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Welsh Terrier

Historians believe that the Welsh Terrier is one of the oldest pure bred terriers, evidence indicates that he has changed very little from the all round working terrier developed several hundreds of years ago in the high mountains and hidden valleys of Wales. Late in the nineteenth century when improved methods of transportation opened that part of Britain to travelers, hunters and fanciers from all over the world who recognized and admired its possibilities. Some confusion resulted when the English Kennel Club admitted the breed for registration on a joint basis with the Old English Wire Haired Black and Tan Terrier, now thought to be a hodge podge of the breeds, which resembled the Welsh terrier. In any event, the Black and Tan no longer exists while the Welshman remains a testimonial to the sound requirements set up by his breeders.The function of the Welsh, common to all terriers is that of an “earth stopper”, or dog that will go to ground or into caves after game. Terriers were used with packs of hounds which drove the quarry to a spot where the terrier could corner and seize it, or force it again into the open for the chase. Because they usually became involved in physical combat with such deadly animals as otter and badger, terriers were bred for courage far greater than was needed in hounds or pursuit dogs. In the Welsh, strength combined with small size was desired and developed. A surpassingly good ability to scent game was also an important part of the Welsh character which increased its value as a working terrier.
At first glance, the Welsh terrier might be mistaken for a black and tan Wire fox terrier or a miniature Airedale, but he is neither of these. The head of the Welsh, in proportion to his body, is more powerfully made than either the Fox Terrier or the Airedale. Being boxy rather than wedge shaped. He is bred for power and endurance instead of speed which gives him a broader, compact “cobby” shape. Since early fanciers used terms familiar to breeders of the horse, it would be appropriate to compare the Welsh to a working horse, while the Fox Terrier is more like a hunter or racer. The breed standard is a word picture of the ideal Welshman, which as been adopted by breeders and registryassociations.

GENERAL APPEARANCE *** Smart, workmanlike, well-balanced and compact.

CHARACTERISTICS *** Affectionate, obedient and easily controlled.

TEMPERAMENT *** Happy and volatile rarely of shy nature. Game and fearless but definitely not aggressive although at all times able to hold his own when necessary.

HEAD AND SKULL *** Flat of moderate width between ears. Jaws powerful, clean cut, rather deep and punishing. Stop not too defined, medium length from stop to end of nose. Nose black.

EYES *** Small, well set in, dark, expression indicative of temperament. A round, full eye undesirable.

EARS *** V-shaped, small, leathers not too thin, set on fairly high, carried forward and close to cheek.

MOUTH *** Jaws strong with perfect, regular scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

NECK *** Moderate length and thickness, slightly arched and sloping gracefully into shoulders.

FOREQUARTERS *** Shoulders long, sloping and well set back. Legs straight and muscular, possessing ample bone, with upright and powerful pasterns.

BODY *** Back short and well ribbed up, loin strong, good depth and moderate width of chest.

HINDQUARTERS *** Strong, thighs muscular, of good length, with hocks well bent, well let down and with ample bone.

FEET *** Small, round and cat-like.

TAIL *** Well set on but not carried too gaily. Preferably docked.

GAIT/MOVEMENT *** Fore and hind legs carried straight forward and parallel. Elbows move perpendicular to body, working free of sides, stifles turning neither in nor out.

COAT *** Wiry, hard, very close and abundant. Single coat undesirable.

COLOUR *** Black and tan for preference, or black grizzle and tan, free from black pencilling on toes. Black below hocks most undesirable.

SIZE *** Height: not exceeding 39 cms (15½ ins) at shoulders
Weight: 9-9.5 kg (20-21 lbs)

FAULTS *** Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

NOTE *** Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum