Pet Wiki

Welsh Terrier

Also called Welshie, Daeargi Cymreig, Welsh Black and Tan Rough Coated Terrier

Recognised breedFCI group 3Short profile

From Wales, United Kingdom, from the black and tan rough-coated working terriers of the 1700s.123

At a glance the quick version

Weight9 to 10 kg13
Height38 to 39 cm14
Lifespan12 to 15 years42
Sizesmall

FCI gives 9-9.5 kg; Wikipedia gives 20-22 lb (about 9.1-10 kg).

affectionate and happy
calmer than many terriers
15

Coat and looks how to spot one

wiry, hard double coat

A square, sturdy terrier with a harsh, dense, close-lying outer coat over a softer undercoat. It sheds very little, and the neat outline looks like a smaller Airedale.13

Coloursblack and tanblack grizzle and tan13

Personality what they are like

A cheerful, spirited terrier that is friendly with its family and rarely shy. It is brave and keen but usually steadier than many terriers, and it responds well to kind, reward-based training. Like most terriers it has a strong chase instinct and can be vocal.154

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate to high: the Royal Kennel Club suggests up to an hour a day and PetMD one to two hours. Ball games, swimming and barn hunt are good outlets.243

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush weekly and have the coat hand stripped or professionally groomed every few months to keep its texture and colour.432

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A good-quality small-breed dog food, usually split into two meals a day for adults.4

Company who they like around

Friendly with people and usually with other dogs, and happiest when included in family life.34

The story where it all began

The breed comes from the black and tan rough-coated terriers that Welsh farmers and hunts used against fox, otter and badger in the 1700s. The first breed club was set up in Pwllheli in 1885, and breeders later refined the type. It has won Best in Show at Crufts four times.23

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Puppies are born mostly black and gain their tan colouring during their first year.3

  2. 2

    The first Welsh Terrier club was founded in Pwllheli, North Wales, in 1885.2

  3. 3

    The breed has taken Best in Show at Crufts four times, most recently in 1998.3

  4. 4

    The FCI standard suggests the Welsh and Lakeland terriers may share a very old common ancestor.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name comes from its Welsh origin; it was developed in Wales and is mentioned in a 1450 Welsh poem referring to 'a good black and red terrier.'6

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

DylanEiraGruffSianNiaScrappyPebbleTaffyBranCelynZiggyRusty

A day in the life told by a Welsh Terrier

I wake with a bounce in my step and a bark for the day. After a quick patrol of the garden, I dig a little hole, just for fun. My human throws a ball, and I chase it like a rocket. We walk along the lane, and I sniff every tuft of grass. I see a squirrel and give a happy yap. At home, I curl up in my basket, dreaming of tomorrow’s adventures. Life is full of smells and games, and I love every minute.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 78, Group 3 Terriers, Section 1 Large- and medium-sized Terriers; standard dated 13.10.2010.1
The Royal Kennel Club
Terrier group; not a vulnerable native breed.2
AKC
Terrier Group.5

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Welsh Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Welsh Terrier, and at what times?

Feed your Welsh Terrier a good-quality small-breed dog food split into two meals a day for adults. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Set regular times, such as morning and evening, and follow the food label and your vet for amounts.47

What should a Welsh Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A good-quality small-breed dog food is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, as these are especially harmful to dogs. Always check with your vet if unsure.48

How often should I bathe a Welsh Terrier?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, and the ASPCA recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues, but avoid over-bathing to protect the coat.9 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Welsh Terrier need brushing?

Brush your Welsh Terrier weekly to keep its wiry coat in good condition. This breed sheds very little, so weekly brushing is usually enough, along with hand stripping or professional grooming every few months.432 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Welsh Terrier's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 3 weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part), and use a proper dog nail trimmer. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.9 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Welsh Terrier need?

Your Welsh Terrier needs moderate to high exercise, about an hour to two hours daily. Ball games, swimming, and barn hunt are great outlets. Daily walks and play are essential to keep this spirited dog happy.243 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Welsh Terrier's teeth and ears?

Brush your Welsh Terrier's teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears every two weeks. Never push anything into the ear canal; just wipe the outer ear gently. Regular care helps prevent problems.9 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Welsh Terrier live?

A Welsh Terrier typically lives 12 to 15 years. With good care, regular vet visits, and a healthy lifestyle, your companion can enjoy a long, happy life.42

Is a Welsh Terrier good with children and other pets?

Yes, this breed is friendly with its family and usually good with other dogs. It can be gentle with children when raised together, but like most terriers, it has a strong chase instinct, so supervision with small pets is wise.1543

Can a Welsh Terrier be left alone?

This varies by individual dog. Welsh Terriers are happiest when included in family life and may not like long periods alone. For specific advice, ask your vet or a good breeder about your dog's needs.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

You might also like

Airedale TerrierLakeland TerrierWire Fox TerrierIrish Terrier

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. FCI Standard No. 78 Welsh Terrier fci.beused for recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, ancestry
  2. The Royal Kennel Club: Welsh Terrier royalkennelclub.comused for group, exercise, grooming, lifespan, history, first club
  3. Wikipedia: Welsh Terrier en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, weight, puppy colour, Crufts wins (secondary)
  4. PetMD: Welsh Terrier petmd.comused for height, lifespan, exercise, grooming, diet
  5. AKC: Welsh Terrier akc.orgused for group, temperament summary
  6. westminsterkennelclub.org westminsterkennelclub.org
  7. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  9. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.