From dispatchers of vermin to herders, and hunters the Welsh dog breeds all come from hardworking backgrounds. For those who love energetic pooches, these seven canines are sure not to disappoint. So here is everything you’ll want to know about the dog breeds from Wales
Welsh Terrier
This fearless little firecracker was once used to hunt badgers, foxes, and otters. It is in every sense of the word a true “terrier. Despite its working past today it functions as a companion, although not one that is commonly seen. The breed is quite rare. The Welsh Terrier has a distinct curly beard and a wiry black and tan coat, which is why it was formerly known as the Black and Tan Wirehaired Terrier.
This is a close relative of the Lakeland Terrier and is believed to have come from the same breeding stock. Because of its past as a vermin hunter, the Welsh Terrier breed is an independent thinker that has a high prey drive and a lot of energy. Therefore this is a canine that does best with experienced and active owners that can provide strong leadership.
Welsh Sheepdog
The Welsh Sheepdog is also known as the Welsh Collie. Because it is bred for its working ability rather than looks this medium-sized dog has a coat that comes in a range of colors, lengths, and textures. Among those familiar with this breed it is known for its stamina, athleticism, also courage.
It has the ability to work large groups of livestock of various types, in big open spaces and can do so either totally on its own or by taking commands from its master. In the past, it was used to both drive and guard sheep and cattle sometimes as far as hundreds of miles away from the farm to reach the market.
At home, the Welsh Sheepdog breed is gentle with children and family and makes an excellent guard dog however this is not a dog for everybody. It is a high-energy working breed that really needs a job to do or owners with an extremely active lifestyle that can also provide the dog with a lot of mental stimulation as well.
Welsh Springer Spaniel
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is affectionately known as the “Welshie,” by its fans. And by those who don’t know it, this Welsh breed is often confused for its similar-looking and more popular English cousin, the English Springer Spaniel. This is a hunting dog that was developed to be able to hunt in the most difficult terrain and harshest weather.
The Welshie’s shiny flat coat protects it yet does not get in its way when hunting. The breed’s coat is always red and white in color. These dogs are naturally gentle and make fantastic family pets. However, because this is a high-energy working breed the Welsh Springer Spaniel does best with owners that have an active lifestyle and can provide it with a lot of daily exercise and stimulation.
Welsh Hound
This Welsh hunting dog breed was created to be perfectly suited for hunting fox in the windy and rocky hills of Wales. For instance, the breed has a notably loud bark which allows the dog’s voice to travel and alert the hunters even in the strong winds. The Welsh Hound has a long cultural history in Wales dating back to medieval times.
Bards would even sing odes to praise the skills and hunting prowess of individual Welsh Hounds which were known by name. Because the breed has such strong hunting instincts it was traditionally not kept as a pet but strictly as a working hunting dog in large packs. Today however the Welsh Hound has become rare as unlike in the past hunting with dogs has been outlawed in Great Britain.
In appearance, this agile hunter is similar to the English Foxhound however it has a rough medium-length coat. It is also known as the Welsh Bytheuad and the Welsh Foxhound.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is one of the two Corgi breeds, and of the two, is considered to be the more popular. “Corgi,” actually means “dwarf dog,” in Welsh, and this short yet sturdy dog was developed to herd, guard, and drive cattle. The Pembroke’s short yet athletic build allowed it to move the cattle by nipping at their heels and at the same time avoid being kicked.
The breed’s unique shape and fox-like looks, along with its fun-loving personality have earned it many fans. While in the past the Pembroke Welsh Corgi’s tail was always docked this is not always the case today as tail docking is not legal in many countries although some Pembrokes are born with a bobtail. These little guys have a medium-length coat that sheds profusely so potential owners will want to keep that in mind.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Very similar in appearance to its cousin the Pembroke, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is also a foxy-looking little canine with a long body yet short legs. In fact, its unique body shape has earned it the nickname the “yard-long dog”. In contrast with the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, this breed is a bit larger, longer-bodied, and comes in a range of coat colors. It has slightly bowed legs and a long tail that traditionally was never docked.
Originally vermin hunters, cattle herders, and guard dogs, today they function as fun family pets. These dogs have strong characters and are one of the breeds that are described as being a big dog in a little dog’s body. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi dog breed has a short and stiff coat that needs to be brushed regularly as it is a heavy shedder.
Sealyham Terrier
This short-legged yet strong canine is a native of Pembrokeshire County in southwest Wales. The Sealyham Terrier got its name from the Sealyham House, which was the estate of the breed’s creator Captain John-Tucker Edwardes.
His goal was to create a superior hunting dog breed of his own that could hunt badgers, foxes, otters, and polecats (a member of the weasel family from which the ferret was domesticated) but that was also white in color to help identify it from its quarry.
And with the Sealyham Terrier, he accomplished just that. Edwardes is believed to have used the Bull Terrier, Dandie Dinmont, West Highland White Terrier, and Pembrokeshire Welsh Corgi, in addition to several other breeds in his breeding program. This small Welsh dog breed is known for being particularly laidback, for a terrier, and also as being a healthy dog, as it’s typically free of the many inheritable diseases that seem to plague many other purebred breeds.
