Welsh Sheepdog vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

Welsh Sheepdog vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed ComparisonCroatian Sheepdog is originated from Croatia but Welsh Sheepdog is originated from United Kingdom. Both Croatian Sheepdog and Welsh Sheepdog are having almost same height. Both Croatian Sheepdog and Welsh Sheepdog are having almost same weight. Both Croatian Sheepdog and Welsh Sheepdog has same life span. Croatian Sheepdog may have less litter size than Welsh Sheepdog. Croatian Sheepdog requires Moderate Maintenance. But Welsh Sheepdog requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Herding dogs
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Croatia
United Kingdom
Height Male:
40 - 53 cm
15 - 21 inches
51 - 56 cm
20 - 23 inches
Height Female:
40 - 53 cm
15 - 21 inches
48 - 54 cm
18 - 22 inches
Weight Male:
13 - 20 kg
28 - 45 pounds
16 - 25 kg
35 - 56 pounds
Weight Female:
13 - 20 kg
28 - 45 pounds
14 - 22 kg
30 - 49 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
5 - 10
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Hrvatski Ovkars
welsh collie
Colors Available:
Black
blue merle and tricolored Black and white • Red and white
Coat:
Medium length, wavy or curly
soft undercoat short to moderately long, and it can be coarse or soft.
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social
Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Protective, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Hard
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

croatian sheepdogKnown also as Hrvatski Ovkars, the black Croatian Sheepdog has been in Croatia since the 7th century already. He was brought to the region by Croats who wanted a strong working dog.

Over the centuries, the dog hasn’t changed much in looks, and in 1935 a breeding program for the dog was developed. A certain Dr. Romic started the program with 3 dogs, and the work he did with the dogs saw that the Croatian Sheepdog got official recognition a few decades later.

In March 1968, the Yugoslav Kennel Club adopted the breed standard, and since then, several kennels recognize the Croatian Sheepdog. The dog is still not known particularly well outside their own county, but in Croatia it is essentially known as a companion dog.

welsh sheepdogThe 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.

Description

croatian sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe Croatian Sheepdog is a medium sized, muscular dog which stands roughly 40 – 53cm at the withers and weighs 13 to 20kg. The head is wedge shaped and lean and he has brown to black colored eyes.

The triangular-shaped ears are medium sized and semi-erect or erect. The tail of the dog is often docked, but if not it is set high and is inclined to curl over the back.

The dog is nearly always black although you’ll find a few white hairs on the throat or chest or on the legs and toes. The double coat is of medium length, being wavy or even slightly curly.

Temperament:

The Croatian Sheepdog is an athletic, alert dog and he has high energy levels, loving to be put to work or to be busy with one or other activity. He fits in well as a family pet and gets on well with children and pets in the home, but he is going to need plenty of exercise and games.

This particular dog won’t do well with a family of couch potatoes as he craves lots of activities. He will certainly benefit from training and socialization, and because he is intelligent he learns easily and then he is obedient and ready to please.

He is a dominant, confident dog who thrives on attention from his human family. He isn’t a dog you can just stick in the backyard as he is social and craves activity and attention. He is wary of strangers and makes an excellent watchdog.

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.

Characteristics

croatian sheepdog dog - characteristicsThe Croatian Sheepdog isn’t a demanding dog, although he will be relying on you to give him plenty of exercise. He wants to please and will fit into life in the city or life in the country, so long as he gets regular exercise.

It doesn’t take much to keep the Croatian Sheepdog happy and content, and when he thrusts his wet nose into your hand and you see his wagging tail, you’ll know its all been worth it to give this pet the best as he gives you his undivided love and loyalty.

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

Health Problems

croatian sheepdog puppies - health problemsThe Croatian Sheepdog is a healthy dog breed. He is the kind of pet that won’t cost you a lot of money because he is low maintenance. In fact he is a dog which has developed resistance to many diseases.

With good food, exercise and love and care he won’t cost you much in terms of vet’s fees. He can live to be 12 to 15 years of age.

Even though he is a healthy kind of dog, there are some dog illnesses that you will want to be aware of such as bloat and eye problems. Also if you aren’t going to let him become a parent, then spaying or neutering your Croatian Shepherd will have numerous health benefits for him.

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.

Caring The Pet

croatian sheepdog dogs - caringThe Croatian Sheepdog has always been a working dog and is regarded as a hardy, low maintenance dog. He will require minimal grooming so a good brush twice a week will suffice.

Diet:

There are excellent and convenient dog foods on the market which have been specifically manufactured to ensure your dog gets all the vitamins and minerals he needs for health and energy. Stick to the feeding instructions on the label so that he maintains his lean, muscular body.

Raw meat can be expensive, but it will be to his benefit if you can include some raw meat into his kibble every now and then. If you are unsure in any way as to how to feed your dog, your vet can give you good advice on a food that caters for his age and his activity levels. Always make sure that he has a fresh bowl of water available.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

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  26. Croatian Sheepdog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Croatian Sheepdog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
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  29. Croatian Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Croatian Sheepdog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Croatian Sheepdog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Croatian Sheepdog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Croatian Sheepdog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Croatian Sheepdog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Croatian Sheepdog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Croatian Sheepdog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Croatian Sheepdog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Croatian Sheepdog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Croatian Sheepdog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Croatian Sheepdog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Croatian Sheepdog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Croatian Sheepdog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Croatian Sheepdog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Croatian Sheepdog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Croatian Sheepdog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Croatian Sheepdog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Croatian Sheepdog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Croatian Sheepdog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Croatian Sheepdog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Croatian Sheepdog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison