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Welsh Terrier History
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The Welsh Terrier is descended from two very similar British breeds that no longer exist, the Black and Tan Rough Terrier and the Old English Terrier. In addition to the old terrier standby of exterminating vermin, these dogs were also used to hunt badger, otter, fox and hare. Dogs of this type had existed in Wales and England since at least 1200, but by the 18th century the Black and Tan Rough Terrier and Old English Terrier were deemed to be so similar that they were essentially the same breed. Consequently, beginning around 1800 breeders started to classify all dogs of this type as Welsh Terriers.
The English Kennel Club recognized the Welsh Terrier in 1886, and in 1888 the first Welsh was brought to the United States and recognized by the American Kennel Club in the same year. As people began to see the breed not only as a hunter but also as a show dog, subtle changes were made to the dog’s appearance to make it more suited to the ring. The Welsh Terrier was bred with the more refined Wire Fox Terrier, resulting in the dog we recognize today, which some say resembles a miniature Airedale Terrier. Perhaps the most famous Welsh Terrier was Charlie, beloved pet of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy.
