your comments
Pedr R. S. ap Ioan - Cydweli
Addition to my previous posting:This Welsh Sheepdog Forum is in The US of A! I think, and I hope, that all of us who have posted here, will agree, that it would be rather "Gwych" (Cool), if we could show this "Forum in the States" some support, by posting some bits and bobs on it! after all, it seems that they have also been smitten or is that bit? by the same "bug" as us!!www.welshsheepdog.com
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites
Mon Sep 14 07:06:29 2009
Pedr R. S. ap Ioan - Cydweli
I thought, that in one of my earlier postings, I had mentioned, that this was turning into a "Cwn Defaid Cymreig" forum! probably because, there was a need for a "Forum"! Well, it seems that the renewed interest, in this ancient breed of ours, "Y Ci Defaid Cymreig" (The Welsh Sheepdog) is going "Ballistic" both at home, and overseas. I have in fact this week, come across a new "Forum", and you can all probably guess, whats coming next? Yes, you guessed it! A WELSH SHEEPDOG FORUM! In the middle of the Welsh speaking heartlands of Cymru? Well, that's where you would be VERY WRONG! This Welsh Sheepdog Forum is in The US of A! I think, and I hope, that all of us who have posted here, will agree, that it would be rather "Gwych" (Cool), if we could show this "Forum in the States" some support, by posting some bits and bobs on it afterall, it seems that they have also been smitten or is that bit?
Thu Sep 10 10:07:10 2009
Richard Kenward near Abergavenny
Dear Helen, a Welsh Sheepdog is recognisable not by its colour or size but by the way in which it conducts itself when working or attempting to work in the case of a pet.If your dog drops to a crawl when working then it is likely NOT to be a Welsh Sheepdog. These dogs tend to be noisy animals …another tell-tail sign is that they are headstrong which for a working dog can be useful. With regard to a previous poster's comments about the out of date Welsh Sheepdog Society web site, I tend to agree!I think that it is worth pointing out however that there is a perfectly understandable reluctance%! 20to promote the breed outside the farming community for the following reasons.The breed has been saved from extinction now and there are a number of bloodlines available to breeders, so promoting the breed would only produce extra work for the society.Dogs are normally only sold to homes where the dog will be used for work rather than as just a pet or for agility purposes. IMO these dogs are not suited to agility tricks and for many in the society do not want to see them used in this way. My comments are mine and not made on behalf on the Society, but may be the reason for the lack of pushing the breed forward.
Wed Aug 19 11:37:01 2009
Helen Thomas
We rescued a red and white sheep dog from a farm in Caerphilly a year ago - she and her brother had been turned out. She is slightly smaller than a standard collie and has large ears and a long muzzle - people sometimes think she has been bred from a fox! She was very nervous when we first took her but has now grown in confidence and will herd other dogs/sheep/horses at any opportunity. She does bark a lot to get other animals moving. We have found it really difficult to find out anything about her so this website has been a good source of info - I don't know if she is a welsh sheepdog as such bu! t clearly she shares some characteristics and was bred for work. Does anyone know of any opportunities for herding dogs living in domestic settings to work? We'd really love to see her doing what she was bred for.
Sun Aug 9 18:36:31 2009
Pedr Reimwnt San'Cler ap Ioan - Jones
Y CI DEFAID CYMREIG - THE WELSH SHEEPDOG.WELSH COLLIE? I'm not so sure that this simply refers to a Collie born in Wales. It seems to have evolved? By being used by people, mostly from England,for what we in Wales would ONLY ever refer to, as "The Welsh Sheepdog" Interestingly, We have place names in Wales that suffer from the same fate! The name that really irritates me, and I believe really confuses the issue, is WELSH BORDER COLLIE? As far as I know, there is no such breed? Unless, what is meant, is a normal everyday, common garden, "Border Collie" who qualifies to play on the wing for Wales, by being born in God's country!
Thu Aug 6 09:15:46 2009
Pedr Reimwnt San'Cler ap Ioan - Jones, from Cydwel
The traditional WELSH SHEEPDOG colour, was Black & White. There is several color combinations today, including the Red & White dogs. Blue eyes, are also common, & legend has it, that a Welsh Sheepdog with one blue eye was much coveted?I was once told by my late Grandfather, that his Grandfather, from Ceredigion, had told him, that the “Red & White” dogs were originally developed to enable them to be seen from great distances on the mountain sides. With a twinkle in his eye he told me that the Red Dogs were developed generations ago, by introd! ucing the FOX!! True? It probably seems unlikely to us today, however there are dog/wolf hybrids, remember, that one, of the many roles of the probably slightly larger in previous generations, Welsh Sheepdog was “Guardian” similar to The Pyrenean Mountain Dog, and other stock guarding breeds) Set a thief, to catch a thief? Maybe, it’s not so far fetched, as it first sounds?
