Official ICCF Breed Standard
Brief Historical Summary
The Welsh Terrier is an ancient British breed developed in Wales in the 19th century for hunting foxes, badgers, and otters. Its ancestors were the old black-and-tan terriers of England, originally used for working underground. The breed was valued for its courage, endurance, and ability to work in any weather. In 1886, the Welsh Terrier was officially recognized by the Kennel Club in England and soon gained popularity beyond its borders due to its lively temperament and versatility. Combining hunting instincts, energetic character, and friendliness, it became not only a skilled working dog but also a loyal companion. Today, the Welsh Terrier retains its traditional traits — activity, bravery, and devotion to its owner.
General Appearance
The Welsh Terrier is a compact, sturdy, and well-balanced dog of medium size with a lively and intelligent expression. The body is slightly elongated, with a deep chest and a straight, strong back. The head is long with a flat skull and powerful muzzle. The small, V-shaped ears fold forward, giving an alert expression. Eyes are dark, oval, and full of intelligence. The limbs are straight and muscular, ensuring stability and freedom of movement. The coat is dense, hard, and wiry, with a soft undercoat. The tail is usually docked, set high, and carried upright. Overall, the Welsh Terrier gives the impression of a confident, cheerful, and well-proportioned dog, combining strength, agility, and elegance.
Important Proportions
The Welsh Terrier has harmonious, balanced proportions that express both power and agility. The height at the withers is nearly equal to the body length, giving a compact, square outline. The head is proportionate to the body; the muzzle and skull are approximately equal in length. The chest is deep but not broad, reaching the elbows. The back is short and strong, with a muscular loin. Limbs are straight, with solid bone and well-defined angulation that ensures easy, efficient movement. The tail continues the topline and is set high. All proportions emphasize a sturdy, athletic build that reflects the breed’s working functionality and endurance.
Behavior and Temperament
The Welsh Terrier is an active, bold, and even-tempered dog with a pronounced terrier character. It is energetic, fearless, and curious, always ready for work or play. Despite its strong hunting instincts, it is sociable and friendly when properly trained, getting along well with people and other animals. Intelligent and quick to learn, the Welsh Terrier shows independence but requires consistent handling. It is loyal, affectionate, and lively, without aggression or timidity. The breed’s character combines determination and courage with a cheerful and devoted nature, making it both a reliable hunter and an excellent companion.
Head
The head is long and refined, with a flat, moderately broad skull between the ears. The stop is slight and smooth. The muzzle is strong and nearly equal in length to the skull, tapering slightly toward the nose. The nose is black, large, and with wide nostrils. Lips are tight and dry. The jaws are strong, with a perfect scissor bite. Cheeks are flat and dry. The overall impression is one of alertness, confidence, and intelligence, reflecting the breed’s active temperament.
Foreface
The foreface is straight, strong, and nearly equal in length to the skull. The nose is black and prominent. The lips are tight, emphasizing the dry, clean lines of the muzzle. The jaws are muscular, forming a full, correct scissor bite. The chin is firm but not coarse. The face is covered with longer, wiry hair forming characteristic whiskers and a beard, giving the breed its distinctive, expressive look. The overall expression is one of energy, alertness, and good nature.
Eyes
Eyes are small, dark, and oval, set fairly deep and close together. The expression is lively, intelligent, and determined. The darker the eye, the better. Round, light, or protruding eyes are undesirable. The eyelids fit tightly and are well-pigmented. The eyes give the Welsh Terrier its keen, alert expression, typical of a spirited and quick-minded working terrier.
Ears
Ears are small, V-shaped, set moderately high, and fold neatly forward, lying close to the cheeks. In repose they are carried neatly, and when alert they point forward, enhancing the dog’s keen, intelligent expression. The leather is thin and covered with short hair. Large, upright, or low-set ears are faults. Correct ear carriage completes the characteristic, lively appearance of the breed.
Neck
The neck is of moderate length, clean, muscular, and gradually widening toward the shoulders. It is proudly carried with a graceful arch. The skin is tight, without folds or dewlap. The neck gives the dog an elegant, confident bearing and supports free, balanced movement. Proper neck structure ensures harmony and reflects the breed’s active, athletic nature.
