The Welsh Sheepdog (sometimes known as the Welsh Collie) is a breed or landrace of herding dog from Wales, known in Welsh as Ci Defaid Cymreig ("kee devide kumrayg"). Over many decades it has been widely replaced in Wales for working sheep by the Border Collie, but in more recent years efforts have been made to maintain the indigenous Welsh Sheepdog as a distinct type.Like other types of working dog, Welsh Sheepdogs are normally bred for their herding abilities rather than appearance, and so they are generally somewhat variable in build, colour, and size. Welsh Sheepdogs are usually black-and-white, red-and-white, or tricolour, but merle markings are also frequent over any of these. The coat may be short or fairly long, and the ears are pricked, but usually folded at the tip. They are extremely active, and are unsuited to being kept as pets.
Welsh Sheepdogs are usually of loose-eyed action, not fixing the stock with their gaze like the strong-eyed Border Collie. They are able to work independently without necessarily being under direct human control. Welsh Sheepdogs are most often used for herding sheep, but also readily work cattle, goats, and even horses and pigs.
