepsy.
To increase the lifespan of a purebred pet, as well as to maintain health, it needs proper and balanced nutrition. And also the owner of the Welsh Terrier should not forget about timely visits to the vet, regular vaccinations, treatment for parasites. On average, the life span of a representative of this breed ranges from 14 to 16 years.
Conditions for content
Raising a Welsh terrier is not an easy process, which cannot be said about the content of this animal. Due to the small size of the body of this pet can be kept in an apartment and a private house. The dog is very active, therefore it needs frequent walks in the fresh air, as well as physical activity.. Provided that the pet lives in a country house, he will be able to walk for a long time on the garden plot.
Welshteriera can be kept in an aviary, but it is forbidden to plant it on a chain. When walking in the city, the dog must be kept on a leash, as he can run after the object of interest.
This breed of dogs does not belong to the “sofa”, so the owner will have to walk it for a long time and play active games.
What to feed?
Proper and complete nutrition is the basis of the health and activity of a pet, in particular the Welsh Terrier. Welsh Terriers are unpretentious in food, they are suitable for both dry food and homemade products. When choosing a natural way of eating it is worth remembering that in the diet of a pet should be present such ingredients as:
- meat and meat products;
- low-fat dairy products;
- buckwheat and rice porridge;
- eggs;
- vegetables and fruits.
Do not give Welsh Terrier potatoes, flour, pork, salinity, smoked meats and sweets. Since this medium-sized animal is active and physically loaded, it should be given vitamins and minerals. Feeding with ready-made industrial feed is much simpler than the previous version, since it already includes the components that are necessary for the normal functioning of the dog's body.
If the pet is to taste homemade food, then in the veterinary pharmacy, you can purchase supplements.
How to care?
Welsh Terriers are wire-haired dogs, so they need trimming, pulling out mature wool by hand with the use of tools. Trimming should start from three months of age, with the need to pluck the fur throughout the body, with the exception of the mustache and beard. Show dogs need a special show care scheme. The pet is trimmed 2 to 4 times a year.
It is necessary to bathe representatives of this breed no more than once a month. In the process of washing the dog you need to use shampoos designed for the type of welsh wool. If the animal is contained in an open-air cage, then it must be bathed only in summer, and in winter, the fur is cleaned with snow. And also the owner of the Welsh Terrier should not forget that his pet needs daily examination of the hearing aids and eyes. Pet need to regularly brush their teeth and cut their claws.
Upbringing and training
Welsh terriers have a strong hunting instinct, for this reason they should be taught to communicate with other animals and be trained from an early age. A developed intellect is inherent in the dog, so even a young dog easily assimilates new information and commands. With the Welsh, it is better to use the game form of training, it falls in spirit to them. Sometimes when raising an animal, it can be stubborn, therefore the owner will need patience and stubbornness when training the dog.
Welshteriera’s ingenuity contributes to even by the look of the owner and his heightened tone of voice, he understands what is required. Representatives of this breed are subject only to the leaders, so in the eyes of the animal the owner must earn credibility. During dog training it is worth encouraging him, praising, motivating and giving him food. Beat off the desire to learn from a pet can curse and physical punishment.
Properly educated terriers are great helpers, they can bring slippers, a newspaper, collect toys in the basket. This animal can be a great circus artist, as its capabilities include performing various tricks. The sociability of the dog allows him to work with the public.
The process of training the Welsh Terrier should be carried out indoors, as the animal may be distracted from classes due to curiosity.
After the acquisition of the Welsh Terrier, the host can note the following advantages of the breed:
- activity;
- sociability;
- balanced character;
- good endurance;
- learning ability.
As well as the content of the representative of this breed has some drawbacks, namely:
- strong attachment to a person;
- possible nervous breakdowns;
- naughty, stubborn and too excitable character.
The Welsh Terrier will be an excellent inquisitive companion for a person, and a quick-witted dog will allow you to raise a well-educated pet, who performs a lot of commands.
About the features of the breed, see the video below.