Sheepdog society
Sheepdog society
takes to the ring
Welsh Sheepdogs, once
common, have declined in
numbers over the years. But
they are set for a resurgence
ONE of the more unusual main ring attractions will be a display by members of the Welsh Sheepdog Society. It will feature five shepherds on horseback, their dogs and a shearing trailer. The dogs will be used to isolate unshorn ewes included among a flock of 150. These will be picked up by Llanwrtyd Wells farmer Brian Watkins and carried across the saddle of his pony Pickles to be hand sheared on the trailer.
"It should be fun, but will also bring the breed to the notice of a very large number of farmers," says organiser, Derek Morgan. "We have done smaller demonstrations in the cattle rings for the past two years, but this is moving into the big time."
Mr Morgan, who farms at Llangurig, in Powys, and chairs the Farmers Union of Waless hill farming committee, is one of 150 registered members of the Society. This was formed in 1997 to save the indigenous working dog of Wales from almost certain extinction.
In the mid 19th Century numbers were strong enough to send many dogs with the Welsh settlers who emigrated to Patagonia on the Mimosa. Even 60 years ago the breed was still working on many farms, but cross breeding accelerated the decline of the breed.
The powerful, rather brash Welsh dual-purpose cattle and sheep dog lost ground to the more refined talents of the border collie. But as fewer people shepherd the uplands there is growing demand for brave, very energetic dogs that bark on demand and can gather and drive very large bunches of sheep.
The Welsh Sheepdog is described as loose-eyed, which means it does not have the intense concentration needed for trial work, but it has the brawn and endurance to do a good job in the roughest hill conditions.
The breeds historical pedigree is remarkable. In the 13th and 14th centuries it was the first choice of the hard men who drove large herds of cattle on stamina sapping journeys from Wales to the English midlands. On return trips the dogs were the ferocious guardians of the money made.
When the society was formed a team of inspectors identified 80 dogs out of 200 presented as foundation stock for rebuilding the breed. A strict puppy licensing procedure is now in place. Some interested farmers have been confused by the variety of acceptable coat colours. Many think of a distinctive red coat as typical of the breed, but the range includes black and tan and blue merle.
Puppies now sell for £50 to £100, and trained dogs can make close to £1000. Society members believe that the Royal Welsh Show will further stimulate already growing demand.
"Emigrating Welsh farmers took the breed to many other countries and the search is on there for new blood lines that will consolidate the breeds long-term future as working farm dogs," says chairman, Huw Thomas. "The structure is now in place to ensure that only the best registered breeding stock are used, and there is no disputing the enthusiasm of breeders and potential customers."
Derek Morgan says the demonstration will bring the breed to the notice
of a large number of farmers.
Breed examples; left: David Richards mixed-coloured litter. Above:Brian Evans Ben.