Welsh terrier: description, content and training

The miniature and energetic Welsh Terrier is considered one of the brightest representatives of burrowing dogs. This four-legged creature is characterized by fearlessness, friendliness and a difficult character.

There are a large number of terrier species on the planet, some of which have already disappeared, but left inheritors. The Welsh Terrier is one of the representatives of hunting dogs, the first owners of which were Welsh farmers. People used the adorable dog to fight rodents. For the first time, representatives of this breed were mentioned in the 16th century, as evidenced by engravings with a dog image.

The official recognition of the Welsh Terrier breed took place in 1886, a little later the dog breeders set the standard for this breed. Currently, the welsh terrier is quite popular in England, which is considered its homeland, the USA and Germany.

Welsh terriers are medium-sized dogs that are characterized by strength and endurance. The maximum body weight of a dog can be 10 kilograms. In height, males reach 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 in black. The pet's nostrils are wide open. Low set small eyes are inherent in the Welsh Terrier. The dog's eyes are smart, lively, full of interest.The ears are triangular in shape. The torso is square, but exudes physical strength and potential.

The oval neck is covered with muscle fibers; it is wider near 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 docked. A dog's coat is characterized by stiffness, density and density. Usually the fur is colored reddish-brown with black or black with gray.

Modern coat has the following varieties:

• worker;
• exhibition.

The difference between the animal of the first type is its strong skeleton and tough coat. Such dogs are used as helpers while hunting a burrowing animal. The exhibition animal has a softer coat and a lighter skeleton.

Welsh Terriers are cheerful, flighty and energetic creatures, they are excellent companions. This is an intelligent and obedient animal that can be easily controlled in everyday life. The fervor and fearlessness of the pet is not combined with the aggressiveness of the dog. 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 its 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 the attitude towards cats. He considers small animals and birds as potential prey.

Unfamiliar people cause a dog to be wary or indifferent. Since this is a rather brave dog, it is always ready to defend its owner and property. Since the dog has hunting roots, he participates with curiosity and energy in the hunt and pursuit of small animals. 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 be started by phlegmatic personalities.

The Welsh Terrier is characterized by endurance and strength of health, as it has good genetics. Among the hereditary diseases of representatives of this breed, the following can be called:

• eye ailments - among the common diseases of the organs of vision, cataracts, dislocation of the lens, glaucoma are distinguished;
• allergic reactions;
• disorder of the thyroid gland;
• dermatological ailments;
• epilepsy.

To increase the lifespan of a thoroughbred pet, as well as maintain health, it 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 against parasites. On average, the life expectancy of a representative of this breed is from 14 to 16 years.

Raising a Welsh Terrier is not an easy process, which cannot be said about keeping this animal. Due to the small size of the body, this pet can be kept in an apartment and a private house. The dog is active, so 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.

A welsh terrier 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 it can run after the object of interest.

Proper and nutritious nutrition is the basis of the health and activity of your pet, in particular the Welsh Terrier. Welsh terriers are unpretentious in food, both dry food and homemade products are suitable for them. When choosing a natural way of eating, it is worth remembering that the pet's diet should contain ingredients such as:

• meat and meat products;
• low-fat dairy products;
• buckwheat and rice porridge;
• eggs;
• vegetables and fruits.

Do not give your Welsh Terrier potatoes, starchy foods, pork, salinity, smoked meats and sweets. Since this small animal is active and physically stressed, it should be given vitamins and minerals. Feeding with ready-made industrial feed is much simpler than the previous option, since it already includes components that are necessary for the normal functioning of the dog's body.

Welsh terriers are wire-haired dogs, so they need trimming, plucking mature hair by hand using a tool. Trimming should be started at the age of three months, while you need to pluck the fur all over the body, with the exception of the mustache and beard. Show dogs need a special show grooming 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. When washing your dog, you should use shampoos designed for the welsh coat type. If the animal is kept in an aviary, then it needs to 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 a daily examination of the auditory shells and eyes. The pet needs to regularly brush its teeth and cut its nails.

Welsh Terriers have a strong hunting instinct, for this reason, they should be taught to interact with other animals and trained from a very young age. The developed intelligence is inherent in the dog, so even a young dog can easily assimilate new information and commands. It is better to use a playful form of training with Welsh, they have it in spirit. Sometimes, when raising an animal, it can be stubborn, therefore the owner will need patience and stubbornness when training the dog.

The welsh terrier's quick wits contribute to the fact that even by the look of the owner and his raised tone of voice, he understands what is required. Representatives of this breed obey only leaders, therefore, in the eyes of the animal, the owner must earn authority. During training, the dog should be encouraged, praised, motivated and treated. Swearing and physical punishment can discourage the desire to learn from a pet.

Well-bred terriers are great helpers, they can bring slippers, a newspaper, and collect toys in a basket. This animal can become an excellent circus performer, as its ability includes performing various tricks. The dog's sociability allows him to work with the public.

After purchasing a welsh terrier, the owner can note the following advantages of the breed:

• activity;
• sociability;
• balanced character;
• good endurance;
• learnability.

And also the content of a representative of this breed has some disadvantages, namely:

• strong attachment to a person;
• possible nervous breakdowns;
• mischievous, stubborn and too excitable character.

For the characteristics of the breed, see the video below.