Pet Wiki

Welsh Hound

Also called Welsh Foxhound, Bytheiad, Ci Hela Cymreig

Rare breedShort profile

From Wales, where it was bred to hunt in packs across rocky, hilly country.12

At a glance the quick version

Weight31.8 to 34 kg21
Height61 cm21
Sizelarge

UKC gives 70-75 lb (about 32-34 kg); Wikipedia gives about 34 kg. No separate figures by sex.

tireless stamina on rough ground
gentle and friendly with people
musical, far-carrying voice
12

Coat and looks how to spot one

rough, wiry coat (sometimes smooth)

A pack hound built much like an English Foxhound, usually carrying a hard, dense, medium-length coat that shields it in rough hill country. Some dogs have a smooth coat.21

Coloursred and whiteblackfawnredtanwhitemixed21

Personality what they are like

A calm, good-natured hound that tends to be patient with children and other animals. It is a self-reliant hunter with a mind of its own, so it learns best with steady, consistent handling.12

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Bred to run with a pack for long days over the Welsh hills, so it needs plenty of daily exercise and room to move. Packs are still used for drag hunting.12

Company who they like around

A pack animal by tradition that gets on well with other dogs and is described as tolerant of children and other pets.1

The story where it all began

Hounds were prized in Wales for centuries: tenth-century Welsh law set a price on them, and medieval bards wrote poems about favourite hounds. Hunts have kept pure Welsh packs for around 200 years, and a stud book has been kept since 1922. Today a few are also registered as rare-breed companions.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Welsh law of the 940s valued a trained hound at 240 pence, twice the price of an untrained one.1

  2. 2

    Medieval Welsh bards composed praise poems about individual hounds.1

  3. 3

    The UKC describes it as descending from the old Celtic Hound and the Staghound.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The Welsh Hound is also known as the Welsh Foxhound and Welsh Bytheuad. It is an ancient breed, thought to be descended from the extinct Celtic Hound and the old Staghound.3

Name ideas for your new friend

CariadBrynSionMeganGwynTaffyRhysNiaDaiEiraBranLlio

A day in the life told by a Welsh Hound

I woke to the sound of the pack stirring. We trotted out into the misty Welsh hills. The scent of fox was fresh, and I sang a deep bay that echoed. We ran together, our paws pounding the earth. Later, we rested by a stone wall. A child offered a hand, and I licked it gently. At home, I sprawled on the cool stone floor, tail wagging. My human said, 'Good boy.' I slept, dreaming of the hunt.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

UKC
Scenthound Group; recognised 1 January 2006.2
Welsh Hound Association
Keeps the breed's stud book, which has been maintained since 1922; the breed has been kept pure since 1928.1
FCI / The Royal Kennel Club / AKC
Not recognised.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Welsh Hound. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Frozen Yoghurt & Berry Kong Stuffing

A cooling, low-calorie treat that’s perfect for large dogs who love to lick and work for their food. Blueberries provide antioxidants, and plain yoghurt is gentle on the stomach.

You need

  • 120g plain Greek yoghurt (unsweetened, no additives)
  • 50g fresh or frozen blueberries (chopped if large)

How

  1. Mix the yoghurt and blueberries together in a small bowl.
  2. Spoon the mixture into a Kong or similar treat-dispensing toy.
  3. Place the stuffed Kong upright in a cup or on a tray in the freezer.
  4. Freeze for at least 3-4 hours or until solid.
  5. Give to your dog as a supervised treat.

How much: One stuffed Kong per day for a large/giant dog, reducing their dinner portion accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Welsh Hound, and at what times?

Feed your Welsh Hound at least two meals a day, as adult dogs do best with regular feeding times. Puppies need three to four smaller meals daily. Follow the food label and your vet's advice for amounts.4

What should a Welsh Hound eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, which are especially harmful to dogs.5

How often should I bathe a Welsh Hound?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests bathing every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues. At least once every three months is a good general rule.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Welsh Hound need brushing?

Brush your Welsh Hound weekly to keep its rough, wiry coat in good condition. This helps remove loose hair and dirt, especially after outdoor adventures.6 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Welsh Hound's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain and bleeding.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Welsh Hound need?

This breed needs plenty of daily exercise and room to roam, as it was bred to run for long days. Daily walks and play are essential, and it thrives with active owners.12 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Welsh Hound's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog-safe toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check floppy ears weekly and dry them gently to prevent moisture buildup, never pushing anything into the ear canal.6 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Welsh Hound live?

Lifespan varies by individual, so ask your vet for guidance on your dog's specific needs. Regular vet checkups help ensure a long, healthy life.

Is a Welsh Hound good with children and other pets?

Yes, the Welsh Hound is calm and good-natured, tending to be patient with children and tolerant of other pets. As a pack animal, it gets on well with other dogs.12

Can a Welsh Hound be left alone?

This breed is self-reliant but thrives on companionship, so leaving it alone for long periods may not suit it. Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation when you are home.12

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Wikipedia: Welsh Hound en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, history, stud book, size, temperament, fun facts
  2. UKC: Welsh Hound ukcdogs.comused for recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, ancestry
  3. ukcdogs.com ukcdogs.com
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.