The Welsh Terrier, one of the oldest terrier breeds, originated in Wales where it has been bred for centuries. In the Middle Ages it was called "Daergi" and is considered the ancestor of the British Terrier. The first systematic record of similar dogs being bred dates from 1750. The first Welsh Terrier Club was founded in 1885.
Physically of medium size, the Welsh Terrier is an active, courageous and dominant dog. It is popular for fox and badger hunting, and its relationship with people, especially children, is friendly. Although suitable for sporting training and agility, it requires a lot of exercise and coat care.
Health-wise, they are prone to kidney disease, so constant access to water is important. Emphasis on consistent and responsive training is key. Welsh terriers are grateful for the attention of their masters, but keeping them in check during free exercise can be a challenge due to their hunting passion.
WELSH TERRIER
ORIGIN: Great Britain.
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE OFFICIAL VALID STANDARD: 13.10.2010.
UTILIZATION: Terrier.
FCI-CLASSIFICATION: Group 3 Terriers.
Section 1 Large- and medium sized
Terriers.
Without working trial.
BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY: The Welsh Terrier is a breed with a truly working background, he is perhaps rather less exuberant than some of the other members of his group. Like so many of his cousins, he was originally used in hunting the fox, badger and even otter. The Welsh and Lakeland Terriers, which have considerable similarity, may well have had a common origin prior to the Roman invasion of Britain when their Celtic owners retreated to the Welsh mountains and the Lake District.
He is a neat, workmanlike dog with a tight wiry coat normally of black and tan.
GENERAL APPEARANCE: Smart, workmanlike, well-balanced and compact.
BEHAVIOUR AND TEMPERAMENT: Affectionate, obedient and easily controlled. Happy and volatile, rarely of shy nature. Game and fearless but definitely not aggressive although at all times able to hold his own when necessary
HEAD
CRANIAL REGION:
Skull: Flat, of moderate width between ears.
Stop: Not too defined.
FACIAL REGION:
Nose: Black.
Muzzle: Medium length from stop to end of nose.
Jaws / Teeth: Jaws powerful, clean cut, rather deep and punishing; strong with perfect, regular scissor bite, i. e. upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Eyes: Relatively small, dark, expression indicative of temperament. A round, full eye undesirable.
Ears: V-shaped, small, leathers not too thin, set on fairly high, carried forward and close to cheek.
NECK: Moderate length and thickness, slightly arched and sloping gracefully into shoulders.
BODY:
Back: Short.
Loin: Strong.
Chest: Good depth and moderate width. Well ribbed up.
TAIL: Previously customarily docked.
Docked: Well set on. Carried erect but not too gaily.
Undocked: Well set on. Carried erect but not too gaily. In overall balance with the rest of dog.
LIMBS
FOREQUARTERS:
Shoulder: Long, sloping and well set back.
Elbow: Perpendicular to body, working free of sides.
Forearm: Legs straight and muscular, possessing ample bone.
Metacarpus (Pastern): Upright and powerful.
Forefeet: Small, round and cat-like.
HINDQUARTERS:
General appearance: Strong.
Thigh: Muscular, of good length.
Metatarsus (Rear pastern): Hocks well bent, well let down and with ample bone.
Hind feet: Small, round and cat-like.
GAIT / MOVEMENT: Fore-and hindlegs carried straight forward and parallel. Elbows move perpendicular to body, working free of sides, stifles turning neither in nor out.
COAT:
Hair: Wiry, hard, very close and abundant. Single coat undesirable.
Colour: Black and tan for preference, or black grizzle and tan, free from black pencilling on toes. Black below hocks most undesirable.
SIZE AND WEIGHT:
Height at the withers: Not exceeding 39 cms.
Weight: 9 – 9,5 kgs.
FAULTS:
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on its ability to perform its traditional work.
DISQUALIFYING FAULTS
• Aggressive or overly shy dogs.
• Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities
shall be disqualified.
N.B: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
The latest amendments are in bold characters.