Thu Aug 6 09:15:23 2009
Pedr Reimwnt San'Cler ap Ioan - Jones, Cydweli
CI DEFAID CYMREIG – WELSH SHEEPDOGWhatever, ones opinions about what is best for our pure bred Welsh Sheepdogs; we are all agreed that regardless of whether your particular example works on a farm, or is a pet, it is imperative that every possible effort is made to keeping the working instinct alive. THIS IS NOT AN IMPOSSIBLE TASK! There are several ways this can be achieved, by the non farmer. For example, make friends with your local farmer; ask him if you and your dog can join him in some herding activities? Some will throw their hands up in horror, but I think that you will be surprised how helpful, and interested in the breed the majority of farmers are!! Failing that, here’s another radical suggestion! Buy some Indian Runner Ducks, and get your dog herding you could start a "Herding Club”? Who knows what it could lead to? I guarantee you one thing, that you, and more importantly your dog, will have a whale of a time!!!
Thu Aug 6 09:15:03 2009
Pedr Reimwnt San'Cler ap Ioan - Jones
KEEPING THE HERDING INSTINCT ALIVE: Just out of interest, in the USA, “Herding Clubs" are popular; they are usually run as value added businesses by ranchers & farmers, herding breed owners who live with their dogs in City’s pay to spend their holidays on ranches & farms working their dogs. Great idea? “What if farmers here in Wales, added "Herding Club" activities to their tourism diversification plans, Any Takers? There’s probably a bob or two to be earned? I found a very clever and informative "any breed" training book that I think is only available in the USA? Useful for experienced owners, and laymen alike, wanting to have a go at working their dogs. (Look for it on the Net?) I managed to find my copy on Ebay, "Sheepdog Training: An All Breed Approach" Author: Mari Taggart, Publisher: Alpine PublicationsPob lwc, Gydach Cwn Defaid Cymreig / Good luck with your Welsh Sheepdogs
Thu Aug 6 09:14:36 2009
Pedr Reimwnt San'Cler ap Ioan - Jones
This really should be a Welsh Sheepdog Forum!!! There is obviously a need for such a forum! maybe i'm wrong, but in my humble opinion, this is where Y Gymdeithas Cwn Defaid Cymreig, (Welsh Sheepdog Society) should be more active, Y Gymdeithas definitely without doubt needs technological support!! Somebody with the skill needed should volunteer to take this roll on! Lets be honest about the situation as it stands today, The Society's Web Site is out of date and stagnant? However We must never forget that we, must be eternally grateful to Y Gymdeithas ( The Society)for the sterling work they have done in saving, and continuing to save & support The only surviving indigenous Sheepdog Breed of Wales!!!
Thu Aug 6 09:12:05 2009
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Caroline Theyer, I believe the problem with your dog is he's bored. He wants and needs to work. These dogs were bred to herd and that is all they want to do. Some welsh sheepdogs will make fantastic pets but most need at least a bit of work.
Sun Jul 19 20:44:12 2009
Andy Lamb from Doncaster
We have just bought a Welsh sheepdog after losing our Welsh border collie suddenly what a lovely dog he is will be as big as our old collie he is currenly 9 weeks old with all his paperwork.
Wed Jul 8 11:12:56 2009
Ray Davies
I have three dogs and my latest rescue is a Welsh sheep dog. Sadly she is going for my old bitch and she is on trial for 6 weeks. I am loathe to part with her as she has had 4 owners in 21 months. In many ways she is brilliant but this aggression towards my old, soft bitch is quite ferocious.Any suggestions out there.
Sun Jun 28 19:55:51 2009
Richard Kenward near Abergavenny
John, I wish I could fully answer your question, however my understanding is that the Pembrokeshire Corgi forms an important part of their make-up. Certainly the dogs (mine certainly) have a tendency to nip and their colouring can be traced back to them. They can also be very self willed and noisy. Great dogs if you have the work for them and the freedom to exercise. Hope this helps
Wed Dec 17 12:28:22 2008
John Dixon from High Wycombe
How pure bred are today's Welsh Sheepdogs, and what is their relationship to the extinct black and tan sheepdog of north Wales and the Hillman of the south? According to Clifford Hubbard in the Observer's Book of Dogs (Frederick Warne & Co, 1945) the colours of the WSD are black, black and tan, black and white and tricolour, but most of the pictures I've seen on the web are of red and white dog's. Exactly which breeds went into the WSD's formation? How far back does the present breed go and how pure bred is it?
