Overview
The Welsh Sheepdog, or Ci Defaid Cymreig, is the native farm collie of Wales, kept as a working dog rather than a show breed. It works upright and loose-eyed, driving sheep and cattle at a distance, and comes in a range of coats and colours. A breed society keeps a register but the dogs are chosen for work first.
Walkers should think of a Border Collie with less of the fixed stare and more independence. It is a dog that wants to make decisions about where everything should go.
Exercise and walking needs
Around two hours a day for a working-bred adult, with plenty of running. Many pet Welsh Sheepdogs are under-exercised simply because owners do not realise what they have.
Mental work is non-negotiable. Sheepdog training, agility, scent work or trick training all help; a plain walk does not.
On the walk
- Herding: Cyclists, joggers, children and other dogs may all get rounded up. Keep the dog close when anything moving appears.
- Recall: Normally sharp, because the dog is tuned to a handler. It will still break for a sheep or a deer, so manage the environment.
- Other dogs: Reasonable with calm dogs, irritated by bouncy ones. Expect a sharp word if a Labrador barrels in.
- Livestock: Most will try to work sheep without being asked. Give flocks a very wide berth and keep the lead on near farms.
Tips for professional walkers
- Plan a job for each walk, a retrieve, a find-it game or some directional work, to keep the brain busy.
- Vary the route; this breed learns a loop in two days and gets bored by the third.
- Watch for the dog circling behind you and others; it is herding, and it is a habit worth interrupting early.
What to ask the owner
- Is the dog from a working farm, and does it have any herding training or triggers you should know about?
- How does it react to bikes, runners and traffic, and what does the owner do about it?
- Does it have a reliable stop or down cue you can use at a distance?