Sociable, high-energy and intelligent – here comes the Welsh Hound!
History
One of the oldest breeds in the British Isles, the Welsh Hound, has featured in songs and odes celebrating their fine qualities. In the Ancient laws of Wales dating back to 942 AD, the value of a trained Welsh Hound was noted as 240 pence, compared to a pack horse valued at 120 pence.
They were kept as hunting dogs in the mountainous and rocky lands in Wales. Known for their immense stamina and speed, they were bred to hunt in packs and respond to the huntsman’s voice. The dogs responded with vocalisations – barks and howls indicating their progress.
The Welsh Hound Association has been keeping a stud book since 1922 and this helps maintain the breed as a purebred. Hunting is now outlawed in the UK, the dogs are now registered with clubs as a rare breed pet. The dogs are also known as the Welsh Foxhound or Welsh Bytheuad.
Appearance of the Welsh Hound
The Welsh Hound has an athletic, robust build with powerful shoulders, long legs, and a sturdy frame. The tail is carried high but doesn’t curl over the back.
Their bark is deep and loud and harkens back to the days of hunting in wild Welsh terrain.
Its coat is dense, medium length and is often harsh but some dogs do have a smooth coat.
Welsh Hounds can be found in red, white, tan, fawn and black. They can also be pied, meaning the coat is mostly white but with patches in a darker colour covering parts of their head, body, or sometimes both.
Temperament
The Welsh Hound has tons of energy, a loud bark and loves to be part of a team. They are happy dogs who do well when living with humans and other dogs to make up their doggy family pack.
They need mental stimulation and loads of exercise and activities throughout the day or they will become unhappy and possibly destructive. And, as hunters, they love to follow a scent and may be stubborn when they catch that scent. Training of both the dog and the owner is needed for this breed.
They are friendly, non-aggressive dogs who thrive with other dogs around the house.
Do you have a Welsh Hound? What do you love most about them?
