Appearance of the Wel-Chon
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| The Wel-Chon will have a thick double coat that helps protect the dog from the elements. The outer coat may be curly like that of the Bichon frise or harsh like that of the Welsh Terrier; the undercoat is soft. The Wel-Chon will probably be white or cream, but can be black and tan like the Welshie, or white or cream, with patches of black and tan. Although they have abundant fur, these dogs shed very little. They have a robust, square build and a confident pose. They have straight legs, round paws and black paw pads. Wel-Chons have an alert, friendly expression, with dark eyes and a black nose. Its ears can be the triangular shape of the Welsh Terrier or the floppy ears of the Bichon frise. |
Temperament of the Wel-Chon
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| The Wel-Chon is a happy, energetic dog that loves people. Their Terrier heritage means they're likely to be great watchdogs, alerting you energetically to any changes in their environment, but they'll go back to being friendly once they've finished warning you. These dogs are wonderful companions for children; they are very playful and feed off the energy of youngsters. Wel-Chons are generally friendly with other dogs, although their Terrier genes mean they can have a strong prey drive and will not fail to pursue small pets. Bichon frises are known to be very cooperative when it comes to training, but Welshies tend to have the stubborn streak of a Terrier, which your Wel-Chon could inherit. In any case, these are intelligent dogs that should be easy to train, provided you are firm and reward your dog for his efforts. These dogs are energetic and will enjoy their daily walks. Bichon frises are prone to separation anxiety, so make sure you don't leave your Wel-Chon alone for too long, as he may be in the same predicament. |
Needs and activities of the Wel-Chon
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| The Wel-Chon is a happy, active breed that enjoys spending time with its family. They are moderately energetic and need around 30 minutes of activity a day. They also need a lot of attention. They are intelligent dogs, well suited to obedience and agility trials. Wel-Chons can thrive in any environment. If you live in an apartment, make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise, as it will probably bark if bored. This dog's thick coat means it can adapt to any climate, insulating it from the cold in winter and repelling the heat in summer. |
Maintenance of the Wel-Chon
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| Given its abundant fur, you may be surprised to learn that the Wel-Chon is actually a low shedding breed, making it an excellent choice for allergy sufferers. However, its thick coat requires weekly brushing to prevent tangling and matting. Welsh Terriers are a breed that sweats, which means their coat can become odorous, and it's possible that Wel-Chons are in the same situation. You'll know it's bath time when your dog starts to smell. Be careful when using scented shampoos, however, as this dog can have sensitive skin and skin allergies. Bichon frises have a thick, curly coat that never stops growing; if your Wel-Chon inherits this coat, expect to have to take him to the groomer every 6 to 8 weeks. Check your Wel-Chon's ears every week or so for signs of irritation; sometimes dirt can get trapped in his fur and cause ear infections. If your dog's ears are dirty, simply wipe them with a warm, damp cloth. Trim your dog's nails about once a month and brush his teeth weekly to prevent dental disease. |
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