A miniature and energetic welsh terrier is considered one of the brightest representatives of burrows. This four-legged creature is characterized by fearlessness, friendliness and a difficult character.
Origin history
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 hunting dogs, whose first owners were Welsh farmers. People used a charming dog to fight rodents. For the first time about the representatives of this breed was mentioned in the XVI century, this is evidenced by engravings with a dog image.
The official recognition of the Welsh Terrier breed took place in 1886, a bit later the standard for this breed was established by dog breeders. At present, 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, a fox terrier, Irish terrier, and a lakendterrier were used.
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 the animal are characterized by strength and snow-white, as well as a scissor bite.
The nose has a classic square shape, it is painted black. Pet's nostrils are wide open. The Welsh Terrier is characterized by low, small eyes. The dog’s look is smart, lively, full of interest.The ears are triangular in shape. The body is square, but exudes physical strength and potential.
The oval neck is covered with muscle fibers, near the shoulders it is wider 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 density. Usually the fur is colored reddish-brown with black or black with gray.
Black color does not fall below the hock.
Modern Wash Terrier has the following varieties:
- working;
- exhibition.
The difference between the animal of the first species is its strong skeleton and stiff coat. Such dogs are used as assistants during the hunt for a burrowing beast. The show beast has softer hair and a lighter skeleton.
Character
Welsh Terriers are cheerful, ebullient and energetic creatures, they are great companions. This is an intelligent and obedient animal that can be easily controlled in everyday life. The pet’s arrogance and fearlessness are not combined with the dog’s aggressiveness. The Welsh 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. The pet is unpredictable in behavior with other living things in the house. With dogs of other breeds, he can easily find a common language, which can not be said about the attitude towards cats. He sees small animals and birds as potential prey.
Welsh terriers are sincerely devoted to their owners, they adore all members of the family with adoration.
Unfamiliar people cause alertness or indifference in the dog. Since this is a rather brave dog, she is always ready to defend her owner and property. Since the dog has hunting roots, he takes part in hunting and chasing small animals with curiosity and energy. Lack of attention can lead to a destructive state of the dog. Most of all, the Welsh Terrier breed is suitable for active people. Such a pet should not have phlegmatic individuals.
Life span
The Welsh Terrier is characterized by stamina and good health, as it has good genetics. Among the hereditary diseases of representatives of this breed can be called the following:
- ocular ailments - among common diseases of the organs of vision, cataracts, dislocation of the lens, glaucoma are distinguished;
- allergic reactions;
- thyroid dysfunction;
- ailments of a dermatological nature;
- epilepsy.
To increase the life expectancy of a thoroughbred pet, as well as maintain health, he needs proper and balanced nutrition. And also the owner of the welsh terrier should not forget about timely visits to the veterinarian, regular vaccinations, treatment for parasites. On average, the life expectancy of a representative of this breed is from 14 to 16 years.
Conditions for keeping
Raising the 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 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 a personal plot.
Welsh terrier can be kept in an aviary, but it is forbidden to put 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 dog does not belong to the "couch", 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 pet’s diet, ingredients such as:
- meat and meat products;
- low-fat dairy products;
- buckwheat and rice porridge;
- eggs
- vegetables and fruits.
Potatoes, flour, pork, salinity, smoked meats and sweets should not be given to the Welsh Terrier. Since this small animal is active and physically loaded, he should be given vitamins and minerals. Feeding ready-made industrial feeds is much simpler than the previous version, since it already includes components that are necessary for the normal functioning of the dog's body.
If the pet likes home-made food, then supplements can be purchased at the veterinary pharmacy.
How to care?
Welsh terriers are wire-haired dogs, so they need to be trimmed, plucked out mature hair manually using a tool. Trimming should start at the age of three months, while you need to pinch the fur all over the body, with the exception of the mustache and beard. Show dogs need a special show care scheme. A pet is trimmed from 2 to 4 times a year.
It is necessary to bathe representatives of this breed no more often 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 kept in an aviary, then it needs to be bathed only in the summer, and in winter the wool is cleaned with snow. And also the owner of the welsh terrier should not forget that his pet needs a daily examination of the auditory concha, eyes. The pet needs to brush its teeth regularly and cut its claws.
Parenting and training
Welsh Terriers have a strong hunting instinct, for this reason they should be accustomed to communicating with other animals and trained from a very young age. A developed intellect is inherent in a dog; therefore, even a young dog easily assimilates new information and commands. It is better to use the game form of training with the Welsh, they have to their liking. Sometimes when raising the animal can be stubborn, therefore the owner will need patience and stubbornness when training the dog.
Cleverness of the welsh terrier helps to ensure that even by the look of the owner and his elevated tone of voice, he understands what is required. Representatives of this breed are subordinate only to leaders, therefore, in the eyes of the animal, the owner must earn authority. During dog training, it is worth encouraging, praising, motivating and treating him. To curb the desire to learn from a pet, abuse and physical punishment can.
Properly brought up terriers are great helpers, they can bring slippers, a newspaper, collect toys in a basket. This animal can become an excellent circus artist, as its ability includes performing various tricks. Sociability of the dog allows him to work with the public.
The process of training the welsh terrier should be carried out indoors, because of the curiosity of the animal can be distracted from classes.
After acquiring a welsh terrier, the owner may note the following advantages of the breed:
- activity;
- sociability;
- balanced character;
- good stamina;
- learning ability.
And also the content of the representative of this breed has some disadvantages, namely:
- strong attachment to a person;
- possible nervous breakdowns;
- mischievous, stubborn and too excitable.
The Welsh Terrier will become a wonderful inquisitive companion for a person, and the quick wit of a dog will allow you to raise a well-bred pet that performs a lot of commands.
About the features of the breed, see the video below.