Welsh Sheepdog vs Norfolk Terrier - Breed Comparison

Welsh Sheepdog vs Norfolk Terrier - Breed ComparisonBoth Welsh Sheepdog and Norfolk Terrier are originated from United Kingdom. Welsh Sheepdog may grow 30 cm / 12 inches higher than Norfolk Terrier. Welsh Sheepdog may weigh 19 kg / 42 pounds more than Norfolk Terrier. Both Welsh Sheepdog and Norfolk Terrier has same life span. Welsh Sheepdog may have more litter size than Norfolk Terrier. Welsh Sheepdog requires Low maintenance. But Norfolk Terrier 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.

norfolk terrier - historyIt was in the 1880s that a working terrier was developed in eastern England. The Norfolk Terrier was developed by crossing local terrier-like dogs with the Irish Terrier breed as well as small red terriers.

Known first as the Cantab Terrier and then later as the Trumpington Terrier, the name changed further but in 1932, the Norwich was accepted into the English Kennel Club and the first written standard was created.

The Norfolk Terrier was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1979. It has gained recognition as an independent breed but is a variety of the Norwich Terrier, distinguished from it by having floppy ears and not erect ears. Both the Norfolk- and Norwich are the smallest of the working terriers.

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.

norfolk terrier puppy - descriptionThe Norfolk Terrier is a small purebred dog, standing at 23 to 25cm in height and weighing roughly between 4.5kg and 6kg. The dog has a wire-haired coat which can be in different colors such as wheaten, red, black and grey or grizzle.

The hair on his head and ears is shorter and smoother and he has longer whiskers and eyebrows. The chest is deep, the front legs are short and straight and the tail has always been docked to half its length but left long these days. The tail is set high and carried erect.

Temperament:

Norfolks are feisty, fearless dogs with an independent streak. They’re gentle though, and when it comes to being a companion dog, they get on well with children and other pets. They thrive on their human family’s companionship and wouldn’t do well at all if they were constantly left outside.

They’re not yappy dogs but will bark occasionally so he can sound the alarm if strangers approach.

This little dog is able to live in the city or the countryside, but just because he is little, you can’t neglect his exercise needs. He will most certainly need to be exercised every day and taken for walks as he is an energetic, lively dog. He is intelligent too and easy to train and socialize, turning him into such an obedient, pleasurable pet.

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

norfolk terrier dog - characteristicsFearless and brave, the Norfolk Terrier promises to be a wonderful companion.

They're social, loving dogs and want to be part of the household. He is lively and active too and wants to be included in your walks and your games. He loves nothing more than to be running across a field after a ball.

They’re such amicable pets that they make great dogs for first-time dog owners. Let him into your heart and your home – he makes such a splendid pet – that once you’ve had one, you’ll realize you can never be without such a wonderful pet and companion again.

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.

norfolk terrier puppies - health problemsThe life expectancy of your Norfolk Terrier is 8 to 14 years, but there are some who have received excellent care and who have reached 17 years of age.

Just as with any other dog, they are prone to common dog illnesses, and these can include dental issues and mitral valve disease. They also are prone to hip dysplasia, and according to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) they are known for problematic hips.

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:

norfolk terrier dogs - caringThe Norfolk Terrier’s hard, wiry, straight coat requires being hand stripped about twice a year by hand or with a stripping knife. The paws will also need to be trimmed.

It is recommended to keep the hair short around the anus for hygienic purposes and the tail itself will need to be stripped.

The Norfolk doesn’t shed his coat naturally, and the hair keeps growing, making the dog uncomfortable and ungroomed looking. The dog will certainly need to have his hair kept away from around the eyes.

If you don’t want to strip your dog, there are people who take their dogs to professional groomers, but then this professional grooming makes it that the texture of the dog’s coat changes from wiry to soft.

Small dogs are prone to dental problems, so check your dog’s teeth regularly. A bad tooth can play havoc with your dogs general health.

Diet:

As with any other dog, the Norfolk Terrier will do well on high-quality kibble, specially formulated for small dog breeds. For a tasty treat, boil some chicken and vegetables such as sweet potato, carrots and spinach in a pot, chop them up and add to his kibble with some brown rice and pasta. A tiny bit of raw meat added in occasionally is all this little dog needs to stay healthy and content.

Don’t ‘treat’ him by giving him chocolates, chips and peanuts. You will upset his stomach. Dogs do best on simply, healthy, tasty diets such as mentioned above. Make sure he has a constant supply of fresh, cool water. 

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Terrier dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Height Male:
51 - 56 cm
20 - 23 inches
23 - 26 cm
9 - 11 inches
Height Female:
48 - 54 cm
18 - 22 inches
23 - 26 cm
9 - 11 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 25 kg
35 - 56 pounds
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 22 kg
30 - 49 pounds
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
1 - 5
Size:
Medium dog
Small dog
Other Names:
welsh collie
Norfolk
Colors Available:
blue merle and tricolored Black and white • Red and white
black and grey or grizzle, Wheaten, red
Coat:
soft undercoat short to moderately long, and it can be coarse or soft.
Wire-haired coat, straight and dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Protective, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Hard
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Rat Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Scottish Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Patterdale Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Norwich Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Norfolk Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Norfolk Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Norfolk Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  9. Norfolk Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Norfolk Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Norfolk Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Norfolk Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Norfolk Terrier vs Bull Terrier Miniature - Breed Comparison
  14. Norfolk Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Norfolk Terrier vs Feist - Breed Comparison
  16. Norfolk Terrier vs Manchester Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Norfolk Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Norfolk Terrier vs Miniature Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Norfolk Terrier vs Cesky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Norfolk Terrier vs Glen of Imaal Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Norfolk Terrier vs Chilean Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Norfolk Terrier vs Black and Tan Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Norfolk Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Norfolk Terrier vs Fell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Norfolk Terrier vs Lucas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Welsh Sheepdog vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  27. Welsh Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  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

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds