Welsh Sheepdog vs Irish Mastiff Hound - Breed Comparison

Welsh Sheepdog vs Irish Mastiff Hound - Breed ComparisonWelsh Sheepdog is originated from United Kingdom but Irish Mastiff Hound is originated from United States. Welsh Sheepdog may grow 35 cm / 13 inches shorter than Irish Mastiff Hound. Welsh Sheepdog may weigh 49 kg / 108 pounds lesser than Irish Mastiff Hound. Welsh Sheepdog may live 3 years more than Irish Mastiff Hound. Both Welsh Sheepdog and Irish Mastiff Hound has almost same litter size. Welsh Sheepdog requires Low maintenance. But Irish Mastiff Hound requires Moderate maintenance

History

welsh sheepdog - historyThe Welsh Sheepdog is sometimes referred to as the Welsh Collie, but it is not a collie in anyway. It is the cross between the Border Collie and Welsh Sheepdog that is actually the Welsh Collie. The sheepdog was bred for herding not appearance and they are not all consistent in looks and size. They are a collie type but do not have recent collie ancestors. In fact the Border Collie has basically replaced the Welsh Sheepdog in herding sheep in Wales. The Welsh Sheepdog is still being bred as an indigenous breed. They are still prized for their ability to work independently and herding cattle, pigs, horses and goats as well as sheep. They were originally drovers.

In the 18th century there were many different Welsh herding dogs and one drover might have 4-6 different types of sheepdogs as guard dogs, herders and hunters. Most of these breeds were taller than the Welsh Sheepdog. By 1940 there aere only a couple of breeds doing these jobs in Wales. The purebred Welsh Hillman and Black and Tan Sheepdog were on the verge of extinction at that point.

At that time the most common dogs were descendants of the Black and Tan Sheepdog and the Border Collie. The Welsh Sheepdog was still working in central Wales and in the north country. They were purely a working breed and not a show breed in any way. They remain that today.

They are a landrace and very rare today. They have been around for more than 800 years with no effort at standardization for this working dog. They are only registered with the WSS or Welsh Sheepdog Society and the DRA Dog Registry of America.

irish mastiff hound - historyThe Irish Mastiff Hound is a huge dog – a mix of the English Mastiff and the Irish Wolfhound.

Both of these dogs have been around for a long time and actually have ancient histories. The Mastiff for instance has origins that date back to ancient times in China, while the Irish Wolfhound has origins that date far back to 391 AD.

Today this dog is regarded as an excellent companion for any home.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Companion dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
United States
Height Male:
51 - 56 cm
20 - 23 inches
85 - 91 cm
33 - 36 inches
Height Female:
48 - 54 cm
18 - 22 inches
85 - 91 cm
33 - 36 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 25 kg
35 - 56 pounds
47 - 74 kg
103 - 164 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 22 kg
30 - 49 pounds
47 - 74 kg
103 - 164 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
9 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
5 - 12
Size:
Medium dog
Giant dog
Other Names:
welsh collie
Irish Mastiff
Colors Available:
blue merle and tricolored Black and white • Red and white
grey, Brown, tan or black, white
Coat:
soft undercoat short to moderately long, and it can be coarse or soft.
Short and smooth or long and wiry
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Protective, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Hard
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Description

welsh sheepdog puppy - descriptionBred for their herding abilities not their appearance, the Welsh Sheepdog can vary in color, build and size. They have long legs, broad chests and wide muzzles. They are all around bigger than the Border Collie. They come in black and white, tricolor, red and white and merle. The coat can be short or long and the ears pricked and folded at the top.

They look most like the Border Collie with a taller, broader, more solid build. They typically are stronger than the Border. Their head is distinctly collie shaped, flat and broad with the wide muzzle. The nose is black and the eyes are oval and brown. The merles can have striking blue eyes.

This is an athletic dog and you can tell by looking at her. Well muscled, broad back and neck with a long upward tail. Their tough paws are perfect for the rough terrain and Wales mountainsides.

irish mastiff hound puppy - descriptionThis is a large crossbreed which can stand at 85 to 91 cm in height and weigh in the region of 47kg to 74kg.

He essentially has the short, smooth coat of the Mastiff but other dogs may well inherit the longer, more wiry coat of the Wolfhound. Coloring of the coat can be quite varied and can be brown, grey, white, tan or black. Some dogs take more after the Mastiff while others have more Wolfhound characteristics. They have a large head, some have a somewhat wrinkly face because of the Mastiff side, the ears are fairly small and floppy and the tail is long.

Temperament:

Even though they're so huge, these are easy going dogs that are able to fit in well with most human families. Described as gentle giants, they are loving, loyal, easy-going, even-tempered and eager to please.

The Irish Mastiff does well in the city or in the country because he isn't particularly active and will be happy to have a comfortable spot to lie close to you, however with such a large dog, you will certainly need a garden.

Characteristics

Characteristics

welsh sheepdog dog - characteristics1Children friendliness not really – aloof and concerned with job- all this dog wants to do is work.

2.Special talents -independent worker

3.Adaptability – Not an inside dog in any way. They need several hours of exercise per day.

4.Learning ability Highly intelligent but stubborn, independent

irish mastiff hound dog - characteristicsYour big Irish Mastiff Hound is cool, confident and calm. He isn't particularly energetic and as long as he gets a nice walk as well as some mental stimulation, he'll be happy, wanting to spend a good part of the day lying close to where you are.

