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Pet Insurance for Welsh Terriers

Find out all about the Welsh Terrier and their common health conditions, then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on September 28th, 2023       

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Price range

$200 – $500

Height

35–39cm

Weight

9–10.5kg

Personality

Spirited, intelligent, alert

Coat length

Medium, wiry

Exercise needs

Moderate to high

Kid-friendly?

Yes – but not younger children

Life expectancy

12–15 years

Welsh Terrier

Overview

The Welsh Terrier originated in Wales hundreds of years ago, bred for game hunting purposes. It is widely believed to be one of the oldest purebred terrier breeds. Today, Welsh Terriers have become beloved family pets, known as affectionate and alert household members.

Welsh Terriers boast a distinctive appearance with a dense, wiry coat in shades of black and tan, giving them a dapper and dignified look. Their compact, athletic build reflects their energetic nature and agility. They are known for their spirited and outgoing temperament. However, despite their lively nature, they exhibit a friendly and amiable disposition, making them wonderful household pets well-suited for active families.

Common diseases and conditions of Welsh Terriers

  • Hip dysplasia: this is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, causing pain and mobility issues.
  • Lens luxation: this is a hereditary condition where the lens of the eye dislocates from its normal position, potentially leading to vision problems.
  • Glaucoma: this is a condition characterised by increased pressure within the eye, which can lead to vision loss if not managed.
  • Addison’s disease: this is a hormonal disorder where the adrenal glands don't produce enough hormones, resulting in symptoms like weakness, vomiting and dehydration.
  • Dermatitis: Welsh Terriers may be prone to skin issues like dermatitis, which can be caused by allergies, infections or irritants.

Breed-specific issues:  

Welsh Terriers have a strong hunting instinct due to their history as skilled vermin hunters. This trait may manifest as a desire to chase small animals or a keen interest in digging. Owners should be aware of this inclination and provide outlets for this natural behaviour in a controlled and safe environment. Supervision during outdoor activities, especially in areas with wildlife, is advised to prevent any unintentional hunting escapades.

Welsh Terriers are also known for their intelligence and independent thinking, which can sometimes make training a bit of a challenge. They are quick learners, but they also have a stubborn streak. This means that they may occasionally choose to do things their own way rather than follow commands and requires a patient, firm and consistent training approach.

How much does pet insurance cost for a Welsh Terrier?

There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Welsh Terrier, including the following: 

  • Age: the older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because older dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.   
  • Type of insurance you choose:  there are three basic types of pet insurance for dogs available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most. 
  • The policy annual limit: each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.  
  • Sub limits: in addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub limits that apply to the policy, for example a $300 sub limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.  
  • Benefit percentage: pet insurance may not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies up to 90% for top-of-the-range cover. 
  • Excess amount: this is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, while others do. 
  • Any add-ons you choose: it’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.  

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Welsh Terriers

Are Welsh Terriers good with children?

Yes – Welsh Terriers can be good with children. They are affectionate, energetic and enjoy playtime, which can make them wonderful companions for kids. However, Welsh Terriers have strong personalities and a defensive nature, which means they might not always be the best match for very young children. Their assertive disposition may be better suited for families with older children who understand how to interact with dogs respectfully.

Are Welsh Terriers hypoallergenic?

Yes – Welsh Terriers are considered a hypoallergenic breed. They are low-shedding dogs and produce fewer allergenic proteins compared to some other breeds, which can make them a suitable choice for individuals with allergies.

Are Welsh Terriers suitable for first-time dog owners?

No – Welsh Terriers may not be the most suitable choice for first-time dog owners. They are intelligent and trainable, but they can also be independent and strong-willed. This breed requires a confident and experienced handler who can provide consistent training, socialisation and exercise.

Do Welsh Terriers get along well with other pets?

Welsh Terriers have a strong prey drive, which means they may be inclined to chase smaller pets, such as cats or small rodents. While some Welsh Terriers can coexist peacefully with other pets, especially if they are raised together, it's crucial to supervise their interactions, particularly in the early stages. Additionally, their strong personalities and defensive nature might influence their interactions with other animals. Always introduce new pets cautiously and provide a safe environment for all animals involved.

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Welsh Terrier

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