Welshund

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13-26 lbs
8-13"
Unknown
Welsh Terrier
Dachshund
Welsh Doxie

The Welshund is a hybrid breed, created with a mix of two European dogs, the Dachshund and the Welsh Terrier.  The Welsh Terrier originates from Wales, whilst the Dachshund is from Germany.  Although very different in appearance, the parent dogs do have similarities as they have both been used for hunting and tracking purposes, but these days they are often bred as a family pet or companion.  Both parent breeds are also known to be particularly energetic and require moderate exercise.  An owner of this hybrid should be prepared to exercise this breed regularly in order to avoid destructive or negative behavior that stems from boredom. They need to be socialized from a young age with others dogs, as they have strong personalities and can be quite stubborn.  This means that robust training is required from a young age also, which can sometimes be challenging due to their stubborn streak.  Whilst the Welsh Terrier is tall, the Dachshund is longer in length, both are said to be spirited and courageous.  As there are many different characteristics that the Welshund could inherit in relation to appearance, there are many variations to consider.  As the Dachshund breed is known to be short, the Welsh Terrier is taller, so the height of the Welshund can vary 9 to 15 inches.  The Welsh Terrier has a double coat, and needs regular maintenance, whereas the texture of the Dachshund’s coat can come in many different textures.  While sources suggest that the Welsh Terrier is good with children, it is suggested that the Dachshund should be supervised.  Supervision with younger children is always recommended at a young age, especially with smaller breeds.     
purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Welsh Terrier and Dachshund

Welshund Health

Average Size
Male Welshund size stats
Height: 9-15 inches Weight: 15-28 lbs
Female Welshund size stats
Height: 8-13 inches Weight: 13-26 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Intervertebral Disc Disease
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Bloat
Minor Concerns
  • Deafness
  • Cataracts
  • Glaucoma
  • Epilepsy
  • Lens Luxation
  • Diabetes
  • Cushing's Disease
  • Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca
Occasional Diagnoses
  • None Known
Occasional Tests
  • Eye
  • Hearing
  • Blood Test
  • Hip X-Rays
  • Heart
  • (Dna Test For Pra)
  • Eye Examination
  • Physical Examination

Welshund Breed History

The parent breeds of the Welshund are recognized breeds by the American Kennel Club, but as a hybrid breed, the Welshund is not, however it is recognized by the International Designer Canine Registry and Designer Breed Registry.  Both parent breeds have been recognized by the American Kennel Club for over 100 years: the Dachshund in 1885, and the Welsh Terrier in 1888.  The main key difference between the two is that the Dachshund, originating in Germany, is recognized as being in the Hound Group type of dog, whereas the Welsh Terrier belongs to the Terrier group.  Regardless of this difference, the Dachshund has Terrier, Pinscher, and French Basset Hound ancestors.  The Welsh Terrier, originating from Wales, has a more simplistic ancestry, stemming from the English Black and Tan Terrier.   Whilst the Dachshund’s original purpose was to hunt small game, the Welsh Terrier hunted for small mammals, like foxes, badgers, otters and rats.  They both have stamina and are energetic breeds. The Welshund as a hybrid, although mainly bred today as a family pet, would make a good hunter drawing on the skills they will inherit of both parent breeds.  It is not clear why these two breeds were initially mixed, but you can get the best of both with this mix.  The Welsh Terrier is usually a very healthy dog with minimal health issues, so mixing this breed could mean that hybrids such as the Welshund inherit this trait. The Welsh Terrier is known to be calmer than other Terriers and also good with children, traits in which the Dachshund breed is not necessarily known for, however they are smaller in height.  The Dachshund is also easier to maintain than the Welsh Terrier, so this mix can become the ideal family pet.

Welshund Breed Appearance

It is quite difficult to determine the appearance of a Welshund.  Whilst its parent breed, the Welsh Terrier is fairly easy with being black and brown, its coat is long and wiry.  There is also the famous Welsh Terrier curly beard, moustache, and bushy eyebrows to consider.  Dachshunds on the otherhand, are more complicated, as they are available in three varieties, the smooth haired, the long haired, and the wirehaired, and also come in different size varieties too.  They are also known to be available in several different colors.  They can have several different eye colors too, including brown, blue and hazel.  All Dachshunds have short legs and a long body, but the Welsh Terrier can grow around 6 inches taller than the average Dachshund, so the height of the Welshund can vary.  Like the Welsh Terrier, the wirehaired Dachshund has a double coat.  A common trait between the two is that they both have powerful legs, and need regular exercise to burn off their energy. Both parent breeds have floppy ears, but the Dachshund’s are much larger.  The Dachshund has a long muzzle, which is powerful, and has a scissor bite, and the Welsh Terrier also has quite a long muzzle also into a scissor or level bite. The Welsh Terrier’s muzzle is covered in hair, often referred to as having a moustache and beard.  Both parent breeds have fairly short tails that point in an upwards direction, however, the tail of the Welsh Terrier is often docked in the few weeks following birth.  The Welshund should be reasonably easy to train, as both parent breeds respond well to training.  Exercise is essential for the Welshund, and as the Dachshund is known for its intelligence, it is important to mentally stimulate the breed also, to ensure that they do not become bored. 

