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Welsh Sheepdog Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Welsh Sheepdog so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank427
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Welsh Sheepdog dog profile picture
OriginWales flagWales
Other Names
What other names does the Welsh Sheepdog have?
Welsh Collie
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Welsh Sheepdog Size and Weight

Size
Is a Welsh Sheepdog small, medium or large dog?

How big do Welsh Sheepdog get?

What is the average size of a Welsh Sheepdog?

Medium
Weight
How much does the Welsh Sheepdog weigh? How much should a Welsh Sheepdog weight? What is the normal weight of a Welsh Sheepdog? How much does a full-grown Welsh Sheepdog weight?
Male: 15-35 pounds (7-16 kg), Female: 13-33 pounds (6-15 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Welsh Sheepdog?
Male: 25 pounds (11.5 kg), Female: 23 pounds (10.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Welsh Sheepdog? Welsh Sheepdog height:
Male: 16-19 inches (41-47 cm), Female : 14-17 inches (38-44 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Welsh Sheepdog?
Male: 17.5 inches (44 cm), Female : 15.5 inches (41 cm)

Welsh Sheepdog Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Welsh Sheepdog puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Welsh Sheepdog in the United States? How much money is a Welsh Sheepdog?

Where to buy a Welsh Sheepdog with a good pedigree?

Unknown
Unfortunately, we couldn't find the price of the Welsh Sheepdog. If you have a Welsh Sheepdog for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Welsh Sheepdog gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Welsh Sheepdog? How many Welsh Sheepdog are there in the world?
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

There are very few of them, and there have been times when they have almost drifted to the brink of extinction, so few are left.

Welsh Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Welsh Sheepdog? Is the Welsh Sheepdog breed dumb or smart?
Very smart: Welsh Sheepdog is an excellent dog breed. You can teach them many tricks and commands. The limit is your creativity. They understand and memorize new commands in 5-15 repetitions. This breed obeys the first command 85% of the time or better.

The Welsh Sheepdog is one of the top breeds in the dog intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are Welsh Sheepdog dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Welsh Sheepdog?
Welsh Sheepdog dogs are very easy to train. They easily find out the association between commands and actions.
Watchdog Ability
Is Welsh Sheepdog good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Welsh Sheepdog dogs are not the best watchdogs. They aren't very territorial and protective about their property, so they probably won't alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Welsh Sheepdog dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Welsh Sheepdog dogs are average defenders. Some dogs are very protective of their territory, while others easily let a stranger to trespass. This breed is not sure to defend its territory in every situation.

Welsh Sheepdog Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Welsh Sheepdog have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
ActiveEnergeticIntelligent
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Welsh Sheepdog sensitivity:
Welsh Sheepdog dogs are less sensitive than other dog breeds. They aren't receptive to their owner's emotions and handle soft punishment quite well.

They don't mind an always changing daily routine, a hectic household, young children, a noisy or office environment, and frequent guest visits.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Welsh Sheepdog a good family dog?
Average to High: Welsh Sheepdog dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Welsh Collie need? Welsh Sheepdog social needs:
Welsh Sheepdog dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Welsh Sheepdog to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Welsh Sheepdog roam?
The wanderlust potential of the Welsh Sheepdog is strong enough to escape from home. They have a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Welsh Sheepdog have high prey drive?
Welsh Sheepdog dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Welsh Sheepdog dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Welsh Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Welsh Sheepdog is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Welsh Sheepdog dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Welsh Collie bark?
Average: The Welsh Sheepdog barks occasionally. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Welsh Sheepdog good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Welsh Sheepdog in an apartment?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Welsh Sheepdog indoors.

