7 Welsh Dog Breeds for Canine Fans

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Corgi means "dwarf dog" in Welsh. Of the two corgi types, the Pembroke is the most popular. They're in the top 20 breeds ranked by the AKC and have reached internet fame on social media. They have a rich history as versatile herding, guarding, and companion dogs. Their modern-day popularity also can be largely attributed to Queen Elizabeth II. She's an avid enthusiast of the breed.

Despite their short legs and squat appearance, Pembroke Corgis are a brilliant and energetic breed, making them good dog sports competitors. They can be wary of strangers and are sometimes territorial. They can be prolific shedders, so people with allergies might want to pass on this dog if deciding on a dog for the home.

Welsh Springer Spaniel

Welsh Springer Spaniels are close relatives of the more popular English Springer Spaniel. The distinctive red and white Welsh Springer was explicitly developed during the 18th century by gentry using hunting dogs on their estates. They're enthusiastic, driven, strong swimmers and have keen noses. They make great family dogs if you lead an active, outdoorsy lifestyle. These dogs need lots of exercise and enrichment, and they could be rather bouncy for a family with young children. Welshies form strong attachments to their people and become prone to separation anxiety if they are left alone for long stretches of the day.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The Cardigan Welsh corgi hails from the coastal Cardiganshire region of the country and was also prized for its herding and guarding qualities. Unlike its Pembroke corgi relatives, the Cardigan has a long, full tail, and they're also bigger and heavier set and come in more coat colors. Cardigans are affectionate and playful with their families, but they can be prolific barkers and wary around strangers. They are clever, food-orientated dogs, and most respond well to positive reinforcement training methods.

Welsh Terrier

The Welsh terrier is an old terrier breed that rose in popularity during the 18th century for being versatile, tenacious, determined vermin catchers. They were popular with hunters and farmers in the rugged Welsh countryside. These little dogs have big, spunky personalities and aren't the best choice for a novice dog owner, unless you're up for a challenge and will be dedicated to training. They are energetic, assertive, independent, and playful, requiring plenty of exercise and enrichment. They have a high prey drive and may not be suited to living with small furries.

Sealyham Terrier

Sealyhams, although once very popular, are now one of the rarest of all the terrier breeds. They were developed in the 19th century by the wealthy estate owner of Sealyham House in Wales, who wanted a small, tenacious, hardy dog that could support his otterhounds in flushing out pesky otters from their riverside lairs; they were depleting the rivers of fish.

They're an affectionate, playful, low-energy terrier with a low shedding coat. They exhibit typical terrier stubbornness, are prone to guarding behavior, and have a high prey drive. Their popularity soared in the United States in the mid-20th century when Hollywood celebrities, like Humphrey Bogart and Cary Grant, were Sealy owners. Over the years, their popularity has diminished, making them an endangered native breed.

Welsh Sheepdog

The Welsh sheepdog is a herding breed common to North and Central Wales. Unlike other herding dogs, they can work independently, without the guidance of a shepherd. They can corral sheep, goats, pigs, and horses over the Welsh countryside. Border collies have become popular in the region and have driven down the numbers of the breed. A unique quality of Welsh sheepdogs is that they are described as loose-eyed, not fixing the stock with their gaze like the strong-eyed border collie. Loose-eyed dogs control the herd with their presence rather than their intense, fixed stare. The Welsh Sheepdog Society formed in 1997 to resurrect the breed and keep the population healthy.

Welsh Hound

The Welsh hound is a native breed to the British Isles; it looks like an English foxhound. From medieval times through the early part of the 20th century, bards sang odes praising the hounds' qualities. The Welsh hound is a scent hunting dog that hunts in packs and has adapted to the rocky, mountainous terrain in Wales. It is fast, has endurance, and can almost "talk" by using specific vocalizations with the pack and the hunter. Although fox hunting is now banned, the breed still participates in drag hunting, a manufactured form of hunting (without killing a fox at the end). A calm and friendly breed, they also make good house pets. They are hard to train and require consistency and firm guidance but are extremely loyal, gentle, and tolerant with small children and other animals.