Fri Apr 11 09:07:22 2008
Viv B Swindon Wilts
I have a Wehsh sheep dog, he was retrived from a rescue home local to where I live at the age of 14 weeks. He was born to genuine welsh sheep dogs yet rejected from the litter after the other dogs and bitches had been homed.He has all the charateristics of a working dog, yet lives a life of log walks witout a lead, so he can do what comes natural under control. he knows basic field commands and loves life to the full. Yes! he can be vocal, especially in strange places, for instances, last May 2007 at the Tregaron (West Wales)show he joined in singing to the music the dancers were dancing too!He loves his fur sister Saffie the cat and also meeting and greeting people. Yes he is a lively thing, but being at home every day, both my husband and myself cater for his instinct needs.
Mon Mar 24 20:22:04 2008
Richard Kenward near Abergavenny
Dear Andrew Lunt from North Wales. Your dog may well be a Welsh Sheepdog. If he has any tendency to lie down when making moves to round up animals then very likely he is not.
Mon Nov 26 07:56:37 2007
Richard Kenward near Abergavenny
Dear Rhiannon King from Newport.I suggest that you make every effort to put yourself in a position where you will have success rather than failure in your training efforts. As regards to lead training just catch the dog and put the lead on....what's the big problem? Be totally consistent at all times. Give praise once you get a result....not before otherwise it is meaningless. Treats may help though I have to say that I have never used bribes.Hope this helps.
Mon Nov 26 07:56:00 2007
Manon Byrne
Woof! I am a Welsh Border Collie, but I am not a Welsh Sheepdog, although I am a dog that works with sheep etcetera - I am not the same breed as the dogs living on the farm up the lane, cos they are Welsh Sheepdogs. I must say they seem to come in all sorts of sizes and colours - but I am more svelt than them, and tho I have similar markings to the Scottish Border I... am the colour of a young stoat in summer with white socks and bib.I'm not the sharpest knife out of the canine cutlery box, but like to work and learn stuff with the right trainer...and believe me... I'm not as daft as I pretend to be!
Mon Nov 19 08:40:23 2007
Rhiannon King from Newport
My partner recently bought me a border collie for my birthday. He is now 10 months old and is a complete nutter, we also have a 13 month baby who he protects from any strangers. But the problem is when anyone ever comes to the house he gets a little excited and wee's everywhere is there anyway of stopping him doing this? Also he refuses to go on a lead for a walk he will run away from it and hide anywhere possible that we cannot get him out from because of this we have not been able to take him for any sort of walk. Has anyone got any suggestions.
Thu Oct 25 08:08:33 2007
Andrew Lunt, North Wales
Me and my girl friend own a sheepdog, she has had it for the last 11 years, he's an awesome dog, bit funny around other dogs sometimes. He has never worked or done obedience trials or anything he has just been a great pet. I'm not overly sure where he came from they got him at 6 months old. Many people have said he is a welsh sheepdog but I am trying to find out if this is true. He is short haired and brown and white, now he has never worked but whenever he sees sheep, a cat, a rabbit, squirrel anything like that he stands upright looking right at whatever he has seen and starts driving forward. Also he has a tendency to nip our heels sometimes and the heels of strangers coming into our house. Although he is 11 he looks and acts like a much younger dog. I hope someone can help me with finding out his true breed. thanks
Sun Sep 2 15:48:25 2007
Claire Symes, London
Attention Gail Strange. I know of a two year old welsh sheepdog, female, needing a good home.
Tue Jun 5 09:54:28 2007
Lucy from Monmouthshire
We have a Welsh sheepdog on our farm called Tafi. He is brown and white and is registered with the Welsh Sheepdog society. He is now about 2 and half and is now an expert at moving and rounding up the sheep. When our previous dog, a border collie cross, died there was a big hole in our family. Tafi went a big part to filling that hole. When he is following the sheep he walks behind them calmly and barks when he thinks they are not going where he wants.
