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Historians believe that the Welsh Terrier is one of the oldest pure bred terriers, evidence indicates that he has changed very little from the all round working terrier developed several hundreds of years ago in the high mountains and hidden valleys of Wales. Late in the nineteenth century when improved methods of transportation opened that part of Britain to travelers, hunters and fanciers from all over the world who recognized and admired its possibilities. Some confusion resulted when the English Kennel Club admitted the breed for registration on a joint basis with the Old English Wire Haired Black and Tan Terrier, now thought to be a hodge podge of the breeds, which resembled the Welsh terrier. In any event, the Black and Tan no longer exists while the Welshman remains a testimonial to the sound requirements set up by his breeders.

The function of the Welsh, common to all terriers is that of an “earth stopper”, or dog that will go to ground or into caves after game. Terriers were used with packs of hounds which drove the quarry to a spot where the terrier could corner and seize it, or force it again into the open for the chase. Because they usually became involved in physical combat with such deadly animals as otter and badger, terriers were bred for courage far greater than was needed in hounds or pursuit dogs. In the Welsh, strength combined with small size was desired and developed. A surpassingly good ability to scent game was also an important part of the Welsh character which increased its value as a working terrier.