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The Welsh terrier or the Welsh Terrier belongs to the group of hunting dogs that served as their hunting assistants. They are often called gun dogs. Such a nickname was attached to this breed of dogs due to the fact that at the time of hunting the welsh terriers are always close to their owner’s gun. This breed was bred in England around the end of the 18th century. Many British dog species took part in the crossbreeding. Despite its English roots, the Welsh Terrier received the greatest distribution in America.
Moreover, this variety of dogs is not very popular in the CIS. This dog is often confused with the Airedale breed. However, this is an erroneous opinion, since the welsh terrier is very different from its four-legged congeners of terriers. This pet has a fairly balanced, obedient and smart character. The dog also has a special affection for its owner and is very dependent on his attention. The distant ancestor of this four-legged pet appeared in Britain about 400 years ago. However, since then, the characteristic features of this dog practically have not suffered any changes. The dogs retained a wonderful disposition, hunting and service character, unless the appearance acquired more beautiful features.
Origin of breed
The history of this breed of dog originates in the west of the United Kingdom in the lands of Wales county. Local farmers for centuries bred the distant ancestors of the Welsh terriers. These four-legged pets were real favorites in the English family. The owners for a long time improved this breed of dogs, instilled in them the abilities of service dogs.
These pets lived in the house with the owners, and did not huddle in the farmyard or kennel, like their other tailed relatives. However, despite their special position in the house, these pets were bred to provide practical assistance to people. Dogs helped in hunting night animals, drove wounded animals, guarded poultry from predators, and even played the role of rat-catchers. These pets were considered dogs with universal qualities, and could fulfill many of the orders of their owners. At the same time, pets were very good at learning. Therefore, the British loved them for the qualities of hunters, rat catchers and farm assistants.
Natural Pied Piper
Relatives of this breed of dogs were not used in the races, but the dogs were sent to the fighting ring against other four-legged pets. Also, the owners of animal fights prepared for these dogs and more sophisticated competitions. The dog was launched into the corral with a flock of wild rats, where the dog was supposed to show his dexterity and strength. The pet was supposed to strangle rats for the time allotted by the owners. Only the fastest terriers who deftly dodged rat bites came out the winners in such a battle. Spectators made considerable bets on these dogs. Puppies of such dogs cost a lot of money in old England.And each breeder wanted to have offspring from such four-legged pets in order to make good money on dog fights.
Dog characterization
Representatives of this breed have mastered many different professions in the world: from a lifeguard dog to dogs and bloodhounds. Therefore, the duty of a service dog obliges the welsh terrier to be an initiative, active and assertive pet. Especially this dog needs to show his character on the hunt, where the dog must react to the situation without prompts and commands of the owner. That is why, by nature, these animals are stubborn and energetic.
From a puppy's age, you should teach your four-legged pet to other pets and people around. The dog must get used to the cat or neighbors on the contrary, otherwise his hunting instincts will be taken up, and then everyone in the district will not be greeted. Researchers argue that dogs of this breed, who often interacted with other four-legged relatives, better remember training teams. However, you should not have a new pet if you already have an adult Welshter dog in the house. A tailed pet will certainly begin to fight for its territory with a new uninvited neighbor and, most likely, will hunt him.
But children can feel confident in the company of this breed of dog. These dogs are very attached to the owners and love children, because the Welsh Terrier has been a full member of the family for centuries. He lives in a master's house, not in a kennel. The pet is constantly striving to please the household. This natural desire is in his blood. Four-legged friends are always ready to be in the company of their favorite owners. That is why the pet is so dependent on the good location of its owner and its approval. If the owner is not kind to the welsh terrier, then the dog will not be able to study the teams well, he will feel himself unnecessary.
Attention is the key to friendship
The main feature of dogs of this breed is that dogs constantly need attention and communication with the owner. If between the owner and the dog there is complete mutual understanding and friendship, then a dog with a sharp mind and purposeful character can be raised from a dog. When a pet will feel the care and attention of its owner, then he will be able to completely succumb to training. This is the difficulty of raising this variety of dogs. For proper development and training, the dog requires harmony in relation to the owner.
From puppyhood, dogs should be accustomed to combing their hair and bathing in water. However, you should not accustom your dog to bad habits and give him too much will. You must not allow the dog to lie in bed with the owner, beg for food from the general table or rush into a fight with yard or neighbor dogs. The terrier needs strict education to be obedient.
Basic training commands should begin to be taught to the dog from an early age. The dog does not tolerate monotony and an idle lifestyle, since by nature he is a very clever and active pet. Training should not be boring, but rather energetic and active. It is better if training will cause playfulness and enthusiasm in the dog. If the pet is interested, and he wants to please the owner, the dog will easily learn any command.
Dog games
Dogs of this breed do not like to sit on a rug for a long time. The dog needs frequent walks in the fresh air. The four-legged pet needs not only housekeeping, but also active forays into the street. A pet will not feel happy if it is deprived of hunting, communication with the environment and daily walks.
If the owners decide to keep the welsh terrier at home, and will let him out into the street for only half an hour, then the pet will become very restless. He will begin to bite the furniture in the apartment and nibble the owner's shoes.Since this type of dog is known for its restlessness, an overly active and uncontrolled dog can do a lot of harm to the owner's house. He can jump onto the windowsill and table, open the doors and jump over the fence. Therefore, the dog should buy more special toys like a ball, so that the four-legged baby can play enough and jump enough.
How to care for a welsh terrier?
The owners will have to try hard to raise a fourth pet. But to look after this variety of breed is quite simple. Pet hair is easy to wash and comb with a brush. Wash the dog once a month and comb out once a week. The main thing is not to forget to pluck the pet's hair to give it a beautiful shape. Do not postpone the trimming process, otherwise, if you do not pluck out the extra hairs, the dog's hair will become messy. As a rule, a dog is trimmed two or three times during the year. If the owners start the coat and do not care for the dog, then in this case the dog’s coat begins to crumble. Such a molt can often tell dog owners about some types of pet disease.
Even if the dog is too active, the owners will still need to monitor its claws and trim them as needed, as the dog's claws do not always grind during active games on the street and at home. These pets are very healthy dogs, however, some of them have problems with skin and eye irritations.
A dog of this breed can easily adapt to life both in apartment conditions and in a country house. Although it is suburban conditions of detention or life in a dog enclosure that are most preferable for this active dog. The pet needs active outings, walks in the fresh air and space. However, this dog should not be tied to a chain and put in a kennel. The dog needs to be trained a lot, given frequent physical activity and long walk in the wild.
The lifespan of these pets is quite long. They live on average up to fourteen years of age. These dogs can become faithful companions of people leading an active lifestyle, accompany athletes, cyclists or tourists on a hike or on a lane.
Given the pedigree and purpose of the dog, the average cost of such a dog can vary between 100-800 dollars.
Video: dog breed Welsh Terrier
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