This is a very honest and accurate description of the Welsh Terrier. Like all living things, they are individuals and certainly not every dog meets all points of this description. It is a broad generalization which should be studied to help determine if a Welsh Terrier is the appropriate breed for your lifestyle.
Welsh Terriers are spirited, intelligent, and adaptable dogs, making them good family pets, especially for experienced owners, but they can also be independent and require consistent training and socialization. They can be trained, but they can never be trusted to be off lead in an unprotected area. They ARE NOT a suitable breed for dog parks, as they often will be “argumentative” with other dogs. They might not be the first dog to start a fight, but if challenged, they will not back down or ever surrender.
Here's a more detailed look at the pros and cons of owning a Welsh Terrier:
What's good about Welsh Terriers:
- Alert and Spirited: They are known for their terrier spirit, making them fun and engaging companions.
- Intelligent and Trainable: Their intelligence means they can be trained, but they need consistent and engaging training methods. They are not known for a long attention span.
- Adaptable: They can thrive in various settings, including city apartments and suburban homes, as long as they get enough exercise. They are a “large dog” in a small package.
- Family-Oriented: They are affectionate, making them good family pets, especially with older children.
- Low Shedding: Their double coat sheds minimally, (when properly maintained) making them a good choice for allergy sufferers.
- Good Guard Dogs: Their protective and loyal nature can make them effective guard dogs. However, a treat from a home burglar might make the intruder their newest friend.
- Happy and Cheerful: They are known for their happy-go-lucky and independent personalities.
- Good for vermin control: They were bred to hunt badger, fox, and otter.
What's not so good about Welsh Terriers:
- Independent and Stubborn: They can be independent and may test boundaries during training, requiring a firm but gentle hand.
- High Energy: They need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to avoid boredom and potentially destructive behaviors (inappropriate chewing and digging).
- Potential for Barking: Some Welsh Terriers are prone to barking, especially when alerting their owners to what they consider unusual circumstances or strangers, requiring training to control this.
- Prey Drive: They have a strong prey drive, which can lead to chasing smaller animals, making them unsuitable for homes with certain other pets (cats or other dogs).
- May not be ideal for young children: While they can be good with older children, they may not be the best choice for homes with very young children due to their independent nature and potential for rambunctious behavior. They are better with young children when raised with young children.
- Prone to certain health issues: Like all breeds, Welsh Terriers are a relatively healthy breed, but can be prone to certain health issues, including musculoskeletal, eye, skin and neurologic conditions. There is a genetic test for Primary Lens Luxation so this disease should no longer be of concern if your breeder has done the required testing.
- Potentially combative: While generally friendly, they can be combative, especially if not properly socialized. Unless you take command, they will become your master.