Welsh Sheepdog vs Scotch Collie - Breed Comparison

Welsh Sheepdog vs Scotch Collie - Breed ComparisonBoth Welsh Sheepdog and Scotch Collie are originated from United Kingdom. Both Welsh Sheepdog and Scotch Collie are having almost same height. Welsh Sheepdog may weigh 7 kg / 15 pounds lesser than Scotch Collie. Both Welsh Sheepdog and Scotch Collie has almost same life span. Both Welsh Sheepdog and Scotch Collie has almost same litter size. Welsh Sheepdog requires Low maintenance. But Scotch Collie 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.

scotch collie - historyThe landrace breed, which started in the highlands of Scotland is known as the Scotch Collie. There were at the time two types of collies – the Rough or long haired collie and the smooth or short haired collie. The Scotch Collie is considered to be from a line of very ancient herding dogs. It might have existed in the days of the Roman Empire, these herding dogs might have included the Native Celtic Dogs, Roman Cattle Dogs, Gordon Setter, Viking Herding Spitzes and Irish Setters.

In its native land the Scotch Collie is often called the colley dogs, coaly and cooley. Collie comes from the Scottish words for black coal – or the Coaley Sheep they herded. In addition to herding, the Scotch Collie also acted as a hunter and guard dog for its family. A large group of these collies were exported to America to work on family farms. Soon they were so popular they became family pets. They were first shown in both England and America in in the mid to late 1800’s.

The Scotch Collie Club was formed in 1885 and the breed accepted into the AKC the same year. The Collie Club of America started the following year. The AKC eventually dropped the moniker Scotch in favor or Rough and Smooth Collie. This move also separated the show dogs from the still working/herding Scotch Collies.

Aa time went on and the collie became more prominent in conformation competitions, some breeders mixed in the Greyhound and perhaps the Borzoi to get the collie we see today. The Scotch Collie itself eventually lost its independent recognition in the UKC and the NKC. It was mixed in with the English Shepard, but it was an important element in the development of the Australian Shepard, Shetland Sheepdogs and Border Collies.

The breed had a revival of sorts in the early 2000’s as the Old Time Scotch Collie. Any type of farm collie in America and Canada can be registered in the OTSCA. They are more often referred to as Old Time Farm Shepherds to avoid confusion them with the very popular collies. In 2017 there were 174 of these OTSCA dogs. Collies today have less working instincts, and the heeling instinct seems to be gone.

Today the show version of the Scotch Collie is recognized by both the AKC and UKC in the herding group.

It has been said of the Scotch Collie that they have “the majesty of a lion, the pride of a great thoroughbred stallion, the confidence of a Winston Churchill.”

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Herding dogs
Origin:
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Height Male:
51 - 56 cm
20 - 23 inches
53 - 61 cm
20 - 25 inches
Height Female:
48 - 54 cm
18 - 22 inches
47 - 56 cm
18 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 25 kg
35 - 56 pounds
21 - 32 kg
46 - 71 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 22 kg
30 - 49 pounds
18 - 27 kg
39 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
2 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
welsh collie
Farm Collie • Old Farm Collie
Colors Available:
blue merle and tricolored Black and white • Red and white
All colors and markings traditionally found on collies
Coat:
soft undercoat short to moderately long, and it can be coarse or soft.
double top harsh under soft
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Protective, Stubborn, Territorial
Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Responsive
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.

scotch collie puppy - descriptionThis Scotch Collie is an athletic, intelligent, well-balanced and alert dog. This collie has no exaggerated features like the long nose/muzzle of the current collies. This Scotch Collie is sound in mind and body, a hard working dog. He is hearty and versatile. They are longer than they are tall. Their heads are moderate and the stoop is well defined. They have a wide, flat skull. Their lips are tight and they are fitted well.

Their ears are also moderate in size and pointed or partially erect. They should not have long or droopy ears. They have eyes that might be oblique, almond, and round. The eyes are usually brown and merles may have blue eyes. The breed has a deep chest, broad shoulders and a long tail. There are also some bobtails that occur naturally.

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

1.Children friendliness - they are great with children.

2.Special talents agility and speed.

scotch collie dog - characteristics3.Adaptability - Scotch Collies are versatile and adaptable. There is no need to crate them as they are not destructive. If you have a large run or kennel, they can live anywhere. However they are happiest on farms and open lands.

4.Learning ability - They are very intelligent and open to learning.

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.

scotch collie puppies - health problemsThe old line breed was hearty with few health issues. The ones they did have included:

  • Musculoskeletal problems - can cause weakness or even some lameness.

• Skin problems - can have skin diseases like mange that may or may not be acute, may have allergies or sensitivities.

  • Bloat – can cause death if not treated quickly.

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.

scotch collie dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy - The Scotch Collie is not a medium dog nor is it a large dog. It is somewhere in-between. Because of this there is some discretion in not only how much you feed your puppy, but also what you feed. Normally we would feed according to breed size but here you need a high quality formula that is made for working breeds. The puppy will need enough calories to meet their high energy needs. Feed at least 3-4 times a day.

2.Feeding the adult - you need a high quality formula that is made for working breeds. The adult will need enough calories to meet their high energy needs. Feed at least 2 times a day.

3.Points for Good Health - stamina and athleticism.

4. Games and Exercises

There is a high need for exercise starting with walks or jog but that is not going to be enough. The Scotch Collie is not a Border Collie or a Corgi in terms of energy, but they are not couch potaoes. They need more than access to a yard. They need a job or they need defined exercise and play. The daily walk or jog will do it but intense play is better.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Scotch Collie vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
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  6. Scotch Collie vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  7. Scotch Collie vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  8. Scotch Collie vs Dutch Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  9. Scotch Collie vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  10. Scotch Collie vs English Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  11. Scotch Collie vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
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  26. Welsh Sheepdog vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
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  28. Welsh Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  29. Welsh Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  30. Welsh Sheepdog vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  31. Welsh Sheepdog vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  32. Welsh Sheepdog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  33. Welsh Sheepdog vs Dutch Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  34. Welsh Sheepdog vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  35. Welsh Sheepdog vs English Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  36. Welsh Sheepdog vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  37. Welsh Sheepdog vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  38. Welsh Sheepdog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  39. Welsh Sheepdog vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  40. Welsh Sheepdog vs Pyrenean Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  41. Welsh Sheepdog vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  42. Welsh Sheepdog vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  43. Welsh Sheepdog vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  44. Welsh Sheepdog vs Queensland Heeler - Breed Comparison
  45. Welsh Sheepdog vs German Coolie - Breed Comparison
  46. Welsh Sheepdog vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  47. Welsh Sheepdog vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  48. Welsh Sheepdog vs Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  49. Welsh Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  50. Welsh Sheepdog vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison

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