The Welsh Hound has been around for about two centuries; however, since it is a relatively new breed, the debate about its origins is ongoing.
This article will discuss the history of the Welsh Hound, its characteristics, appearance, diet, and much more.
Welsh Hound’s History
There is a debate going on about the origins of the Welsh Hound; however, two theories stand out. The first theory states that the Welsh Hound is a relative of the Celtic Hound, a breed living in Wales since the 5th century.
It is believed that a Smooth-coated hound was bred with the Celtic Hound, which resulted in the St. Hubert Hound.
Later on, the English Staghounds were bred with St. Hubert Hounds to create the Welsh Hound. However, the second theory states that the Welsh Hound is directly related to the Segussi dog breed, which no longer exists. Right now, the debate is circling these two theories.
Whatever the origins of the Welsh Hound may be, it gained popularity during the 19th century and was used for fox hunting. Once fox hunting became illegal, the numbers of the Welsh Hound started to decrease.
The United Kingdom Kennel Club recognized the Welsh Hound as a breed in 1922.
Welsh Hound’s Characteristics
The Welsh Hound is similar in appearance to the Foxhound but doesn’t have a smooth coat. Instead, the Welsh Hound has a medium-length, wiry-textured coat. The Welsh Hound is very athletic and can travel fast over rugged areas.
The build of the Welsh Hound is sturdy, and it has a long snout.
The long snout enables the canine to breathe and pant easily. The ears hang down till the cheeks, and the tail never curls and remains straight. The Welsh Hound has a wide nose, which can be brown or black, depending on the coat’s color. The eyes are set obliquely and are of medium size.
These dogs come in different colors: white, red, fawn, and black.
How Big Can A Welsh Hound Get?
Typically, the Welsh Hound can weigh up to 75 pounds (34 kg). The dog can stand as tall as 24 inches (61 cm).
How Long Can A Welsh Hound Live?
The average lifespan of a Welsh Hound is 10 to 13 years.
How Much Does A Welsh Hound Cost?
The average cost of a Welsh Hound puppy is $ 600 to 1000. However, the price varies as it depends on the breeder.
Welsh Hound Personality/Temperament
The Welsh Hound was not bred as a companion; it was developed for hunting purposes. These dogs have always lived in packs, so they need daily interactions with other canines. Welsh Hounds that live alone are more likely to be sad, making them unruly or destructive.
However, the Welsh Hound is a gentle and intelligent creature; it has a happy nature, making them a perfect companion for kids. Though there is some stubbornness in the dog’s nature, you can decrease the stubbornness with proper training.
The Welsh Hound is a quick learner as long as the learning environment is consistent and fun. These dogs require a leader, or they will become leaders themselves.
Welsh Hound’s Nutrition
The Welsh Hound is a large-sized canine, so that it will require at least 1 to 2 cups of food daily. Please divide the food into several meals, and give them to your dog. You can feed the Welsh Hound Dave’s dog food and Cloud Star dog food. Want to keep the dog’s diet natural? Feed him American Natural dog food.
How Do You Groom A Welsh Hound?
The Welsh Hound has a dense and thick coat that the dog sheds frequently. The Welsh Hound is not hypoallergenic and requires regular grooming sessions to keep the coats healthy and clean.
You might need some grooming tools such as Dog grooming clippers and a Dog grooming table to groom the dog.
You will need to clean the coat at least once a week to eliminate all the tangles. The dog sheds the coat seasonally; during this time, you will need to brush the coat frequently to keep the fur out of the house. The Welsh Hound has coarse fur, which easily repels dirt, so they don’t require regular baths.
Please ensure you clean the ears once a week to prevent infection.
Activity Levels of the Welsh Hound
The Welsh Hound is an intelligent canine, but the dog is also extremely energetic and requires significant physical activities daily. The Welsh Hound likes to interact with other dogs, so frequent trips to the dog park are good. If you don’t have a dog park nearby, you can arrange a playdate for your canine friend.
Unfortunately, Welsh Hounds cannot be kept in apartments; they are extremely vocal and, when left alone, barking incessantly. If the dog is not provided chances to stretch his legs, he can become destructive.
Health Concerns for Welsh Hound
Overall, the Welsh Hound is a healthy dog breed. However, two main health conditions can affect the Welsh Hound, and we have discussed them below:
- Kidney Disease
- Hurt Murmur
Kidney Disease
The kidneys are an important organ in the body, and their main function is to filter blood and eliminate naturally occurring waste. When the kidneys fail to work properly, natural toxins start building up in the body. A sign of kidney disease is excessive thirst, which forces the dog to urinate frequently.
While these kidney conditions are generally incurable, you can control them by feeding your dog a low-protein diet. You will also need to give the dog medications to ensure proper renal functioning.
Heart Murmurs
A heart murmur can be a serious condition in dogs and is caused by turbulence or disruption in the blood flow to the heart. There are different grades for heart murmurs, and they are generally graded from 1 to 4. 1 is considered the quietest, whereas 4 is the loudest.
Dogs with Grade 1 or 2 don’t require any treatment. However, if the dog has a Grade 3 murmur, he will require a heart scan.
Breeds Similar To a Welsh Hound
Best Dog Food for Welsh Hounds
The best dog food for Welsh Hound is Purina Pro Plan Adult Large Breed Weight Management Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food, 34-lb bag. This dog food has been crafted with rice and chicken. Chicken provides a good amount of protein for better muscular health and growth. Moreover, it also has a delicious taste for your pal.
- Supports digestive and immune systems with the live probiotic fibers.
- A well-balanced formula promotes ideal weight.
- Equipped with prebiotic fiber to boost digestion.
Best Puppy Food for Welsh Hounds
The best puppy food for Welsh Hound is Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food. This Diamond Naturals puppy food is manufactured with lamb as a key ingredient. It contains lean nutrition to promote muscle strength. Moreover, it has a scientifically advanced formula for the higher safety of your pup.
- Free from fillers, wheat, corn, and artificial ingredients like colors, preservatives, and flavors.
- DHA in the recipe develops brain and vision.
- Omega fatty acids develop skin and coat health.
Best Dog Crate for Welsh Hounds
The best dog crate for Welsh Hound is Paws & Pals Oxgord Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate. This crate has a secure structure with a double door design. It is easy to access.
- Promotes rust, fade, and corrosion resistance with the electro-coated wires.
- Comes with an ABS plastic tray.
- The divider panel lets your dog grow inside.
Best Dog Bed for Welsh Hounds
The best dog bed for Welsh Hound is FurHaven Calming Cuddler Long Fur Donut Bolster Dog Bed. This bed has a donut shape with a comfortable design. It is highly protective. It also soothes anxious dogs.
- Super quick and easy cleaning due to washable design.
- Provides pockets for hiding treats and toys.
- The soft material feels good against the skin.
Best Dog Harness for Welsh Hounds
The best dog harness for Welsh Hound is PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness. This harness has a comfortable and secure structure. It reduces pressure from the throat and saves your dog from gagging and choking.
- Features a martingale loop for preventing twisting.
- Easy to operate with quick-snap buckles.
- Offers reliable fitting through four adjustment points.
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