Welsh Terrier vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

Welsh Terrier vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed ComparisonWelsh Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Istrian Sheepdog is originated from Slovenia. Welsh Terrier may grow 24 cm / 9 inches shorter than Istrian Sheepdog. Welsh Terrier may weigh 30 kg / 66 pounds lesser than Istrian Sheepdog. Both Welsh Terrier and Istrian Sheepdog has almost same life span. Both Welsh Terrier and Istrian Sheepdog has almost same litter size. Both Welsh Terrier and Istrian Sheepdog requires Moderate maintenance.

History

welsh terrier - historyOriginating in Wales and bred to hunt the Welsh Terrier might be the oldest dog breed from the U.K. still in existence today. They were bred to hunt badgers, rodents, and fox. Today however they are mostly bred for show and companionship.

There are only two breeds of terrier that are native to the country of Wales, the Welsh and the Black and Tan Rough Terrier. It is believed that the Welsh Terrier was descended from that Black and Tan Rough Terrier in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Welsh Terrier was separated out as a separate breed in the late 1700s.

This breed was hunting with the Otterhounds of Wales and was called a Ynysfor. At the same time their was a breed in England, the Old English Broken Haired Terrier. Both breeds were incredibly alike and once the Ynysfor or Welsh Terrier was recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1886. When shown together they were considered the same breed.

Even though all these dogs from Wales and England were considered to be Welsh Terriers, the breed was not recognized until 1886. It is currently on the list of threatened breeds, with only 300 puppies registered every year. They were the 45th breed to be recognized by the English Kennel Club and the AKC. They are recognized by 14 clubs and registries.

istrian sheepdog - historyKnown also as the Karst Sheepdog, the beautiful, medium sized Istrian Sheepdog hails from Slovenia, Yugoslavia in the 1600s, being used to guard sheep. In fact, the Karst Shepherd was recognized as the Illyrian Shepherd in 1939.

The dog is fairly scarce in his own country, but interest in the dog started developing in the late 1970s. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes the breed and it has also been exported to the United States, being recognized by the United Kennel Club.

It is also recognized by a number of smaller kennel clubs. The dogs numbers have declined at certain periods in its history but fortunately breeding programs boosted its numbers.

Description

welsh terrier puppy - descriptionThe Welsh Terrier is a medium sized breed that is compact and sturdy. They had docked tails in the past, but the practice is now illegal in the U.K. The dog is about as long as it is tall. The head and face are elongated with a beard and whiskers. Females are smaller than males, but both are compact and sturdy.

Eyes are almond shaped, dark brown and small. The ears are small and V shaped. They should not be thin. The muzzle is square and strong with a black nose. The lips are tight and they are also black.

They have a double coat with is rugged and wiry on top and the undercoat is insulative and softer. The coat is waterproof and protects from wind and dirt as well. The puppies are all black until about 9 months when they become black and tan. The legs, head and underbelly are tan, with a black saddle.

The Welsh Terrier has wiry hair on the legs, muzzle and quarters. The hair is very dense in the top coat. Their gait and movement is straight, effortless and free.

istrian sheepdog puppy - descriptionThis is a medium sized, muscled, strong dog with an iron-grey coat that has shades of deeper grey. His beautiful coat is long, thick and fairly harsh to the touch, with the undercoat protecting the dog against cold weather.

Around the neck area the hair is longer, forming an eye-catching-like mane. The stomach area has longer hair too. He has a noble look about him with kind, brown eyes and a round skull. The muzzle of the dog is dark, the limbs long and muscular and the tail is long and covered in thick fur.

The dog is slightly longer than its height, and both males and females stand at 54 to 63cm in height and weigh between 26 and 40kg. The long tail reaches right down to the hocks. The ears of the dog are fairly short and are floppy.

Temperament:

This dog has always made an excellent guard dog, being alert and also being distrustful of strangers. He will need to be trained and socialized if you want him to be obedient to you and more amicable around children in the home as well as visitors to the home.

If he is trained and well socialized, he is able to make a good pet. However, he is an energetic dog, used to working and he isn't recommended for life in the city if there is only a tiny garden. He needs space and will require a large garden.

He will also need to be exercised and not just left to his own devices in the backyard. Because he is essentially a working dog he doesn’t easily fit into the role of pet and companion. He is a working dog and will need to be kept busy.

Characteristics

welsh terrier dog - characteristics1Children friendliness – The Welsh Terrier is good with kids and will follow them anywhere. They do want to play with the children by tugging on them and could cause a young child to fall. They can learn to play gently with small children.

2.Special talents – they love to swim.

3.Adaptability – They do fine in smaller indoor spaces as long as they have a robust exercise routine daily. They will be active indoors.

4.Learning ability -They are very smart, independent thinkers as can been seen by their ability to learn to play gently with small children. They need plenty of socialization early in life

istrian sheepdog dog - characteristicsYour Istrian Sheepdog is a unique, strong-willed dog that is used to guarding, and working and he wants to be kept involved and busy.

He is wary of strangers and makes an excellent guard dog for any family home. Remember that it is never good to invest in a dog purely for guard dog purposes. A dog such as the Istrian Sheepdog is a social creature and he also wants- and needs to be part of a human family that provides him with plenty of interaction with them.

The Istrian Sheepdog is a loyal, loving dog who is capable of forming strong bonds with his human family. With proper training and socialization he makes a good friend of children and the elderly too.

Include him in all your family activities just like any human family member and he will make you a splendid, courageous pet.

Health Problems

Health Problems

welsh terrier puppies - health problemsThe Welsh Terrier is a fairly healthy hunting dog, though they do have some health issues.

