The Welsh Terrier was originally developed in Wales to hunt otter, fox and badger in their dens and also to hunt with hounds in packs. The breed was probably an offshoot of the old British Black & Tan Terrier, and one of only two terrier breeds native to Wales. For sometime it had existed as the old Reddish-Black Wirehaired Terrier. Today's Welsh Terrier is primarily a companion dog, but still retains his hunting ability. Some of the Welsh Terrier’s talents include: hunting, tracking, watchdogging, agility, and performing tricks.

Appearance
The sturdy, compact Welsh Terrier conveys the image of a square dog, being approximately as high as he is long. He is a medium-sized, rugged dog, with a coarse, wire-textured coat.

Character
This curious and playful dog is also intelligent and affectionate. Welsh Terriers are patient and do well with children. Welsh Terriers love to play and to follow a child as it plays .They enjoy swimming, playing and digging. Happy and spunky, Welsh Terriers do best with a young active family whose activities matches its level of activeness. The Welsh Terrier can live happily outdoors during nice weather, but it should sleep inside in cold weather. The Welsh Terrier does best when allowed access to house and yard.
 

Temperament
The Welsh Terrier is a consummate terrier—a terrier in a nutshell—with a typical terrier temper. In the right hands, the Welsh Terrier is a happy, lively, and seldom shy or timid dog. Dogs of this breed can be devoted and obedient friends and can function either as city dogs or as country dogs. Some Welsh Terriers exhibit a typical hunting instinct. A Welsh Terrier does not demand lots of physical exercise, but it hardly ever becomes tired and is a true comrade for the one who likes open-air activities. It is active and intrepid and not eager to fight, although it will hold its own when necessary. The Welsh Terrier needs a lot of intellectual stimulation to stay agreeable. A small yard to walk all day long, without any other activities, is not enough. These dogs need interesting things to do each day.

Exercise/Training
The Welsh Terrier needs a moderate walk on leash every day or an invigorating play session. If allowed to run off leash, it should be in a safe area because it tends to hunt. 20 minutes obedience and playing with your Welsh Terrier will be more useful for the dogs exercise then a walk on the leash can provide.

Color
The fur of the Welsh Terrier contains two layers, an undercoat that insulates and an abrasive fur on top that protects against dirt, rain, and wind. The color is red-brown with black marks. White is allowed only as small marks on the front of the breast.

Grooming
The Welsh Terrier is a so-called 'stripping breed'; it has curly, wiry hair that has to be hand stripped, not cut! The Welsh Terrier does not shed its fur as many other dog breeds do, but stripping consists of skillfully plucking out the longer, older hairs and so keeping down the overall length. The Welsh Terrier does not need constant bathing. The fur must be stripped about every 3 to 6 months. A complete stripping takes three to four hours and a breeder should be able to advise about where the dog can get stripped by a professional in the correct way. If you let someone clip the dog it will lose its clear black and brown patches for good, and go a dull muddy color.

Many people whose Welsh Terriers are companion animals rather than show dogs have their dogs clipped rather than stripped. If the dog is given a proper terrier cut, it will maintain its markings and color. A good nutrition and regular brushing keeps the proper coat shine and the skin healthy. Bathing doesn’t harm the coat of the Welsh Terrier as long as you use a good quality shampoo that doesn't dry the skin and coat and is formulated for a canine coat. The ears of the Welsh Terrier should be kept clean and regularly inspected as well.

Any breed described as "good with children", the dog must be accustomed to children. Any dog that is not well socialized with children will not behave predictably around them. As with all dogs, they should never be left alone with young children.