Snow Dragon Welsh Terriers

I’ve had Welshies since I was 23 years old (a long time ago!) I fell in love with Welshies when I was looking for a new breed as an adult. As a child growing up in Clevedon, UK (opposite Wales), I had a schnauzer and my partner had Airedales. Schnauzers were too yappy and Airedales were too big so I started researching other breeds. I happened to see a Welsh Terrier when I was exploring Kerry Blue terriers and I was smitten. I visited many breeders in the UK and one thing (or dog) led me to another, and led me to Emlyn Snow. Mr Snow (Sadly now deceased) of Felstead Kennels, was true gentleman and friend, and owner the oldest Welsh terrier kennel in Wales, and the world. The rest is history. We welcomed our first Welsh, Felstead Rapscallion, aka Corky, sired by Felstead Frosty Fella in 2004. To say Corky was a character would be an understatement. I worked at Bath Spa University at the time, introducing international students to the British countryside and historic sites. Corky used to come along for the ride and especially loved the attention from his worldwide fanclub. We joined the U.K. Welsh Terrier Club and got quite involved in the show world. Corky won several prizes, including best in show and we had fun competing against Sardeon’s ‘the Terminator.” Corky also had many a run in with horses, made friends with guinea pigs, and used to love to chase family members and nip at their trouser legs. Emlyn Snow continued to be a great friend and resource, sharing his love for the breed and showing my partner how to hand strim, as well as many insider tips and tricks. His favourite expression was “A good terrier is a tired terrier,” which has stood me in good stead after many years of living with this breed! In 2005 Emlyn gave us Lola, Glyncastle Eagle River. Even though she was a quarter of the size of Corky, it was clear from day one who ruled the roost. She stole Corky’s bed, pet gorilla, and also his heart and affections. We had lots of fun learning the ropes in the show ring and were so happy and proud when Corky and Lola were invited by the Welsh Terrier Club to be the demonstration dogs/ breed ambassadors for Crufts. Seeing Corky high stepping round the Crufts ring was a highlight! We had our first litter in 2006, and raised them in Boulder, Colorado. Several members of Emlyn’s extended Welsh Terrier family in the United States welcomed us here and continued to mentor us. The name Snow Dragon came from honoring Emlyn, The beautiful dragon on the Welsh flag, which also represents the strong, feisty nature of a true Welsh, and our terriers surprising, new found love of snow (we don’t get a lot of it in the UK). I love these intelligent, affectionate, hardy, sturdy beings. Welshie are hypo-allergenic, and have no known genetic health conditions. My dogs are healthy and strong and can walk for 1 mile or 20 miles. They love to snuggle on the couch or anywhere else you will let them and in my opinion are the perfect size, reaching 22-25 lb as adults. They are true terriers - they have their own mind – that independent, stubborn streak that makes them adorable and maddening at the same time. I’ve had many adventures with my crew over the years - Corky “disappearing” on the trail – only for me to find our hours later he had found a couple of teenage kayakers and had gone on a kayak ride with them! Lola, fixated on flying squirrels, sitting under the pine trees in Northern Wisconsin, every inch of her body quivering, even in sub zero temperatures, and Didi, Snow Dragon Snake Girl, who has hunted every creature from frogs, to turtles, to ducks, to a 400 lb bear. Welsh Terriers are definitely not your average dog! I have had my Welshies alongside my children for the past 13 years – none of my children have ever been without a Welshie by their side. My sire, Snow Dragon DarwinKeyaSomo’s Boy (Zeb) and dam Snow Dragon Snake Girl (Didi) are well loved family pets.