Start Shopping for Dog Supplies!
Hairless Dog Breeds
Usually, when we think of dogs, we think of furry creatures on four legs. But did you know that there are hairless canines as well? These unique dogs are a favorite among owners who need a hypoallergenic pet, or those who don’t want to deal with fleas or shedding....
Dogs With Short Legs
Dogs with short legs are often robust and adorable at the same time. While these canines were usually bred for hunting or working, they often make charming family pets, as well. With that being said, let's take a look at some of the most popular short-legged dog...
Retriever Breeds
Retrievers were specially created to retrieve game such as fowl and other animals while hunting, and they are revered for their obedience and trainability. So how many retriever breeds are there? Altogether, there are six official retriever breeds, and in this...
Giant Dog Breeds
Dogs can come in a bunch of different sizes, and a few breeds can be as big as humans, or even bigger! Giant dogs require an experienced and responsible owner, and they can be costly to care for, however they are extremely rewarding to keep as pets. That being said,...
Dog Breeds With Beards
One surprising yet adorable feature in some dog breeds is an adorable fluffy beard. This is a popular breed trait that adds a whole lot of personality to a dog. So here are the top dog breeds with beards, and what you'll want to know about each of them! Brussels...
Dogs With Dreadlocks
Dogs can come with all sorts of different hairstyles, but did you know that they can come with dreadlocks, too? If you want a dog that looks totally unique from all the other canines out there, then a dog with dreadlocks just might be the pooch for you. With that...
Dogs With Different Colored Eyes
While it may sound rare, there are actually a lot of dogs with different colored eyes. This is an odd but gorgeous condition that can occur in a variety of different breeds. So here are some of the top dog breeds with different colored eyes! Heterochromia in Dogs...
Slovakian Dog Breeds
Slovakia is a small country in central Europe. It is landlocked and bordered by Austria, Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. And from hounds to wolfdogs Slovakia has created some of the most unique canines on the planet. So here are the Slovakian dog...
Danish Dog Breeds
The Kingdom of Denmark is a Northern European country. It is made up of the peninsula of Jutland along with more than 400 islands. This Scandinavian nation is also home to a handful of its very own dog breeds, which to most people’s surprise doesn’t include the Great...
Czech Dog Breeds
The Czech Republic is a country in Central Europe. It has an interesting history and has been an independent state since Czechoslovakia dissolved in 1993 and split into two separate countries: the Czech Republic and Slovakia. And it has created some amazing canines....
Polish Dog Breeds
Located in Central Europe, the Republic of Poland is a country of stunning beauty with a range of natural habitats. And it’s also home to several remarkable breeds of dogs that were developed for specific jobs. So here are the Polish dog breeds and what you’ll want to...
Dogs That Look Like Cows
Real cows belong on the farm and don’t make great pets, however dogs that look like cows do! Luckily for cow fans there are quite a few breeds ranging in size from tiny to extra-large, that have a cow-like appearance. So here are the top cow-looking dogs and what...
Dogs That Look Like Horses
Horses are gallant creatures with long flowing tails and manes. And while these aren’t traits most people think of when it comes to canines, amazingly there are a handful of dogs that look like horses. So here are the top horse-looking dogs and what you’ll want to...
Romanian Dog Breeds
Nestled in Southeastern Europe, Romania is a country with a diverse range of wildlife, and that includes predators. To safeguard livestock in this rugged terrain, four distinct Romanian dog breeds were developed. Dive into the unique characteristics and histories of...
Dogs That Look Like Deer
Deer are beautiful and graceful creatures that use their speed to evade predators. And it’s no coincidence that most of the dogs that look like deer are fast on their feet as well. Their similar looks are the result of function, and that function is speed. Here are...
Thai Dog Breeds
Like many other countries around the world, the Southeast Asian country of Thailand can be credited with developing its own very own dog breeds. And while there are only two, both are incredibly unique with a look and temperament all their own. So here are both of the...
Maltese Dog Breeds
Even some of the smallest countries in the world have created their very own dog breeds. And the Republic of Malta is no exception. This Southern European island nation located in the center of the Mediterranean Sea has developed two unique breeds to call its very...
Dogs That Look Like A Rug
Different dog breeds can have wildly different coat types. And with so many breeds out there, a few even have coats that make them look quite rug-like in appearance. Here are nine dogs that look like a rug including what you’ll want to know about each of these...
Dogs That Look Like A Lamb
Dogs are unique to other animals because they come in an endless combination of shapes, sizes, and colors. It's no wonder these beloved pets have made their way into our hearts! No matter what kind of dog you prefer, you're sure to find at least one breed that fits...
Dogs That Look Like Sheep
Through artificial selection, dog breeders have created hundreds of unique breeds with a range of different physical characteristics. Some even look similar to other animals including sheep. So here are seven dogs that look like sheep, and what you’ll want to know...