Welsh Sheepdog

also known as Welsh Collie

Pros History


The Welsh Sheepdog is a breed of herding dog that originated in Wales, a country in the United Kingdom. This breed has a long and rich history, having played a vital role in the farming and pastoral communities of Wales for centuries.

The origins of the Welsh Sheepdog can be traced back to the Roman occupation of Britain, when Roman herders brought their own sheepdogs with them to Wales. These early sheepdogs were likely crosses between native British herding dogs and Roman herding dogs, and they played a crucial role in the development of the Welsh Sheepdog breed as it is known today.

Over the centuries, the Welsh Sheepdog has evolved into a hardy and intelligent breed that is well-suited to the rugged terrain and challenging weather conditions of Wales. This breed is known for its strong work ethic, endurance, and agility, as well as its loyalty and devotion to its owners.

Throughout its history, the Welsh Sheepdog has been used primarily as a working dog on farms and ranches, where it was responsible for herding and protecting livestock. In addition to its herding duties, the Welsh Sheepdog was also used for hunting, as a guard dog, and as a companion.

Despite its long history and important role in Welsh farming communities, the Welsh Sheepdog was not recognized as a distinct breed by the Kennel Club (the official governing body for purebred dogs in the United Kingdom) until 1903. Prior to this time, the Welsh Sheepdog was considered to be a type of Border Collie, and it was only with the efforts of dedicated breeders that the Welsh Sheepdog was recognized as a separate and distinct breed.

Breed Information


Type

Is Welsh Sheepdog a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the Welsh Sheepdog name? How do you say Welsh Sheepdogs?

welsh SHEEP-dawg

Purpose

What were Welsh Sheepdogs originally used for?

Herding and Guarding

Lifespan

How Long Do Welsh Sheepdogs Live? What is average life expectancy for a Welsh Sheepdog? How long can Welsh Sheepdogs live?

12-15 years

The average Welsh Sheepdog lifespan is somewhere between 12-15 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Welsh Sheepdog Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Welsh Sheepdog?

What is the average height of a Welsh Sheepdog? How big is a Purebred Welsh Sheepdog height? Welsh Sheepdog dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 15-19 inches (38.1 - 48.3 cm) 11.5 inches (29.2 cm) 14.0 inches (35.6 cm) 17.0 inches (43.2 cm)
Female 15-18 inches (38.1 - 45.7 cm) 11.5 inches (29.2 cm) 13.5 inches (34.3 cm) 16.5 inches (41.9 cm)
What is the average weight of a Welsh Sheepdog? How much should Welsh Sheepdogs weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 30-45 pounds (14 - 20 kg) 11.0 pounds (5 kg) 21.5 pounds (10 kg) 40.0 pounds (18 kg)
Female 26-42 pounds (12 - 19 kg) 10.5 pounds (5 kg) 21.0 pounds (10 kg) 36.0 pounds (16 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Welsh Sheepdogs get fat easily?

The Welsh Sheepdog is a dog breed that has a low to average risk for obesity. This means that they are less likely to gain weight than some breeds, but it is still important to monitor their food intake and ensure they get enough exercise to maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being.

Hypoallergenic

Are Welsh Sheepdogs Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Welsh Sheepdog is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Welsh Sheepdog personality? What are Welsh Sheepdog dogs best known for?

Active
Intelligent
Energetic

Shedding Level

Are Welsh Sheepdogs heavy shedders? How Much Does a Welsh Sheepdog Shed?

Welsh Sheepdog dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Welsh Sheepdog. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Welsh Sheepdog dog?

Welsh Sheepdogs are not the best watchdogs. If you want a guard dog, the Welsh Sheepdog is not the breed for you. They will 'watch' everything - but that's usually as far as they go.

Breed History


Ancestry

What are Welsh Sheepdogs descended from?

Old Welsh Grey, Black and Tan Sheepdog, Sable or Blue Merle Hillman

Date of Birth

When were Welsh Sheepdogs first bred? How old is the Welsh Sheepdog breed?

18th Century

Welsh Sheepdog Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Welsh Sheepdog eyes?

Blue
Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Welsh Sheepdog nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Welsh Sheepdog coat be naturally?

White
Blue
Red
Pied
Black

Coat Length

How long is a Welsh Sheepdogs coat?

The coat of a Welsh Sheepdog falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Welsh Sheepdog Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Welsh Sheepdog?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Welsh Sheepdog have in a litter? How many puppies can a Welsh Sheepdog have in her first litter?

12-15 puppies per pregnancy

A Welsh Sheepdog can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

The adaptability of Welsh Sheepdog dogs is a well-known trait, they are known for being able to adjust well to different living environments and lifestyle changes.

Welsh Sheepdog Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Welsh Sheepdogs have a lot of health problems?

The Welsh Sheepdog is a breed of dog that is known to have a higher frequency of health issues compared to other breeds. These issues can range from minor to serious, and regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential in order to identify and address any potential problems as early as possible.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Welsh Sheepdog?

Hip And Elbow Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Welsh Sheepdogs?

Ear Infections
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Occasional Diagnoses

Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Welsh Sheepdog breed?