Eye Color Possibilities
blue Welshund eyes
Blue
hazel Welshund eyes
Hazel
brown Welshund eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Welshund nose
Black
brown Welshund nose
Brown
isabella Welshund nose
Isabella
Coat Color Possibilities
black Welshund coat
Black
brown Welshund coat
Brown
red Welshund coat
Red
cream Welshund coat
Cream
isabella Welshund coat
Isabella
pied Welshund coat
Pied
sable Welshund coat
Sable
brindle Welshund coat
Brindle
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Welshund wiry coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Welshund Breed Maintenance

The Welshund is a difficult breed when it comes to maintenance.  The Dachshund has different breed varieties including long, short, and wirehaired.  The Welsh Terrier has a double coat and the top coat is long, dense and wiry.  Depending on what variety of Dachshund the Welsh Terrier is mixed with, the coat texture, density and length can vary.  The Welsh Terrier is quite high maintenance and requires regular brushing, daily if possible.  The short haired Dachshund is easily maintained and requires minimal grooming with a slicker brush.  The longer coat variations of the Dachshund, and the coat of the Welsh Terrier will require a de-shedder and comb also.  If your Welshund has a longer coat, then you may wish to take your pet to the groomers as their coat may need to be stripped. Regular baths are suggested for both breeds. If your Welshund has a beard, moustache and bushy eyebrows like the Welsh Terrier, you will need to pay particular attention to those areas by wiping them clean, and grooming carefully.  You also need to brush your Welshund’s teeth at least two or three times each week. Your dog will be healthy if you keep up regular exercise, and stimulate the mind through tricks.  The nails of the Welshund should be clipped once per month to ensure that their paws are healthy for walking and exercise purposes. 

Brushes for Welshund
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Comb
Comb
Deshedder
Deshedder
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Welshund requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Welshund Temperament

As the Welshund is a hybrid, and the parent breeds have several differences in their temperament, it is difficult to pinpoint a typical temperament of this breed.  The Dachshund is very intelligent and can have a stubborn streak as he wants to do his own thing in his own way.  They are very active, especially for a small dog, and it is easy for this breed to become bored, which can mean they behave negatively and destructively.  The Welsh Terrier is known to be very energetic too, so the Welshund should be well exercised, both physically and mentally, from a young age.  Training is also important, and strong bonds can be built between the Welshund and its owner. It is suggested that Dachshunds are better with older children, however the Welsh Terrier is said to be great with children of all ages.  It is suggested by sources that both are supervised when with children and other dogs. Socialization and supervision is key here, to ensure a positive temperament is always encouraged from a very young age.  The American Kennel Club states that both parent breeds are friendly, which means that the Welshund has the necessary traits of the perfect family dog.  The American Kennel Club also states that the Dachshund is curious, whilst the Welsh Terrier is spirited which suggests they are mischievous and this can get them into trouble occasionally.  Keep training sessions fun, and avoid repetition to keep this hybrid interested, stimulated, and out of trouble.

Welshund Activity Requirements

Both parent breeds, the Welsh Terrier and Dachshund are energetic and require moderate exercise of around 60 minutes each day. Both are known to have high energy levels and enjoy being both physically and mentally stimulated.  Earth dog activities and field trials may be the perfect outing for your hybrid. Your Welshund will be happy with a warm climate, as neither a climate that is too hot or too cold will suit this breed, so measures should be taken to protect your dog against both.  In the colder weather, a shorter haired Welshund may require a jumper or sweater.   
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
7 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Welshund

Similarly Sized Breeds to Welshund

Welshund Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1.6 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.20 - $1.40
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$34.00 - $45.00
food bag monthly cost

Welshund Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Welshund size stats at six months
Height: 8.0 inches Weight: 12.5 lbs
Female Welshund size stats at six months
Height: 7.5 inches Weight: 11.0 lbs
12 Months
Male Welshund size stats at 12 months
Height: 10.5 inches Weight: 17.0 lbs
Female Welshund size stats at 12 months
Height: 10.0 inches Weight: 16.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Welshund size stats at 18 months
Height: 11.5 inches Weight: 20.0 lbs
Female Welshund size stats at 18 months
Height: 11.0 inches Weight: 19.0 lbs
author-img

Written by a Jack-Chi lover Janet Cooper

Published: 12/28/2017, edited: 02/24/2021

Welshund Owner Experiences

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