The Welsh Terrier
 Stonewall Welsh Terriers |
 Stonewall Welsh Terriers |
The Welsh Terrier was more commonly known as the Old English Terrier, or the Black-and-Tan Wire Haired Black and Tan Terrier. As late as 1886, the English Kennel Club allotted one class for "Welsh or Old English Wire Haired Black and Tan Terrier." Even today, the coloring of the Welsh is the same as it was in the beginning.
The coat of the Welsh is hard, wiry and dense. There is a short, soft undercoat. Furnishings on muzzle, legs, and quarters are dense and wiry. The color is black and tan only. They are a sturdy, compact, rugged dog of medium size. Males should be about 15 inches tall and females a tad smaller. They should weigh about 20 pounds.
The Welsh Terrier hunted otter and badger, and rode along in fox hunts to chase the foxes out of their holes. They are a sporting dog in its native home of Wales. They have the characteristic gameness that one naturally looks for in such a dog. Although game, they are not quarrelsome at all. They are very well mannered and easy to train.
Welsh Terriers were brought into the United States in 1888. No others were imported for several years. In about 1901, classification was offered for them at Westminster and four or five dogs were shown-from then on the popularity of the breed took off.
