The Welsh collie, also known as a Welsh sheepdog, was developed as a herding dog in Wales during the 1800s. Their job was to guard and herd sheep, goats, cattle and other livestock. They were also used to accompany sheep and cattle into local town markets. The breed has been viewed primarily as a working dog. It is not yet an officially recognized breed in most kennel clubs, but with the formation of the Welsh Sheepdog Society in 1997, efforts are being made to change this in the future.
The Welsh Collie, also called Welsh Sheepdog, is a medium-sized herding dog breed from Wales. They tend to have square proportions with strong long legs. Their heads are wedge-shaped with long muzzles. Their ears are triangular and are either pricked or fold forward. The Welsh Collie’s coat can be short or long. The long-haired variety requires more grooming than the short-haired variety.
Personality
Welsh Collies are busy, alert and active. Like most herding breeds, they have a mind of their own and are happiest when they have a task. They are good with children but may try to herd them. Welsh Collies need lots and lots of exercise and won’t do well in small apartments. They are protective and can make great watchdogs.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 12 – 15 years |
| Nicknames: | Welsh sheepdog |
Welsh Collie Build Information
Since the Welsh collie was bred for work ability over appearance, the size from one dog to the next varies. The average height for a Welsh collie is approximately 18 inches at the shoulders, and its weight can range between 35 and 45 pounds. The coat is also varied. It may be short and smooth or long and rough. The coat color is typically black and white, tricolor or red and white, often with merle markings. The Welsh collie has button ears, and the curved tail is carried downward when the dog is relaxed. The Welsh Collie, also called Welsh Sheepdog, is a medium-sized herding dog breed from Wales. They tend to have square proportions with strong long legs. Their heads are wedge-shaped with long muzzles. Their ears are triangular and are either pricked or fold forward. The Welsh Collie’s coat can be short or long. The long-haired variety requires more grooming than the short-haired variety.
| Size: | Medium |
Behaviour and Personality
Welsh collies are working dogs first. They are active and they require daily exercise and plenty of mental stimulation. They need to be provided with tasks to perform, and they will herd other pets and children in the household. They excel in agility and other canine sporting events. They are alert and protective watchdogs. Welsh collies are intelligent and easily trained. Welsh Collies are busy, alert and active. Like most herding breeds, they have a mind of their own and are happiest when they have a task. They are good with children but may try to herd them. Welsh Collies need lots and lots of exercise and won’t do well in small apartments. They are protective and can make great watchdogs.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
Whether the coat is short or long, grooming is minimal for a Welsh collie. Brushing the coat once or twice a week will remove the dead hairs and prevent knots and tangles if the hair is long. Check the ears for dirt and debris once a week and clean them if necessary. Brush the teeth every other day to maintain optimal oral health.
| Shedding: | Little |
| Grooming: | Medium Maintenance |
Welsh Collie Common Health Conditions
Welsh collies live average lifespans of 12 to 15 years. Since there are so few Welsh collies that are officially registered through the Welsh Sheepdog Society, there is little data available at this point in time to indicate any genetic health problems in this breed.
Welsh Collie Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
Get a Free Pet Insurance Quote
Breed Talents and Facts
Although the Welsh collie has been in existence since the 1800s, its status as a household pet is still new. Initially, these dogs were bred strictly for work, and they make capable assistants for families who reside on farms. The Welsh collie originated in Wales. The Welsh collie is also called a Welsh sheepdog. The Welsh collie is a devoted and protective worker that always needs a job to do. The Welsh collie stands at an average height of 18 inches and weighs 35 to 45 pounds. Welsh collies have high energy levels. Welsh collies require minimal grooming. The average lifespan for a Welsh collie is 12 to 15 years.
| Training: | Easy to train |