Body
The body is compact, strong, and well-proportioned. The back is short and muscular; the loin is powerful and slightly arched. The chest is deep but not wide, with well-sprung ribs that allow lung capacity and endurance. The topline is straight with a slight rise over the loin. The abdomen is moderately tucked up. The croup slopes gently. The overall outline conveys strength, balance, and readiness for action. The Welsh Terrier should appear sturdy and resilient without heaviness.
Tail
The tail is set high, thick at the base, tapering toward the tip. It is usually docked to a moderate length, though natural tails are also accepted if straight or slightly curved. The tail is carried upright in motion but never curled over the back. Covered with dense, wiry hair, it completes the outline of the breed. A correct tail set and carriage indicate confidence and vitality.
Forequarters
Forelegs are straight, strong, and muscular, with solid bone. Shoulders are long, sloping, and close-fitting, providing freedom of movement. Elbows point straight back, close to the body without turning in or out. Pasterns are short, strong, and slightly sloping. Feet are small, round, and compact, with thick pads and well-arched toes. The forequarters ensure strength, balance, and stamina in movement.
Hindquarters
The hindquarters are strong and well-muscled, with well-developed thighs. Stifles are well-bent, and hocks are low, strong, and straight when viewed from behind. The rear provides drive and balance, giving the dog an energetic, springy gait. Feet are compact and round. The overall structure reflects power, endurance, and perfect coordination between front and rear.
Gait / Movement
Movement is light, springy, and free, showing good drive from the hindquarters and reach from the front. The topline remains firm and level, the head carried high, and the tail upright. The gait demonstrates agility, stamina, and balance. The Welsh Terrier moves with purpose, showing coordination and confidence, typical of a true working terrier.
Coat
The coat is double: the outer coat is dense, wiry, and hard; the undercoat is soft and close. The coat should lie flat, never soft, woolly, or silky. Longer hair on the muzzle forms the characteristic beard and whiskers. Regular hand-stripping is required to maintain texture and color. The proper coat protects the dog from harsh weather and emphasizes its rugged working type.
Color
The only acceptable color is black and tan. The black covers the back, neck, sides, and upper tail, while the tan appears on the legs, head, chest, and underside. The tan should be rich and bright, not pale or washed out. White markings on the body are undesirable. The clear contrast of black and tan defines the breed’s typical expression and preserves its historical purity.
Size
Ideal height at the withers: approximately 39 cm.
Ideal weight: 9–10 kg.
The dog should be strong, compact, and well-balanced, neither too heavy nor too light. Proportions must emphasize strength, agility, and endurance, maintaining the breed’s distinctive square format and functional build.
Faults
Any deviation from the standard that affects harmony or type is considered a fault. Weak bone, poor musculature, narrow chest, soft back, straight or insufficient angulation, light eyes, large or high-set ears, soft or sparse coat, or faded color are undesirable. Nervousness, shyness, or aggression are serious faults.
Disqualifications
Serious faults include incorrect bite (overshot or undershot), deformities of jaw or limbs, blue or light eyes, deafness, spine deformities, curled or very short tail, and any unacceptable color (solid black, red, gray, or pied). Dogs with behavioral issues such as fearfulness or uncontrolled aggression are disqualified. Only dogs with official ICCF documents verifying pure origin are eligible for exhibition and breeding.
Important Notes
Judging should focus on balance, correct proportions, and the breed’s typical hard coat texture. The dog must display alertness, courage, and steadiness without aggression or fear. Excessive ornamentation or loss of working ability is undesirable. The Welsh Terrier should represent vitality, intelligence, and sound temperament. Only ICCF-registered dogs confirming pedigree and conformity to standard are accepted for breeding or shows.
Conclusion
The Welsh Terrier is a lively, courageous, and loyal breed combining hunting instinct with friendliness and composure. Energetic and intelligent, it remains a faithful companion and an enduring symbol of balance between strength, agility, and spirit. Participation in ICCF exhibitions and breeding programs is allowed only for dogs with official ICCF documentation confirming pure origin and adherence to the standard.
