Characteristics
of the Welsh Terrier
(Information provided by the American Kennel Club)
The Welsh Terrier is a sturdy, compact, rugged dog of medium size
with a coarse wire-textured coat. The legs, underbody and head are
tan; the jacket black (or occasionally grizzle). The tail is docked
to length meant to complete the image of a ''square dog'' approximately
as high as he is long. The movement is a terrier trot typical of the
long-legged terrier. It is effortless, with good reach and drive.
The Welsh Terrier is friendly, outgoing to people and other dogs,
showing spirit and courage. The ''Welsh Terrier expression'' comes
from the set, color, and position of the eyes combined with the use
of the ears
Owning
Welsh Terriers make excellent city or apartment dog. The Welsh Terrier
is a sturdy and rugged dog always alert and ready for action. The
Welsh Terrier's wiry dense coat requires weekly brushing. The Welsh
Terrier will be content in a city apartment or in the country. He
is a friendly, outgoing, and playful dog who loves people.
Did You Know
In old times the Welsh Terrier was known as Old English Terrier or
Black-&-Tan Wire Haired Terrier. The Welsh Terriers' native home
is Wales and was used extensively as a sporting dog. Welsh Terriers
were shown in dog shows as early as the 1800's.
Welsh Terrier Breed Standard
Terrier Group
(Information
provided by the American Kennel Club)
Temperament
The Welsh Terrier is a game dog-alert, aware, spirited-but
at the same time, is friendly and shows self control. Intelligence
and desire to please are evident in his attitude. A specimen exhibiting
an overly aggressive attitude, or shyness, should be penalized.
General Appearance
The Welsh Terrier is a sturdy, compact, rugged dog of medium
size with a coarse wire-textured coat. The legs, underbody and head
are tan; the jacket black (or occasionally grizzle). The tail is docked
to length meant to complete the image of a "square dog" approximately
as high as he is long. The movement is a terrier trot typical of the
long-legged terrier. It is effortless, with good reach and drive.
The Welsh Terrier is friendly, outgoing to people and other dogs,
showing spirit and courage. The "Welsh Terrier expression" comes from
the set, color, and position of the eyes combined with the use of
the ears.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Males are about 15 inches at the withers, with an acceptable range
between 15 and 15�. Bitches may be proportionally smaller. Twenty
pounds is considered an average weight, varying a few pounds depending
on the height of the dog and the density of bone. Both dog and bitch
appear solid and of good substance.
Head
The entire head is rectangular. The eyes
are small, dark brown and almond-shaped, well set in the skull. They
are placed fairly far apart. The size, shape, color and position of
the eyes give the steady, confident but alert expression that is typical
of the Welsh Terrier. The ears are V-shaped,
small, but not too thin. The fold is just above the topline of the
skull. The ears are carried forward close to the cheek with the tips
falling to, or toward, the outside corners of the eyes when the dog
is at rest. The ears move slightly up and forward when at attention.
Skull--The foreface is strong with powerful,
punishing jaws. It is only slightly narrower than the backskull. There
is a slight stop. The backskull is of equal length to the foreface.
They are on parallel planes in profile. The backskull is smooth and
flat (not domed) between the ears. There are no wrinkles between the
ears. The cheeks are flat and clean (not bulging).
The muzzle is one-half the length of the
entire head from tip of nose to occiput. The foreface in front of
the eyes is well made up. The furnishings on the foreface are trimmed
to complete without exaggeration the total rectangular outline. The
muzzle is strong and squared off, never snipy. The nose is black and
squared off. The lips are black and tight. A scissors bite is preferred,
but a level bite is acceptable. Either one has complete dentition.
The teeth are large and strong, set in powerful, vise-like jaws.
Neck, Topline, Body
The neck is of moderate length and thickness, slightly arched
and sloping gracefully into the shoulders. The throat is clean with
no excess of skin.
The topline is level.
The body shows good substance and is well ribbed up. There is good
depth of brisket and moderate width of chest. The loin is strong and
moderately short. The tail is docked to a length approximately level
(on an imaginary line) with the occiput, to complete the square image
of the whole dog. The root of the tail is set well up on the back.
It is carried upright.
Forequarters
The front is straight. The shoulders are long, sloping and
well laid back. The legs are straight and muscular with upright and
powerful pasterns. The feet are small, round, and catlike. The pads
are thick and black. The nails are strong and black; any dewclaws
are removed.
Hindquarters
The hindquarters are strong and muscular with well-developed
second thighs and the stifles well bent. The hocks are moderately
straight, parallel and short from joint to ground. The feet should
be the same as in the forequarters.
Coat
The coat is hard, wiry, and dense with a close-fitting thick jacket.
There is a short, soft undercoat. Furnishings on muzzle, legs, and
quarters are dense and wiry.
Color
The jacket is black, spreading up onto the neck, down onto
the tail and into the upper thighs. The legs, quarters, and head are
clear tan. The tan is a deep reddish color, with slightly lighter
shades acceptable. A grizzle jacket is also acceptable.
Gait
The movement is straight, free and effortless, with good
reach in front, strong drive behind, with feet naturally tending to
converge toward a median line of travel as speed increases.
Faults
Any deviation from the foregoing should be considered
a fault; the seriousness of the fault depending upon the extent of
the deviation.
Approved August 10, 1993
Effective September 29, 1993