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Welsh Terrier
Description:A rugged, solid, and compact dog, the Welsh Terrier is medium in size and evenly proportioned. Its square body and long legs allow it to move gracefully and effortlessly. The dog’s tail is docked so that when held upright, it is level with the base of the skull. Its head is rectangular with dark brown almond-shaped eyes set far apart. Its ears are triangular and thick, set just above the cheek. It is the combination of their alert eyes and the placement of their ears that gives this breed the confident expression they are known for. The skull is strong and flat between the ears and slightly narrower in the front of the skull than in the back. The dog’s sturdy head carries powerful jaws with large, strong teeth. The nose is square-shaped and black. The Welsh Terrier has a coarse, wire-haired coat with an undercoat that is soft and short, perfect for hunting vermin in any environment. The Welsh Terrier’s coat features a black “jacket” that covers the mid-section of the body and spreads to the back of the neck and tail and the upper thighs; the rest of the body is tan. Temperament:Welsh Terriers are happy, loyal, and affectionate dogs. They can handle a little rough-housing so they are good with children. They are energetic and playful, and are well suited to a family that likes to get up and go. Like most terriers, the Welsh has a tendency to harass other pets and small animals; this can be treated with obedience training. Welsh Terriers are very intelligent and even though they understand what you want, they may try to distract you from what you are trying to teach them. They need a lot of variety and consistency in their training. Socialization is key for this breed to prevent aggression towards other dogs and animals. Housetraining may be a problem for females. Caring for a Welsh Terrier:Welsh Terriers are not as high-strung as other terriers but do love exercise. They are always ready to go out and play but won’t go berserk if you miss a walk every once in a while. They tend to follow their instincts to chase after small animals so don’t let them off the leash unless they are either well trained or in an enclosed area. The Welsh Terrier does well living outdoors in nice weather, but it should be allowed to sleep in the house when the weather is inclement. They shed little hair but require brushing several times a week. The Welsh Terrier’s coat should be plucked every six months. This is a fairly healthy breed, and hereditary illness is uncommon; occasionally, one will see lens luxation and glaucoma. |
