Overview
The Welsh Hillman was a herding landrace of Wales used for herding and droving. It may have been the oldest Welsh sheepdog.
It became uncommon in modern times and is thought to have died out around 1990.
History
It was thought to descend from ancient Welsh herding dogs, possibly the old gellgi or Welsh wolfhounds of about a thousand years ago. Some sources suggest crossing with North African dogs, without clear evidence.
By 1948 it was described as almost extinct. The last known dog, Jess, was bought in 1974 from a hill farm near Hay-on-Wye.
Appearance
A large but rangy dog up to about 64 cm tall, resembling a lighter German Shepherd, with pricked ears.
The coat was usually light fawn, sandy or red-gold with a black saddle, white chest, white legs and tail tip, and a blaze on the face. Blue merle was occasionally seen.
Temperament
Described as fast and fearless, it was a working dog with the stamina and drive for droving over hill country.
Care and exercise
The breed no longer exists, so there are no care needs today.
