Welsh Hound

The Welsh Hound is the rough-coated foxhound of the Welsh hills, bred to work steep ground on foot rather than behind horses.

History

Welsh packs hunted fox in country too steep for mounted followers, which called for a hound that could work slowly and independently over rock and bracken, with a coat that stood up to weather. It is bred by the packs themselves and recorded in their studbooks, and it has been crossed into English foxhound lines to add coat and hardiness.

Temperament

The breed is known for being sociable in a pack, tolerant with people and thoroughly persistent, with a distinctive deep cry.

Care and training

It needs a very great deal of exercise and secure ground; it belongs with a pack rather than in a house. The rough coat needs brushing.

Health

Generally robust from working selection, with ear infections the usual complaint. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.