Welsh Hound

Welsh Hound

Classification / standards UKC Scenthound breeds standard

Dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

The Welsh Hound (Welsh: Bytheiad or Ci Hela Cymreig) is a breed of hunting dog of the foxhound type, indigenous to Wales.

History

The Welsh Hound is a native breed to the British Isles, and could possibly be the Segussi breed of rough coated hound which existed in northern Europe in Roman times. From medieval times through the early part of the twentieth century, the bards, who had always held a special place in Welsh society, sang odes to the hounds, often naming individual hounds, and praising their qualities. "The ancient laws of Wales codified during the reign of Hywel Dda (942 – 948 AD) give the value of the Welsh Hound as 240 pence trained, 120 pence untrained. By comparison a sound pack horse was valued at the same time as 120 pence."^[1]

Temperament

The Welsh Hound has been kept as a hunting dog for many hundreds or even two thousand years, living and hunting in packs. It is adapted to hunting in rocky and mountainous terrain in its native Wales. It has been bred to hunt amid the Welsh and is possibly slower than English hounds so they were not used for drag hunting. When trained, Welsh Hounds are very obedient and are expected to be immediately responsive to the huntsman's commands. Many foxhounds are now kept as pets and make perfect family companions when given enough exercise due to their gentle and patient nature. They settle quickly into homes with babies, small children and animals but each animal is individual. Welsh hounds are naturally responsive and obedient, but they will need consistent ongoing training with strong smelling food treats as motivation.

Breed recognition

The Welsh Hound is registered with The Welsh Hound Association, which has been keeping the breed's stud book since 1922, and maintaining the breed as purebred since 1928. The association was formed "for the purpose of preserving and promoting the Welsh Fox Hound as a specific British breed".^[2] The Welsh Hound was recognized by the United Kennel Club on January 1, 2006.^[3]

Since the outlawing of hunting with dogs in Great Britain, various clubs have been offering registration for the Welsh Hound as a rare breed pet.

Appearance

Coat is hard and wiry, red with white patches. Similar in appearance to the (English) Foxhound. Height : 24 in/61 cm Weight : 75 lb/34 kg.^[4]

See also

• Foxhound

References

2. "Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru - National Library of Wales". nlw.org.uk.
3. "United Kennel Club: Welsh Hound". Ukcdogs.com. 2006-01-01. Retrieved 2013-06-20.
4. Dogs Of All Nations (1915, San Francisco), by Walter Esplin Mason, p. 35