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Welsh Hound

LargeHoundWire coat

Draft — this profile is still being checked.

At a glance

The Welsh Hound — also called the Welsh Foxhound or Welsh Bytheuad — is an ancient breed thought to descend from the extinct Celtic Hound and the old Staghound, and organised hunts have kept pure packs of it for nearly two hundred years. The UKC standard gives a single height of about 61 cm and a weight of 32–34 kg, with a rough, dense, medium-length coat that is occasionally smooth. It is described as a low-scenting dog with good shoulders and a talkative, loud voice — a prerequisite for hunting the windy Welsh hillsides — and as a sturdy, independent, self-reliant hunter that is intelligent, loyal and happy.

Facts

SizeLarge
Height61cm
Weight31.8–34kg
RoleHound
CoatWire coat

Health

This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.

Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.

No published breed-specific screening

The UKC breed standard is the only kennel-club document found for this breed and it does not discuss health; no parent-club health page or breed-specific veterinary study was located. Ask your vet what routine screening suits a dog of this size and job.

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Behaviour

Independent, loud-voiced hill hunter

The UKC standard says the typical Welsh Hound is a low-scenting dog with good shoulders and a talkative, loud bark, which it calls a prerequisite of hunting in the windy Welsh hillsides, and describes the breed as a sturdy, independent hunter, self-reliant in the rugged and rocky Welsh hills, intelligent, loyal and happy.

[1]

Official guidance

Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.

Official

United Kennel Club — Welsh Hound breed standard

UKC Scenthound Group standard: Welsh history, general appearance, characteristics, coat, and a single stated height of 24 in with a weight of 70–75 lb.

Read the source

Accessed 2026-09-09

Sources

  1. [1]Welsh Hound — Official UKC Breed Standard — United Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)

Still have questions?

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