Fetch Finder

Breed guide

Welsh Terrier

A sturdy, black-and-tan terrier with a cheerful, spirited personality. Friendly but full of terrier drive.

A Welsh Terrier
Photo: Pleple2000 · CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
SizeSmall
Weight20 lb
Lifespan12–15 years
Yearly cost$1,000–$2,200*
👪 Good family dog Usually good with kids, with training and supervision.

At a glance

Energy level
Shedding
Grooming needs
Apartment-friendly
Handles cold
Affectionate / cuddly
Good with kids
Good for first-time owners
Easy to train
Good with other dogs
Good with cats
OK being left alone
Reliable off-leash
Protective / watchdog
Barking
Drooling

Great for

  • Active families
  • Apartments with daily walks
  • Cold climates

Watch out for

  • Digs
  • Chases small animals
  • Stubborn

Daily care

Exercise: About an hour a day.

Grooming: Weekly brushing; hand-stripping a few times a year.

Cold weather: Wiry coat handles cold well.

*Yearly cost covers food, routine vet care, preventatives, toys and supplies. It doesn't include the purchase or adoption fee, emergencies or grooming beyond basics.

Gear for a Welsh Terrier

Some links are affiliate links: if you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Find a Welsh Terrier near you

We're building a list of trusted Welsh Terrier rescues, breeders and trainers. Rescues are listed first.

Listings coming soon. In the meantime:

Run a Welsh Terrier rescue, training or grooming business? Get listed free.

Not sure a Welsh Terrier is right for you? Take the 3-minute quiz to see which breeds fit your home and lifestyle.

Take the breed quiz

Similar breeds