Routine Care: Welsh Terriers have high exercise requirements, and should be in a fenced enclosure if exercised off leash. They also high prey drive, so need to be leashed when walking.
Grooming: Brush coat as needed, at least weekly. Hand stripping is also required.
Dental: Welsh Terriers generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week!
Ear Care: Clean ears weekly, even as a puppy. Don’t worry—your veterinarian can show you how!
The Welsh Terrier is known to be happy and cheerful, a great friend on a rainy day. Their intelligence does require a variety of stimulating activities – hiking and swimming are two of their favorites.
Positive Traits:
Lively, with a friendly personality
Good with people and other pets
Eager to please and responsive to training
Gregarious, extroverted personality
Gentle-mannered and easy to get along with
Friendly and eager to please
Negative Traits:
Strong prey drive—will chase and grab things that run, including cats and children
Needs to be exercised and groomed regularly
Can be difficult to housetrain
Has a tendency to escape, wander, and roam
Likes to dig
Whether you are considering adding a new Welsh Terrier to your family or you already have one as a companion, it is important for you to know about the genetically linked diseases known to occur more often in this breed. Of course not every Welsh Terrier will have these problems, but research shows your pal is more at risk than other breeds. By exploring the health concerns specific to the Welsh Terrier you will become a knowledgeable and confident pet parent. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian about breed risks every time you visit and educate yourself on the most important signs to watch for at home. She’s counting on you to be her health expert.
Some health issues a Welsh Terrier could encounter:
Eye Problems
Glaucoma
Cataracts
Distichiasis
Allergies
Thyroid Disease
Welsh Terriers were developed in Wales, and brought to the United States in 1888. She was bred to hunt badger, fox, and otter. They have always been excellent vermin control dogs. Today Welsh Terriers are also enjoyable companion dogs – well-mannered and outgoing. Because of their high intelligence and activity level, they require vigorous exercise. Without it she may become bored and resort to digging and other naughty behaviors. They shed minimally, have moderate grooming needs, and have an average life span of 10-14 years.
Consult with a veterinarian if your Welsh Terrier shows signs of the following:
Blinking, redness, pain or itchiness around the eyes
Squinting, watery eyes, bluing cornea, redness, enlarged eye
Redness, squinting or greenish eye discharge
Painful eye, excessive tearing, eyes may appear asymmetric or cloudy
Cloudiness to eye lens
Increased blinking, extra tears and squinting
Excessive licking or chewing, pawing at face and/or ears, head shaking, face rubbing
Dull coat, hair loss, sluggish, weight gain
General reluctance to run or play
Any new or changing lumps or bumps