Socialization and training will be good for him and he learns easily. He is just a big gentle giant who promises to make you a wonderful canine friend.

Health Problems

welsh sheepdog puppies - health problemsUsually an indigenous rare breed does not have a lot of genetic or hereditary health concerns. This is a little different with the Welsh Sheepdog can suffer from any of these conditions.

• Epilepsy – Most respond well to medication and others might not even need medication.

• Collie Eye Anomaly – This is common in collie breeds like the rough coated collie. The development of the Choroid is impaired resulting in harm to the circulation of blood to the eye.

  • Hip Dysplasia – Can lead to lameness or arthritis.

• Atopic Dermatitis – Allergic skin disorder irritating paws, ears, and perineum.

• PRA Progressive Retinal Atrophy - deterioration of the retina can lead to blindness. Inherited.

  • Diabetes Mellitus – Damages pancreas, high blood sugar. Can be treated.

irish mastiff hound puppies - health problemsMany people find giant dogs irresistible because they're usually gentle, patient and loving. However, it is their very size which makes them more prone to certain health concerns and gives them a shorter lifespan.

It is why it is so important to ensure you feed your pet a healthy diet to ward off illness. A large dog like the Irish Mastiff doesn't have a particularly long lifespan, and with good care he can get to 9, 10, 11, 12 years of age.

Hip Dysplasia:

This condition is more common in large dogs and it can lead to joint degeneration, arthritis and pain. Your pet may even be reluctant to get up and greet you when you come home which can be very sad. Vet intervention will certainly be required.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy:

This heart disease is commonly seen in large dog breeds where the heart becomes weak so that it can't pump blood throughout the body. Coughing, difficulty with breathing, weakness and lethargy are just some of the symptoms of this disease and will also require veterinary intervention.

Caring The Pet

Caring for Dog

welsh sheepdog dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy active dog feed high quality high protein food. 3-4 x day 1-2 cups

2.Feeding the adult Active dog feed high quality high protein 2x day 2 cups a day.

3.Points for Good Health stamina and intelligence

4. Games and Exercises This is an extremely active breed that needs a job. They are not the best pets they are working dogs. They need a lot of exercise. They are not good at living indoors. At least 2 hours of exercise daily is a must.

Grooming:

irish mastiff hound dogs - caringHe has a short coat, and grooming of this laid-back dog will include brushing him twice a week, trimming his nails and making sure that you check inside his ears for ear infection.

Diet:

Large dogs have special nutritional needs, particularly because they are more prone to illnesses such as hip dysplasia. You want to make sure that the foods he eats are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, amino acids and antioxidants because these will ensure proper joint health.

You've got to be careful what you feed a large breed dog because of the weight management issue too. Excess weight puts stress on the joints and promotes the development of osteoarthritis. Speak to your vet about portion control and meat protein for your pet and how to ensure excellent nutrition to avoid common dog illnesses.

Fresh, cool water needs to be available to your pet every minute of the night and day.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Welsh Sheepdog vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  2. Welsh Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Welsh Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  4. Welsh Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  5. Welsh Sheepdog vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  6. Welsh Sheepdog vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  7. Welsh Sheepdog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  8. Welsh Sheepdog vs Dutch Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  9. Welsh Sheepdog vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  10. Welsh Sheepdog vs English Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  11. Welsh Sheepdog vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  12. Welsh Sheepdog vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  13. Welsh Sheepdog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  14. Welsh Sheepdog vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  15. Welsh Sheepdog vs Pyrenean Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  16. Welsh Sheepdog vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  17. Welsh Sheepdog vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  18. Welsh Sheepdog vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  19. Welsh Sheepdog vs Queensland Heeler - Breed Comparison
  20. Welsh Sheepdog vs German Coolie - Breed Comparison
  21. Welsh Sheepdog vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  22. Welsh Sheepdog vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  23. Welsh Sheepdog vs Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  24. Welsh Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  25. Welsh Sheepdog vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  26. Shiloh Shepherd vs Irish Mastiff Hound - Breed Comparison
  27. Irish Mastiff Hound vs Great Dane - Breed Comparison
  28. Newfoundland Dog vs Irish Mastiff Hound - Breed Comparison
  29. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Irish Mastiff Hound - Breed Comparison
  30. Leonberger vs Irish Mastiff Hound - Breed Comparison
  31. Irish Wolfhound vs Irish Mastiff Hound - Breed Comparison
  32. Mountain Burmese vs Irish Mastiff Hound - Breed Comparison
  33. Pyrenean Mastiff vs Irish Mastiff Hound - Breed Comparison
  34. Moscow Watchdog vs Irish Mastiff Hound - Breed Comparison
  35. Nebolish Mastiff vs Irish Mastiff Hound - Breed Comparison
  36. Scottish Deerhound vs Irish Mastiff Hound - Breed Comparison
  37. Irish Mastiff Hound vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  38. Irish Mastiff Hound vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  39. Irish Mastiff Hound vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  40. Irish Mastiff Hound vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  41. Irish Mastiff Hound vs Alaunt - Breed Comparison
  42. Irish Mastiff Hound vs Bully Kutta - Breed Comparison
  43. Irish Mastiff Hound vs Alangu Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  44. Irish Mastiff Hound vs Francais Blanc et Orange - Breed Comparison
  45. Irish Mastiff Hound vs Gaddi Kutta - Breed Comparison
  46. Irish Mastiff Hound vs Billy - Breed Comparison
  47. Irish Mastiff Hound vs Bisben - Breed Comparison
  48. Irish Mastiff Hound vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds