The Welsh Terrier in America has enjoyed good health for over one
hundred years. The breeders have been very careful about protecting this precious gene
pool. WTCA member/breeders produce the majority of the Welsh Terrier puppies today. They
are bound by a strict Code of Ethics. Surveys of the membership are done periodically in
order to track the health of the breed.
Unfortunately, no breed is without health concerns. When gene mutations
occur, certain health problems begin to surface. The few diseases that have been reported
in the Welsh Terrier seem to occur at no greater incidence than they do in any other breed
at risk for the condition. Epilepsy, Glaucoma, Allergic Skin Conditions and Thyroid
abnormalities are four that have been mentioned in The Welsh Terrier Leads The Way, by
Bardi McLennan, WTCA member/breeder.
The WTCA is dedicated to identifying health concerns in the breed and
supporting research, which will lead to the eradication of inherited disorders. The AKC
Canine Health Foundation/Welsh Terrier Club of America Donor Advised Fund was established
in 1998. Contributions to the WTCA DAF are tax deductible. Checks should be made out
to AKC CHF/WTCA DAF and sent to the WTCA Health Committee chairperson. These funds are
matched by AKC CHF when a study proposal is agreed upon and research has begun. To date,
Welsh Terrier owners have been quite generous. They realize that the future health and
welfare of the breed depends on this approach. Click on to AKC
CHF/WTCA DAF for details.
Click here for more information on related sites:
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Allergic
Skin Conditions
Hypothyroidism
Additional
Information Sources
Welsh
Terrier Health Incident Report (A report form to allow owners to
document health- related incidents and causes of death in their Welsh Terriers. The
information will assist the WTCA in its search and selection process for researchers
studying health problems that affect the breed.
Visit the WTCA web site!
If you have comments or suggestions, email me kogrady1@ec.rr.com