The Welsh Hillman, an extinct breed of herding dogs, was native to Wales in the United Kingdom and existed until the late 20th century. These large dogs were primarily used for droving and herding livestock.
Characterized by a white chest, pricked ears, and long, slender limbs, the Welsh Hillman had white fur on their chest, legs, and tail tip.
Origin & History
The Welsh Hillman breed is thought to have descended from ancient Welsh herding dogs. According to ancestral accounts, this breed is a descendent of the ‘Welsh Wolfhounds’ or ‘Old Gellgi’ that were used about 1,000 years ago. Some even claim that these dogs were later crossbred with North African herding breeds.
Extinction of the Welsh Hillman
The Welsh Hillman became extinct in the late 20th century due to its reduced usage and lack of preservation. In 1948, the breed was declared nearly extinct, and subsequently, it was seldom used as a herding dog. The last known dog of this breed, named ‘Jess,’ was acquired in 1974 from a hill farm near Hay-on-Wye.
Jess was purchased by renowned author and broadcaster Jeanine McMullen. However, she spayed her dog before realizing that the breed was on the brink of extinction. Jess passed away around 1990, marking the extinction of the breed.
Temperament, Behavior, & Personality
The Welsh Hillman was known for its affectionate, intelligent, and active temperament. Bred for herding, these dogs were trained to behave appropriately around sheep and cattle.
These brave and energetic dogs were so protective of livestock that they wouldn’t shy away from defending them against wild animals. They were also capable of independently herding and safely returning livestock.
Child-Friendliness
Yes, the Welsh Hillman was a very child-friendly breed. Like other Welsh herding dogs, these gentle dogs were well-behaved around children. Once they formed a close bond, these dogs could spend an entire day playing with kids. Their herding instincts drove them to be protective of their young friends, making them an excellent fit for families with children.
Interesting Facts
– The Welsh Hillman is the oldest Welsh sheepdog breed.
– These dogs were occasionally found with a blue merle body coat.
– Ancient Welsh people described this breed as fast and fearless.
Colors
The Welsh Hillman was found in the following colors:
– Light Fawn
– Sandy
– Red-Gold
**Size**
The height of the Welsh Hillman ranged between 20-22 inches (51-56 cm), and they weighed about 35-55 pounds (16-25 kg).
Puppies
On average, a Welsh Hillman mother would give birth to 3-10 puppies at a time.
