Wel-Chon

The Wel-Chon is a newly developed hybrid breed and therefore there is not much documentation of its history. However, its parent breeds can both be traced back for hundreds of years. The Welsh Terrier, or Welshie, is a very old breed of terriers which originates in Wales and was traditionally used to hunt rats, badgers, foxes and other small animals. It can be traced back as far as the 1500s, and is suspected to be descended from the Old English Black and Tan Terrier, which is now extinct. Despite being an old breed, the Welshie wasn’t recognized by the Kennel Club of England until 1885. A few years later the Welshies found their way to the Unites States and were registered with the American Kennel Club in 1888. The Bichon Frise is an old breed, believed to have originated in the Mediterranean, possibly in Italy. Records indicate that this dog was brought to France from Tenerife in the 14^th Century. They are thought to be the result of a cross between the Barbet and the Poodle, and are likely closely related to the Havanese, Maltese, and the Coton de Tulear. Bichons were admired by royalty in France (King Henry III was particularly fond of them), until the 1800s, at which point they became dogs of the commoners. These adorable pups soon found work as performers, or even guide dogs, and managed to persevere until they became a popular pet once again. The Bichon Frise made its way to the United States in the 1950s and were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972.