Fri Mar 9 09:59:40 2007
Kathleen Stubbings, Middlesex
Welsh Sheepdogs are great workers. Although, the Welsh Sheepdog Society would like all Welsh Sheepdogs to remain working on farms, there are not always enough farms for sheepdogs and so they are being rehomed to dedicated people like myself. My Welsh Sheepdogs may not be working sheep, but by golly they are working in other fields. I would not stop anyone getting a pure Welsh Sheepdog, but I will repeat what Richard says, and that they need to work. Just like Border Collies they need to be kept active with plenty of exercise as well as mental stimulation. As independant learners they are really doing! well in the fields of Agility, Obedience, Flyball and Heelwork to Music. Just like other herding breeds the can do other things apart from herding, and they will not lose their welsh way of working just because they do not live on farms working livestock. My Welsh show all those Welsh working instincts daily.! It's up to dedicated breeders to instruct those who buy these superb dogs about the Welsh Sheepdog manner of working and not to home them to families who have never had a herding breed before, or are looking for a dog just as a pet.
Wed Dec 13 16:57:49 2006
Richard Kenward, Abergavenny
I have just returned to this page after posting details about my Welsh Sheepdog Elwy a couple of years ago. I have some observations regarding the interesting postings here. I read that a number of you have what you call Welsh Collies. These are very unlikely to actually be any other than Collies born in Wales. Nothing wrong with that of course but we should not get confused The Welsh Sheepdog is a very different dog to the Collie or a Welsh Collie. Most are very self willed, determined, active dogs and can be
very noisy and they work very differently to the Collie. So how do
you tell if you have a Welsh Sheepdog? Watch your dog following any
livestock, cat or whatever.....does your dog lie down then get up and crawl along the ground or does it stay on it's feet the whole time it is working? If it is the crawler lie down dog then it's most unlikely to be a Welsh Sheepdog.
Please only buy a Welsh Sheepdog if you have proper farm work for! Just remember the only reason this breed has survived is because they have been bred by working farmers for many, many years for only one thing....to work...so it's in their make-up.
Mon Dec 4 15:42:54 2006
Kathleen Stubbings from Middlesex
I have two Welsh Sheepdogs. Aubrey was born on Frondeg Farm, Wales and Rose who is only 12 weeks. She is a registered Welsh Sheepdog with The Welsh Sheepdog Society. They both live with a 3.5 year old Border Collie, Jake. Can I agree with what has already been said and that is: Welsh Sheepdogs are not Welsh Collies! Having got both breeds I can say that they both train differently. Their drives are also more varied. My BCs drives were prey drive first, with a much lower pack drive and the guard drive was way behind. This has now balanced out with age. My Welshes have started with high prey & pack drives going hand in hand, with guard drive not far behind. On the other hand they are most loyal and tactile in their affection where my BC can be a little aloof and only tactile when he feels like it. For all your interests, because I am madly, deeply & passionate about keeping the Welsh Sheepdog a pure breed as far as possible, I am working closely with the Welsh Sheepdog Society and also have started my own website for all those Welsh Sheepdogs and Welsh Crosses who are out their not on farms working sheep. I would love to hear from you all and have you on the website, www.welsh-sheepdogs-worldwide.com. I will be breeding Aubrey and Rose in the future.
Tue Nov 14 17:37:39 2006
Maureen Hayter from Windsor
I was interested in Michele Watkins' comments that none of her English friends believe her when she says her dog is a Welsh sheepdog as he does resemble an Alsation. We have a rescue dog who we were told by the rescue organisation is a Welsh Border Collie crossed with an Alsatian but we've since met a few Welsh Border Collies who are very similar to her so we wonder if she is actually a full Welsh Border Collie. Her name is Zeina, she's tri-coloured (black/tan/white) and has a lovely nature. She was bred in South Wales and we were so lucky to get her - we would've had the whole litter if they were like her! We have other rescue dogs (Bull Mastiff/Lab cross and Bedlington terrier) plus a Bearded Collie we bought but Zeina is by far the most stable, well-balanced and reliable out of all of them.
Sun Nov 5 12:42:05 2006
Gail Strange
Our sheepdog died some years ago. We now feel ready to have another one and would really like a dog between 6 months and 2yrs old if possible.
Anyone know of a dog needing a good home?
Sat Feb 11 23:00:10 2006
Denis O'Sullivan, Berkshire
If you want to learn more about this wonderful and varied breed, visit www.welsh-sheepdogs.co.ukThe BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites.
There are pictures of them working different animals and you can see from the photos just how varied this wonderful breed is.
Tue Jan 10 16:28:08 2006
MIKE STEVENS,BERKSHIRE
we have a welsh sheepdog,bitch,called gwenny who came from near corwen in 2000.she came from a working family but shows no inclination to work.she has made a wonderful friend .