Welsh Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Welsh Sheepdog dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Welsh Sheepdog be left alone? How long can you leave a Welsh Sheepdog alone?
Welsh Sheepdog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Welsh Sheepdog Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Welsh Sheepdog has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Welsh Sheepdog? How much bite force does a Welsh Sheepdog have? How strong is a Welsh Sheepdog bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Welsh Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Welsh Sheepdog measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Welsh Sheepdog is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Welsh Sheepdog bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Welsh Sheepdog bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Welsh Sheepdog puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Welsh Sheepdog, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Welsh Sheepdog bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Welsh Sheepdog can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Welsh Sheepdog bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Welsh Collie? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Welsh Sheepdog? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Welsh Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Welsh Sheepdog do?
Welsh Sheepdog dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Welsh Sheepdog dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Welsh Sheepdog Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Welsh Sheepdog dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Welsh Sheepdogs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Welsh Sheepdog breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Welsh Sheepdog see the vet?
Frequent
The Welsh Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Welsh Sheepdog dogs live? How old can a Welsh Sheepdog be? What is the age limit of the Welsh Sheepdog? How many years can the oldest Welsh Sheepdog live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Welsh Sheepdog?

How long is the lifespan of a Welsh Sheepdog?

11-15 years
The average lifespan of Welsh Sheepdog: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Welsh Sheepdog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.

Welsh Sheepdog Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Welsh Sheepdog have? What is the activity level of the Welsh Sheepdog?
Welsh Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Welsh Sheepdog need? How much exercise do Welsh Sheepdog dogs require per day?

Do Welsh Sheepdog dogs need a lot of exercises?

Welsh Sheepdog dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Welsh Sheepdog breed need?
Welsh Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Welsh Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Welsh Sheepdog need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Welsh Sheepdog breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Welsh Sheepdog? How much food should I feed my Welsh Sheepdog?
1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Welsh Sheepdog risk for obesity:
Low to Average: The Welsh Sheepdog has a low to the average risk for obesity. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Welsh Sheepdog weight regularly.

Welsh Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Welsh Sheepdog have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Feathered
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Welsh Sheepdog coats?
Black White Red
Grooming
How to groom the Welsh Sheepdog and how often? How often should I take my Welsh Sheepdog to the groomer?
Effortless: The Welsh Sheepdog requires minimal grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned sometimes to avoid infections. Welsh Sheepdog is one of the best choices if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Highly recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Welsh Sheepdog dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Welsh Collie? Do Welsh Sheepdog dogs shed a lot?
Welsh Sheepdog dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Welsh Sheepdog need a bath? How often should you give a Welsh Sheepdog a bath? Can I bathe my Welsh Sheepdog every day?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Welsh Sheepdog breed hypoallergenic?
No
Welsh Sheepdog dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Welsh Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Welsh Sheepdog drool?
The Welsh Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Welsh Sheepdog could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Welsh Sheepdog.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Welsh Sheepdog Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Welsh Sheepdog dogs get along with other pets? Are Welsh Sheepdog dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Welsh Sheepdog dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Welsh Sheepdog temperament with other people:
Welsh Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Are Welsh Sheepdog dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Welsh Sheepdog temperament with children:
Welsh Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Welsh Sheepdog dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Welsh Sheepdog breed live with a cat?
Welsh Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Welsh Sheepdog good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Welsh Sheepdog dogs get along with other dogs?
Welsh Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Welsh Sheepdog can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Welsh Sheepdog breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Welsh Sheepdog breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Welsh Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Welsh Sheepdog dogs good office canines? Do Welsh Sheepdog dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
Yes
Welsh Sheepdog is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Welsh Sheepdog dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Welsh Collie temperament with senior people? Are Welsh Sheepdog dogs good for elderly owners?
Welsh Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Welsh Sheepdog As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Welsh Sheepdog be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Welsh Sheepdog is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Welsh Sheepdog be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Welsh Sheepdog be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Welsh Sheepdog is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Welsh Sheepdog be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Welsh Sheepdog is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Welsh Sheepdog be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Welsh Sheepdog is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Welsh Sheepdog be a boat dog?

