Given this is the heritage issue of Penarth View, we thought we’d take a look at the strong heritage of Welsh dog breeds. Most Welsh breeds have strong working drives, being bred by the Welsh gentry for hunting, herding and guarding purposes, and so tend to be energetic. As such, they’re best suited to homes that enjoy leading an active lifestyle.

These are just a few Welsh breeds, but when choosing a dog to join your family there are many breeds to choose from, including crossbreeds. This can seem quite overwhelming, and unfortunately many people are influenced by breeds that are fashionable but may not be the best choice for you and your family.

Choosing a breed for your home needs careful thought, so here are some things to consider:

• Do your research on the breed, or if they are a cross breed get as much background information from either the breeder or the re–homing centre.
• What is the temperament and energy levels of the breed, and do you have enough space for all that energy?
• How much will it cost to care for them over their lifetime and can you afford this?
• Is the breed predisposed to specific health issues and should you avoid it, or at least plan for the ongoing costs of veterinary care.

Welsh Springer Spaniel

I am slightly biased, as this breed is a favourite of mine, and I have always loved Springers. The Welsh Springer Spaniel is smaller than their English counterpart but larger than a Cocker Spaniel.

Their hallmark features are a more tapered nose than the English Springer Spaniel and a striking red and white coat. They are a versatile breed, being both an energetic working dog and also a very loving family pet.

Welsh Corgi

Did you know that Welsh Corgis can be further separated into two further breeds- the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi? They were originally cattle herding dogs and are one of the smallest breeds in this category of dog. Although the Pembroke and the Cardigan are very similar and likely from a shared ancestry, they seem to have different tales of origin. The Pembroke is seen more commonly, largely attributed to Queen Elizabeth II, but they have been a part of Welsh History for over 1,000 years.

Welsh Terrier

Although not common, they are thought to be one of the oldest purebred dogs still in existence in the UK. They require some patience when it comes to training, however they are a handsome breed with a cheeky personality, and can bring a lot of joy to family life.

Pets can bring so much joy to our lives, through love and companionship but a rushed decision may lead to regret, behaviour issues and at worst the need to re-home. If you want any help and advice on purchasing a new dog or which breed would be suitable for you, please contact a veterinary professional and make use the many resources online, from both The Dogs Trust and The Blue Cross.