Wed Dec 14 19:56:35 2005
Michele Watkins Brecon
I have a two year old welsh sheepdog called Duke. He loves his frizbee and can jump gates and fences with ease. He is the most intelligent and loyal dog I have ever owned. He loves to swim and hates c.a.t.s (must spell it as you can't say it in my house!!)The only problem I have is when he is on the lead, I have more control with him off the lead. He loves a cuddle and I always feel safe when I take him out as I know he would protect me. None of my english friends believe me when I say he's a welsh sheepdog as he does ressemble an alsation. We need to see more about this fantastic breed. We need to educated people. I would also love to stud him as I think he has a very special temprement. Does anyone know where I can get in touch with someone about it.
Sat Dec 10 19:34:05 2005
Jean from Southampton
Hi I have only just found out that my border collie bitch is a 'welsh border collie'! She is a pedigree without papers. I always wondered why the breeder/seller did not give us any papers for her as a pup as the parents had these documents!Also people always asked me if she was a cross breed which hurt quite a bit! She is very loving but compared to the "normal border collie" we also have she is very feisty abd independant!Where can I find more information about the breed and maybe information on the differences of the welsh border collie and the "normal" border collie! Although she is not a working border collie she loves her frizbee.
Sat Nov 12 18:06:30 2005
Dick Jones of High Wycome
Where can I find a good breeder of a Welsh border collie near High Wycome, Bucks, UK?
Sun Oct 16 16:44:57 2005
David Davies, West Midlands
My daughter bought me a welsh collie from Aberystwyth. He is well marked but he is black and white. His ears stands up straight. The vet says he is a welsh collie. He has a smooth coat but I haven't recieved a pedigree for him. He is a lovely dog. I would like to know whether he is a welsh or a border collie.
If you want to send a picture to add to your query, please email us at wales.mid@bbc.co.uk - Mid Wales Web Team.
Thu Jul 14 12:07:00 2005
Siegrun O'Sullivan, Crowthorne, Berkshire
We have had a Welsh Collie now for almost 9 years and she behaves typically like a border collie, although she has never worked with sheep. Earlier this year we got another rescue dog, originally found in Caerphilly, who was classed as Welsh border collie. We were extremely puzzled when his behaviour showed none of the characteristics. During a recent visit in Wales the mystery was solved - he is a red (well, black, white and tan) Welsh sheepdog. His action is exactly as prescribed for the breed and we found his doubles on the web site of the Welsh Sheepdog Society. To know this will be a great help in training him. Both dogs are brilliant and extremely loveable, but they need a lot of exercise both physically and mentally. But they do spoil you for any other dog!
Sun May 15 21:24:58 2005
Cynthia Hart from Dorset
Can you give me contact details for the Welsh Sheepdog Society please.
Check out our Ask A Local section - Mid Wales Web Team.
Mon Mar 7 16:16:43 2005
Sam again from shrewsbury
Can anybody help me. I have been asked by a friend who has a welsh bitch if she can use my dog for stud, im not sure how much to set my stud fee at though. He is a registered welsh. Any help would be gratefully accepted. Thankyou
Sat Feb 5 19:09:42 2005
Sam Morris Shrewsbury
I have a 12 month old welsh sheepdog, Monty, who is the most amazing dog I've had. I am only 16 but have worked dogs in agility and obedience for nearly 8 years. I've only ever had border collies before and I can't believe the difference. Monty is so independant which is great for agility although for a while he was very shy. His obedience is superb although I havent been to shows with him yet. He will begin to work in Novice in a few months time hopefully. Hes Red and White and I would love to have another because they are soooo adaptable. I didn't know about welsh sheepdogs until I got him. When we went I thought they were like the borders but when I got there I knew I was wrong and that was when I discovered they were a totally separate breed. I can't believe this breed was nearly extinct and all I can say is we need to keep this breed alive.
Sun Jan 30 15:04:17 2005
Karen Huggins from Pembrey Carmarthenshire
If anyone has any info on training welsh sheepdogs not to chase cars and bikes, can you email me?
If you can help, get in touch and we'll add your comments to the page - Mid Wales Web Team
Fri Nov 12 14:34:33 2004
Jackie Reid Westnewton Cumbria
I have al ovely 2 year old registered welsh sheepdog. This is her first season in Agility and has been placed nearly everytime out including a 2nd place out of 256 dogs. They seem more independent than the border collie so may not be as well suited to obedience. But they will certainly be worth the challenge.