Not really

Welsh Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Welsh Sheepdog be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Welsh Sheepdog is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Welsh Sheepdog dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Welsh Sheepdog Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Welsh Sheepdog pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Welsh Sheepdog breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Welsh Sheepdog: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Welsh Sheepdog have in a litter? How many puppies can the Welsh Sheepdog breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Welsh Sheepdog have? How many puppies can a Welsh Sheepdog give birth to?
2-8 puppies

Welsh Sheepdog Recognition

AKC Group
Is Welsh Sheepdog recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Welsh Sheepdog recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.

Welsh Sheepdog Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Very smart: Welsh Sheepdog is an excellent dog breed.
  • Trainability: Welsh Sheepdog dogs are very easy to train.
  • Grooming: Effortless: The Welsh Sheepdog requires minimal grooming.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Welsh Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Low to Average: The Welsh Sheepdog has a low to the average risk for obesity.
  • Mouthiness: Welsh Sheepdog dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Adaptability: Welsh Sheepdog dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Welsh Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Welsh Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Welsh Sheepdog is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Welsh Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Welsh Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Health Issues: Welsh Sheepdogs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
  • Hypoallergenic: Welsh Sheepdog dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Watchdog Ability: Welsh Sheepdog dogs are not the best watchdogs.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: The wanderlust potential of the Welsh Sheepdog is strong enough to escape from home.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Welsh Sheepdog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Welsh Sheepdog History

The Welsh Sheepdog’s history is surrounded by mystery. The breed was mentioned as early as the 1300s in Welsh manuscripts honoring the dogs’ dedication to work with sheep and cattle all day around the farms. It is presumable that the breed is originated from Wales, yet the exact place of the breed’s creation and further development is for the most part, unknown.

The British agricultural revolution happened at the beginning of the 1800s, which significantly contributed to the changes of roles and purposes of the Welsh Sheepdog. As the farming techniques changed, the dogs had to work as a drover’s dog, driving and herding the cattle and sheep over great distances, occasionally hundreds of kilometers, in order to reach the English trading markets, where the animals were sold and bought. Well-known tales about these early Welsh Sheepdogs mentioned the capability of a few men and their dogs to move over 300 or more cattle at a time. Due to the great number of animals, which were moved as one herd, the droving dogs had to be vigilant and able to work with or without any direction, individually or in packs, mostly far removed from their owners. The Welsh Sheepdog was perfect for this job. Moreover, the breed is considered to be loose-eyed, which means the dogs’ gaze wanders over the whole environment around them, rather than having a fixed eye, focusing on a single element in their surroundings. That is why, most sheep owners actually preferred the breed over the more popular and convenient Border Collie, which only focused on one animal with great intensity during work.

According to some experts, the early Sheepdog were the ancestors of today’s Welsh Sheepdog. At the beginning of the 1900s, breeders started to compete against each other by measuring their dogs’ overall capabilities. Consequently, breeders started to monitor more closely the breeding process and they focused on evolving and perfecting the Welsh Sheepdog’s traits. Due to the ever-changing agricultural practices and modernization, herding breeds experienced a decrease, and by the 1940s, only three breeds indigenous to Wales remained.  Fortunately, the breed did not experience drastic decline, it was still considered to be common in the North and Central parts of Wales counties.

The Welsh Sheepdog Society was founded in 1997, with the intention of preserving and promoting the Welsh Sheepdog further in its original working environment. However, the number of farms and droving declined, and the farming practices changed, led to the decrease in the Welsh Sheepdog’s population. The immense popularity of the Broder Collie and their excellence in dog shows and in sheepdog trials also contributed to the breed’s decline. Because of the fact that the breed was almost exclusively kept as a working dog, very minimal effort was made in order to standardize the breed’s physical characteristics. Despite the Welsh Sheepdog’s old history, none of the major kennel clubs recognized them as a purebred distinct breed, which also, did not help the breed’s overall situation. 

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