Before bringing any puppy home...

 The Welsh Terrier breed originated in Wales in the 1700's and is claimed to be the oldest existing dog breed in the U.K.

 Bred as a working dog, Welshies possess the highest level of prey drive. Their stamina and tenacity will send this breed into some of the most rugged terrain to hunt foxes and other vermin. They have an inherent drive to dig and even a fenced yard needs to be periodically checked for any weak links.

 Welshies are independent, lively, and courageous to the point of being considered “reckless” at times.  Training is critical to help them learn to be pets.   They require a great deal of mental stimulation and exercise to reign in that "terrier fire" and prevent boredom.  Welshies, like most terriers, love water!

Welshies tend to be a compact breed, about medium size, and can grow up to approximately 15 inches with a weight of 20–22 pounds.  Black and tan (of varying shades) are the exclusive colors of Welsh Terriers; puppies are usually born completely black.    Although the tail has been historically docked to give the image of a "square dog," this is changing in the U.S. and internationally. The body shape is rectangular, with an elongated, "brick-like" face. 

This breed does not shed, however, the wiry, soft coat requires regular grooming maintenance including brushing and/or hand stripping.   

With strong instinctual behaviors, Welshies can go from downtime to overdrive in seconds at the sight of a moving object, be it animal or human.   Welshies  are not recommended for homes with cats and other small animals  that can be viewed as prey.  With inherent tendencies to guard and display defensive reflexes, they make excellent watchdogs.  They can be assertive towards other dogs, but with proper training and adequate socialization, this trait can be corrected.   With proper training and supervision, Welshies are patient and playful companions for children and a great addition to any family.  

Welshies are generally a healthy breed living 12-15 years, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all Welshies will get any or all of these diseases, but it's important to be aware of the potentially typical health problems if you're considering this breed:

Legge-Calve-Perthes disease-

a condition that affects the hip joint which is a ball and socket joint 

Hip dysplasia – hip joint laxity as a result of poor development, which will eventually lead to arthritis.

Atopy – hypersensitivity to certain allergens, causing itching and skin trauma.

The Wire Fox Terrier  is a believed to have originated in the 1800's by British fox hunters.  

*Note:  Although less popular in the United States than its country of origin, the Wire Fox Terrier has won more Best in Show titles at the Westminster Dog Show than any other breed. 

Wire Fox Terriers are intelligent, vivacious and an energetic breed.  They hail from England where they were bred to help farmers control mice and rats on farms and flesh out foxes and wild boars.  Today, they mainly serve as loveable companions that thrive in a family environment.  

 Wire Fox Terriers have extensive exercise needs. They will be happiest in a rural or suburban home where they can run, but their medium size makes them suitable for an apartment or small home if their exercise needs are daily met. A securely fenced-in yard is a requirement for these canine Houdinis as they are extremely intelligent and can escape at the twinkling of the eye. Their speed and agility make them excellent candidates for dog sports.   

  The Wire Fox Terrier is a sturdy dog weighing approximately 17 to 19 lb for males and 15 to 17 lb for females.  Its coat color consists predominantly of a white base with brown markings of the face and ears and occasionally a saddle of black and/or tan.   Wire Fox Terriers have a hypo-allergenic, wiry coat that requires grooming maintenance, including brushing and/or hand stripping.   Historically, the breed standard has been to dock the tail and remove the dew claws of the Wire Fox Terrier, but thankfully, this is changing on an international scale. 

Wire Fox Terriers are fearless and  possess an extraordinary prey drive. Their intensive prey drive make them unsuitable to homes with cats or small mammals.   They can, however, make an excellent addition to a multi-dog household, provided they are socialized from puppyhood.  Proper socialization and training can help tame their true "fiery" terrier spirit and make very good companions to any family.  A true “live-wire,” the Wire Fox Terrier is always up for play, adventure and anything WATER! Inherently independent & sometimes mischievous, they may dig and bark as evidence of their true beginnings. They are usually fairly reserved with strangers and make EXCELLENT watchdogs!

 The Wire Fox Terrier is a generally healthy dog living 10-13 years on average.  As with any breed, they are prone to some health conditions and it is a prudent dog owner who is aware of typical conditions that can affect this breed:    

Eye disorders-  cataracts, primary lens luxation, and glaucoma 

Elbow & Hip dysplasia – elbow & hip joint laxity as a result of poor development, which will eventually lead to arthritis

Wobbler's gait-  a neurological condition caused by the narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck which pinches the spinal cord and associated nerves