  • Skin irritations and allergies

• Onychodystrophy – Nails grow weak and are very brittle. They can break easily and cause pain, irritation and even infections.

• Primary lens luxation – causes secondary glaucoma which can cause blindness.

• If hunting, they are exposed to hunting injuries and should be checked over well after a field adventure, whether hunting or in field trials.

istrian sheepdog puppies - health problemsAs with many other dog breeds, the Istrian Sheepdog is a healthy dog that, because of history of hard work, is robust and able to stand up well to common dog illnesses.

However there is one dog illness that strikes many dogs and at any age, and it is hip dysplasia. This is a malformation of the hip joints.

You'll notice that your once active dog is lethargic, doesn't want to play so much anymore and battles to get up after lying down. The disease is painful for your dog and it can lead to mobility issues. The disease is diagnosed with x-rays and your vet will recommend treatment options to make life more comfortable and less painful for your beloved pet.

Caring The Pet

welsh terrier dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy – the breed is prone towards obesity so do not overfeed wither the puppy or the adult. Watch the calorie level and make sure they get high quality, high protein feed meant for the breed or for medium sized dogs. Feed the puppies small amount 3-4 times per day.

2.Feeding the adult - the breed is prone towards obesity so do not overfeed wither the puppy or the adult. Watch the calorie level and make sure they get high quality, high protein feed meant for the breed or for medium sized dogs. Feed the adult at least 2 times per day.

3.Points for Good Health stamina

4. Games and Exercises Full of energy and requiring a routine outlet for that energy, the Welsh Terrier is an active dog. Just running around a fenced yard all day will not be enough physical and mental stimulation for them. If bored they can get into trouble. They need a job or a challenge. They love to swim and they love to chase. They do well in agility, field trials and barnhunt.

Exercise:

istrian sheepdog dogs - caringThis is a dog that is used to guarding his flock and he will need to be in a home that has a fair sized garden. He can adapt to life in the city or to the countryside, but wherever he is, he will need sufficient exercise. Take him with you on your walks or hikes and give him some rope- and ball games.

General Care:

Wherever you live in the world, when the Winter winds howl and blow in icy rain or snow, a dog is at an increased risk of illness. You decided to have a dog in your home and it is your responsibility to care for him. Winter weather is downright unpleasant and dangerous for most pets.

Bring your pet in during such weather and provide him with a warm, dry sleeping space. During hot weather, make sure your pet has a cool, shady spot to lie down in, out of the boiling sun. Whatever weather you're experiencing, your pet should never ever be without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Provide him with excellent food that is full of vitamins and minerals to keep him healthy. Learn to know what human foods can be toxic for him and cause him digestive problems.

Grooming:

Your double coated Istrian Sheepdog will need a thorough brushing at least twice a week because of his dense, double coat. He does shed and isn't a hypoallergenic dog. His thick coat can tangle easily if it isn't properly brushed and maintained.

Clip his nails when and if they grow long. Other grooming aspects for this attractive dog require checking his ears for infection and also checking his teeth as dental disease can lead to a host of serious illnesses in your dog.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Working dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
Slovenia
Height Male:
35 - 39 cm
13 - 16 inches
54 - 63 cm
21 - 25 inches
Height Female:
33 - 37 cm
12 - 15 inches
54 - 63 cm
21 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
9 - 10 kg
19 - 23 pounds
26 - 40 kg
57 - 89 pounds
Weight Female:
8 - 9 kg
17 - 20 pounds
26 - 40 kg
57 - 89 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
3 - 6
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Welshie Black-and-Tan Wire Haired Terrier • Old English Terrier • Old English Wire Haired Black-and-Tan Terrier • Welsh Black-and-Tan Rough-Coated Terrier
Karst Sheepdog
Colors Available:
black and tan and grizzle with a black jacket
Dark and Light shades of Grey
Coat:
The coat is double with a soft undercoat and a wiry, hard, dense outer coat with bushy eyebrows, mustache and beard.
Long, thick and harsh
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Playful, Stubborn
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Hard
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Welsh Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Welsh Terrier vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Welsh Terrier vs Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  4. Welsh Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Welsh Terrier vs Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Welsh Terrier vs Bull and Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Welsh Terrier vs Bedlington Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Welsh Terrier vs Irish Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Welsh Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  10. Welsh Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Welsh Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  12. Welsh Terrier vs Lakeland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Welsh Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. Welsh Terrier vs Jagdterrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Welsh Terrier vs Blue Paul Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Welsh Terrier vs Indian Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Welsh Terrier vs Irish Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Welsh Terrier vs Japanese Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Welsh Terrier vs Brazilian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Welsh Terrier vs Old English Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Welsh Terrier vs Scoland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Welsh Terrier vs Skye Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Welsh Terrier vs Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Welsh Terrier vs Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Welsh Terrier vs Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Sakhalin Husky vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  27. Portuguese Water Dog vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  28. Puli vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  29. McNab vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  30. Porcelaine vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  31. Hokkaido vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  32. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  33. Pumi vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  34. Istrian Sheepdog vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  35. Istrian Sheepdog vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  36. Istrian Sheepdog vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  37. Istrian Sheepdog vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  38. Istrian Sheepdog vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  39. Istrian Sheepdog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  40. Istrian Sheepdog vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  41. Istrian Sheepdog vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  42. Istrian Sheepdog vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  43. Istrian Sheepdog vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  44. Istrian Sheepdog vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  45. Istrian Sheepdog vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  46. Istrian Sheepdog vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  47. Istrian Sheepdog vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  48. Istrian Sheepdog vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  49. Istrian Sheepdog vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  50. Istrian Sheepdog vs Canaan Dog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds