Welsh Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison

The Golden retriever originated in 1800s at Scotland by a British aristocrat. The British lords in the Scotland were very much interested in hunting. For hunting purposes they needed an excellent hunting dog. As the result Golden retriever originated as a brave and beautiful dog.

The 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.

The Golden retriever always gets in the top ten ranking in USA. They are very intelligent and beautiful. Also they are very active and they take more years to mature as they like being silly and playful. Up-to four years they seem to play like a puppy. As the breed is set in for hunting waterfowl and ducks, they need a regular exercise such as walking or running. They love to roam in the yard and run in the beach.

They love to be always with his master and so it will be inside the home. They can be involved in doing regular home activities. Their characteristic is not to be a watchdog, as it barks when a stranger comes and after that they love to make friendship with him. They don't like to spend time alone and hence love to make new friends. When you think of buying a golden retriever puppy you should check whether the breeder is a reputable breeder.They must be well trained for a good result. When bringing it to many different areas they will gain more knowledge and intelligence. The nails can be trimmed at a regular interval which will be good for the foot of your dog.

Bred 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.

Children friendliness

They love so much to play and spend time with children.

Special talents

The Golden retriever has a good energy which helps them to be a great hunting dog.

Adaptability

They have a high sensitivity level and will enjoy moderate weather. They don't like apartment life as they love to roam freely and explore new areas.

Learning ability

They also have a high intelligence and so learns tricks very quickly. They love to hold something in mouth and run.

Characteristics

1Children 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

As the golden retriever gains weight very easily, they should not be overfed. They are prone to get cancer, hip dysplasia, heart problems, eye defects and skin allergies.

Hair fall

The golden retriever sheds hair profusely. The shedding can be reduced by brushing 3 times a week as it will remove the dead hair.Mild shampoo containing omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids must be used so that it will prevent hair fall and provides healthy skin and fur. The hair can be trimmed but it should not be shaved as the pet will get problems during winter. Adding a drop of olive oil in the dog food will reduce shedding.

Usually 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.

Feeding the puppy

The puppy should be fed 3 times a day and it should be morning 7 and noon and evening within 6. They should not be fed after 6pm and should not be given water after 7pm as to make them a perfect watchdog. Peas, potatoes and flaxseed provide nutrition for them. Chicken fat is good for their skin. Chicory root and chelated minerals are good for their health.

Feeding the adult

The Golden retriever can be fed by normal nutritious and proteins content food as they will gain much energy for them.

Points for Good Health

As the golden retriever has chances of getting bone problems they should not overfed.

Games and Exercises

They are having high energy levels and hence they require playing for 2 hours daily. The breed was set in for sporting and hunting and so it likes to play, run and jog.

Caring for Dog

1Feeding 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.