Ear Examination
Regular Full Physical Examination By Veterinarian
Ophthalmological Examination
Eye Examinations (both internal as well as external)
Hip and Elbow X-rays

Welsh Sheepdog Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Welsh Sheepdogs have a lot of energy?

Welsh Sheepdogs are known for their high energy levels, so if you're looking for a more low-key dog, this breed may not be the best choice.

Social Needs

Do Welsh Sheepdogs need socialization? How social are Welsh Sheepdogs?

Welsh Sheepdog have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Welsh Sheepdogs get?

The Welsh Sheepdog dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Welsh Sheepdog have? Do Welsh Sheepdogs sleep a lot?

Welsh Sheepdogs dogs are tend to sleep less than other breeds, but they still require adequate sleep to maintain good health.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Welsh Sheepdog drool a lot?

The Welsh Sheepdog is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Welsh Sheepdogs tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Territorial

Do Welsh Sheepdogs exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

Welsh Sheepdog dogs are known for being average at defending. They possess the capability to defend their territory or owners, but it is not their primary trait. They are not the best choice for guard dogs

Mouthiness

Are Welsh Sheepdogs mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Welsh Sheepdog running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Welsh Sheepdog dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Welsh Sheepdogs enjoy doing? How do I keep my Welsh Sheepdog busy?

Chasing balls, Walkies, Fetch, Playing, Hike, Run, Cuddle, Playdate, Walk, Tug-of-war, Off-leash, Dog Parks, Yoga, Long walks, Scent Games, Running, Horse riding, Tricks, Swimming

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Welsh Sheepdog? How much energy does a Welsh Sheepdog have?

High

Welsh Sheepdogs are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Welsh Sheepdog walk each week? How many miles should a Welsh Sheepdog walk every week?

16 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Welsh Sheepdog, it's at least 16 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Welsh Sheepdog should exercise a day? How much activity does a Welsh Sheepdog need?

120 minutes

In general most Welsh Sheepdogs usually need at least 120 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Welsh Sheepdog?

The Welsh Sheepdog is a breed of dog that does not require extensive grooming.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Welsh Sheepdog?

Monthly

In general Welsh Sheepdog should be brushed at least once a month. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes, especially if they enjoyed it

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Welsh Sheepdogs?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Welsh Sheepdog eat?

3 cups

For an average 30-45 pound (14 - 20 kg) Welsh Sheepdog feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Welsh Sheepdog Cost Daily?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Welsh Sheepdog is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Welsh Sheepdog Cost Per Month?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Welsh Sheepdog is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Welsh Sheepdog Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Welsh Sheepdog?

The Welsh Sheepdog breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Welsh Sheepdog dog?

Welsh Sheepdog dogs are a less sensitive breed known for their adaptability and resilience. They tend to be less affected by new environments, people and noises. They can make great companions for families or individuals looking for a balanced and less sensitive pet that are not as demanding as highly sensitive breeds.

Affection Dependance

Are Welsh Sheepdog dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Welsh Sheepdog do well in apartments? Are Welsh Sheepdogs good indoor dogs?

Welsh Sheepdogs are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.

Child Friendly

Are Welsh Sheepdogs good with kids? Are Welsh Sheepdogs good around children?

Welsh Sheepdogs are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Welsh Sheepdogs good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Welsh Sheepdogs good with cats? How friendly Welsh Sheepdogs are toward cats?

Welsh Sheepdogs are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Welsh Sheepdog dogs get along with other dogs? Are Welsh Sheepdogs OK with other dogs?

Welsh Sheepdogs are friendly, active and loyal companions. They generally love to be around other dogs, making them a good family pet for some,

Pet friendly

How do Welsh Sheepdog dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Welsh Sheepdogs friendly with strangers?

Welsh Sheepdogs are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Welsh Sheepdogs like to play? Are Welsh Sheepdogs playful?

The Welsh Sheepdog is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Welsh Sheepdog is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

Are Welsh Sheepdog easily trained?

The Welsh Sheepdog is a breed of dog that is known for being very easy to train. They are highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them a great choice for both experienced and novice dog owners.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Intelligent and trainable
    Welsh Sheepdogs are highly intelligent and have the ability to learn quickly, which makes them relatively easy to train.
  • Office Friendly
    Welsh Sheepdogs are generally considered to be office-friendly dogs.
  • Loyal and affectionate
    This breed is known for being loyal and affectionate with their families, and they tend to bond closely with their owners.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
    The incidence of obesity in Welsh Sheepdogs is usually low to average.
  • Good with children
    Welsh Sheepdogs are generally good with children and can make great family pets.

Cons

  • Not Hypoallergenic
    Allergy sufferers may want to consider a different breed of dog, as Welsh Sheepdogs may not be a good fit due to the potential for allergic reactions.
  • High energy
    Welsh Sheepdogs have a lot of energy and require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
  • Strong prey drive
    Welsh Sheepdogs have a strong prey drive and may be prone to chasing small animals, so they may not be suitable for homes with cats or other small pets.
  • Health issues
    As with any breed, Welsh Sheepdogs may be prone to certain health issues, such as Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Ear Infections and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), and other issues.