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17. Welsh Terrier

At first glance, this breed's calm, outgoing, and noble appearance is misleading. Breeders originally developed the Welsh terrier to be a fierce hunter. They resemble a small Airedale, and like other terriers, don't shed. For centuries, hunters chose these dogs for hunting foxes, otters, and badgers in the remote areas of Northern Wales. The Welsh's hunting instinct is a deeply embedded behavior. They'll stalk any small animals, including cats, that cross their paths. If you're seeking a lap dog, the Welsh probably isn't the best breed choice for you. But if you seek an independent, active canine who won't leave piles of hair on your furniture and is fun to have around, this breed is an excellent choice.

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Dog breed Welsh Terrier in the park DevidDO / Getty Images

Welsh Terriers have a large extended family and share a striking resemblance to their cousins, the Old English Black, and Tan Terrier.

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Welsh terrier sitting in a white wicker chair in a rhododendron garden. liveslow/ Getty Images

The breed is rumored to have been around for over 500 years, dating back as early as 1450, when an old English poet wrote about the dogs’ black and red coloring.

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A welsh terrier sleeping on a faded floral print armchair Andreas von Einsiedel/ Getty Images

Welsh Terriers will definitely chase your neighborhood squirrels and cats. Bred to hunt small animals, the Welsh Terrier is determined in its quest for prey.

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Welsh Terrier in a summer garden CaptureLight/ Getty Images

If you own a Welsh Terrier be aware of their tendencies to dig into anything, even an escape route through the fence! These dogs like to dig, dig, and dig some more!

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A shaggy Welsh Terrier poses on a rock after a long hike in the Swiss Alps. stockwerk/ Getty Images

Welsh terriers are a hyperactive breed who need a lot of mental and physical exercise, otherwise, they can become reckless.

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Cute dog white with black and brown laying on the green grass. in Rotterdam, ZH, Netherlands Cavan Images/ Getty Images

As puppies, Welsh Terriers are born completely black, but as they mature their coloring changes to a black and reddish-tan combination.

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Top Dog Breeds That Don't Shed

John. F Kennedy owned a Welsh Terrier named “Charlie” during his presidency.

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Top Dog Breeds That Don't Shed

Welsh Terriers have been recognized by the AKC as a breed since 1888 and are often titled “Best In Show” at the AKC National championship.

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Welsh Terrier dog lying on carpet looking at the camera full body view indoor DianeDugas-Imagen/ Getty Images

Welshies have a very distinctive “stink eye” when they are displeased with their owners or have not gotten their way.

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Normandale Dog Park in the fall in Portland Oregon. Mark Downey Lucid Images/ Getty Images

Welsh Terriers make great travel companions due to their hyperactivity, playfulness, and natural curiosity.

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