Thu Oct 28 20:12:02 2004
caroline theyer
thank you very much for your information on how they work, because Tani dosnt work sheep it is very difficult to judge how she would do it if she had to. I notice when she is going after another dog she goes down submissively but most of the time she is on her feet however I cant let her approach sheep so I dont know how that would be. She does bark when chasing a football for example and barks all the time when doing agility which she seems to like but can get a bit 'aggressive' and nip my ankles and arms when jumping or when I run and this is something I am aware of! So we are continuing with the agility and I am wearing a padded coat and correcting this behaviour as we go. I contacted the Welsh sheepdog society and they told me that all the sheepdogs are tested at their work and then judged on that they also said because of their instincts that they dont make good pets, I see some of those instincts in Tani as well but I live with that although many collies seem so docile and innocent compared to her!
Sun Oct 10 20:35:42 2004
Karen Huggins from Pembrey Carmarthenshire
I have a pedigree 2 year old welsh sheepdog called Cadi, short for the welsh word fox which is Cadno. He came from an aberystwyth farm and I received his pedigree certificate from the welsh sheepdog society shortly after having him. He is a lovely red, black and white colour. He has a brilliant nature and although we had sheep when we bought him, due to various reasons we don't anymore. He showed a keen interest to work while young but the sheep went before we were able to develop any working skills with him. We might be getting more sheep in the future. He has a herding problem he has a keen interest in chasing cars and motorbikes whilst out walking. He has to be kept on a lead near roads and when let off in the forest is marvellous. We've tried various training tactics with him, but although he doesn't chase to the extend he did, we would like to know how to lessen this problem, as it is still quite a big problem. We are well aware that he will always have this instinct and will never be cured but does anyone have any advice to give us. He was also castrated as we were told this might help, but it didn't as his instinct to chase has nothing to do with his male region. We have added your question to the 'Ask a Local section. - Mid Wales Web Team.
Mon Sep 27 15:12:28 2004
Linda Joyce Abercarn
I have a friend who would like a welsh collie to train for competitive obedience. Would this breed be suitable and where would she find breeder information if they are?
Sat Sep 25 16:33:43 2004
Rini Stephenson from the U.S.
How wonderful, Caroline, to have one of these very rare dogs!
There is an organization for Welsh Sheep Dog Restoration, and I bet they'd be thrilled to hear you have a breedable female that is smart and can work. She could be a fabulous contribution to the breed! You may want to contact the farmer you got her from to let him know how valuable his dogs are and please keep breeding. They'd probably name that strain by his name.
There is a comparable organization in the U.S. for "Farm Collies," and I have a young male who Lord willing will be an asset to the breed some day. What marvelous dogs they are!
Tue Sep 21 04:28:41 2004
Richard Kenward, Abergavenny
Caroline, whilst it's quite possible your dog is a Welsh Sheepdog you cannot go just on appearance alone. The breed is very variable in colouration and size. Some look just like a Collie....it's the way they work that will tell you if it is or is not.
Collies when working or approaching sheep tend to go down and some creep along the ground. The Welsh Sheepdog stays on it's feet all the time. That way they are always ready to dive in!
Incidentally they are very active dogs and are usually on the move all the time which is one reason that stock seem to be so well behaved when they are about. They dare not be because one of the things in the breeding of these dogs is the tendency to nip the heels or elsewhere of animals that defy them. They also tend to come with a loud bark.
Anyone thinking of buying one as a pet would be well advised to think again. Remember that the only reason they have survived is that they were bred by working farmers for work...not as pets.
Because pups cannot be registered unless both parents have passed a real working test with stock in front of a vetting panel, they are not easily available and breeders will generally not be willing to sell to a non working farm home.
One does have the occasional dog that is not that keen on working and this would be your best bet if looking for one as a pet.
All the best
Sun Aug 1 15:03:07 2004
Caroline Theyer from Bristol
I have a dog very much like Richard Kenway in Abergavenny its the same colour and size, that I bought from a farmer in Brecon Wales. We call her Tani. I thought she was a border collie but now I know she is a special Welsh sheepdog. She barks and 'talks' to the telephone much to our amusement and is excellent at obedience classes however, when out and about her temperament is lively and alert. We love our Welsh sheepdog and we'd like to get another one. She's shorter and smaller and more foxy than border collies with a lovely tan red and white coat. I lived in Newport for 3 -4 years and all I can say is keep breeding the Welsh sheepdogs Wales is a great place.
Mon Jul 12 10:05:04 2004
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