Where the Welsh Terrier came from
The Welsh Terrier is believed to have come from Wales in the 1700s. They were bred to hunt fox, badger and rodents in the rough hills of northern Wales. Some sources call them one of the oldest terrier breeds in the UK.
They were a late arrival at dog shows, since they were mostly working dogs. The AKC recognized the Welsh Terrier in 1888. A Welsh Terrier won Best in Show at Crufts in 1998.
Today Welsh Terriers are upbeat, tough little dogs that look like a small Airedale. They are friendly with people but have a strong terrier will.
- 1700s Believed time when the Welsh Terrier developed in Wales
- 1888 AKC recognizes the Welsh Terrier
- 1998 A Welsh Terrier named Saredon Forever Young wins Best in Show at Crufts
The job a Welsh Terrier was bred for
A hunting terrier that worked on its own in the hills, going after fox, badger and rodents. That is why many Welsh Terriers are bold, stubborn, quick to chase and slow to back down.
What you may see at home
Bold, stubborn, digs, chases small animals, slow to back down.
Give them: Barn hunt, dig box, scent work, and short training games.
Sports that fit a Welsh Terrier
- Earthdog. The work the breed was built for
- Barn hunt. A safe job for a hunting brain
- Agility. Quick and fun with a handler they trust
- Scent work. Gives a clever, stubborn dog a calm job
- Rally. Short and playful work that builds focus
Training tips for a Welsh Terrier
- Keep training sessions short and fun. Welsh Terriers decide for themselves, so make cooperation pay.
- Reinforce skills often. They learn quickly but need regular practice to stay reliable.
- Practice recall on a long line, and keep them leashed in open areas.
- Socialize with calm dogs early and reward polite greetings.
Body and health
A sturdy, wiry coated dog with a coat that does not shed much but needs regular grooming and hand stripping. Welsh Terriers are generally hardy, but ask the breeder about health testing.
Fun fact. Welsh Terrier puppies are born mostly black. During the first year the coat changes to the black and tan grizzle of an adult.
Breed is where we start
A study of more than 18,000 dogs found breed explains only about 9 percent of the differences in behavior between dogs (Morrill and others, Science, 2022). So your Welsh Terrier is a starting guess, not a label. We find the drive your dog actually runs on, give it a job, and teach you to read them.
Free tools for your dog
- Breed drive calculatorMixed breed? Add the other breeds and see the drives your dog was bred with.
- Dog breed quizTen photos, four names each. The same quiz our trainers take.
- Dog drive testAnswer everyday moments and find the job your dog runs on.
Looking for a different breed? See what 137 breeds were bred to do, and download any of their guides.