List of Welsh breeds facts for kids

Wales is a country known for its beautiful landscapes and rich history. It's also home to many special animal breeds! These animals have been developed over hundreds of years to suit the Welsh environment and help people with different tasks. Some are beloved pets, while others are important for farming.

This article will tell you about some of the unique dogs, cows, sheep, pigs, geese, and horses that come from Wales. You'll learn about their history, what makes them special, and where they come from.

Dogs from Wales

Wales has given us some amazing dog breeds, many of which were originally bred for working on farms or for hunting.

Welsh Corgis

There are two main types of Welsh Corgis, both famous for their short legs and friendly personalities:

• Cardigan Welsh Corgi: This breed comes from the area of Ceredigion. It was officially recognized as a separate breed from the Pembroke Corgi in 1935. Today, it's considered a vulnerable native breed, meaning there aren't many of them left.
• Pembroke Welsh Corgi: Originating from Pembrokeshire, this Corgi was also recognized separately in 1935. Unlike the Cardigan, the Pembroke Corgi is not considered vulnerable. They are very popular worldwide!

A Cardigan Welsh Corgi, known for its tail.

A Pembroke Welsh Corgi, often seen without a tail.

Sealyham Terrier

The Sealyham Terrier is a small, strong dog that was first bred in 1908 at Sealyham House in Pembrokeshire. These brave little dogs were originally used for hunting small animals. They are now a vulnerable native breed.

A Sealyham Terrier.

Welsh Sheepdog

The Welsh Sheepdog has been around since ancient times in Wales. These dogs are super smart and were bred to help farmers move sheep around the hills. The Welsh Sheepdog Society was started in 1997 to help protect and promote this working breed.

The Welsh Sheepdog comes in many different colors.

Welsh Springer Spaniel

This beautiful red and white dog is thought to be related to hunting dogs from the Middle Ages in Wales. The Welsh Springer Spaniel was officially recognized in 1902. They are known for being friendly and active, but they are also a vulnerable native breed.

A Welsh Springer Spaniel.

Welsh Terrier

The Welsh Terrier has roots going back to the 13th century! They were first bred in Pwllheli and are known for their lively and confident personalities. The first club for this breed was formed in 1885. Luckily, they are not a vulnerable breed today.

A Welsh Terrier.

Extinct Welsh Dog Breeds

Sadly, some Welsh dog breeds have disappeared over time. The Old Welsh Grey Sheepdog was known to exist in 1994 but is now thought to be extinct. The Welsh Hillman is another breed that likely died out around 1990.

Farm Animals from Wales

Wales is famous for its farming, especially for its sheep and cattle. Many unique breeds of farm animals have been developed here.

Cattle

Cows from Wales are known for being hardy and well-suited to the Welsh landscape.

Welsh Black Cattle

The Welsh Black cattle are a very old breed, with ancestors dating back to before Roman times! They are a mix of two types: a stocky beef type from North Wales and a more dairy-like type from South Wales. Over the last 90 years, these two types have been bred together to form the modern Welsh Black cattle. They are now considered an endangered native breed in Wales.

Welsh Black cattle are known for their hardiness.

Vaynol Cattle

The Vaynol cattle breed started in 1872 near Bangor. These cows are one of the rarest cattle breeds in the entire UK! Most of them are owned and looked after by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, an organization that helps protect rare farm animals.

Vaynol cattle are very rare.

Glamorgan Cattle

The Glamorgan cattle breed was thought to have died out in the 1920s. But in 1979, a small herd was discovered! These special cows were bought by Margam Country Park and still live there today, helping to bring the breed back.

Glamorgan cattle were once thought to be extinct.

Sheep

Sheep are a huge part of Welsh farming, and many unique breeds have developed in its hills and valleys.

Badger Face Welsh Mountain Sheep

This breed has been around since at least the Middle Ages. They are a type of Welsh Mountain sheep with distinctive markings that look a bit like a badger's face!

A Badger Face Welsh Mountain sheep.

Balwen Welsh Mountain Sheep

The Balwen Welsh Mountain sheep existed before 1947 and comes from the Tywi valley. They have a unique look with a black body and white markings on their face, legs, and tail. The Welsh Mountain Sheep Society was formed in 1985 to help this breed.

A Balwen Welsh Mountain ewe with her lamb.

Black Welsh Mountain Sheep

These sheep have also been around since the Middle Ages. They were specially bred in the 19th century to create the distinct black breed we see today.

A Black Welsh Mountain sheep.

Beulah Speckled Face Sheep

The Beulah Speckled-Face Sheep Society was founded in 1958. These sheep come from the hills around Eppynt, Llanafan, Abergwesyn, and Llanwrtyd Wells. They are known for their speckled faces.

Beulah Speckled Face sheep.

Kerry Hill Sheep

The Kerry Hill sheep has been recognized as a distinct breed since 1809, with its first official book published in 1899. They come from Kerry, Powys and are known for their striking black and white markings on their face and legs.

A Kerry Hill sheep.

Llanwenog Sheep

The Llanwenog sheep were created in the late 19th century by crossing local black-faced hill breeds with Shropshire sheep in West Wales. The Llanwenog Breed Society was formed in 1957. These sheep are now common across the UK.

Llanwenog sheep.

Lleyn Sheep

The Lleyn sheep were likely bred from Irish Roscommon sheep in the early 19th century. They come from the Llŷn Peninsula in Northwest Wales. In the 1960s, there were only seven pure-bred flocks, but by 2006, there were over 1000 pure breeders in the UK, showing a great comeback for the breed!

Lleyn sheep.

Welsh Mountain Sheep

This is the most common type of sheep found throughout Wales. They are incredibly hardy and well-adapted to living in the Welsh mountains.

A White Welsh Mountain sheep.

Pig

Welsh Pig

The Welsh pig has been known in Wales for a very long time, with records going back centuries. Special breeding programs started in the 1950s to develop this breed further. In 1981, there were 1,341 registered Welsh pigs.

Welsh pigs.

Goose

Brecon Buff Goose

The Brecon Buff Goose is a special type of goose that was first bred in 1928 by Rhys Llewelyn on a farm in Breconshire. It was officially recognized in 1934. These geese are known for their beautiful buff (light brown) color.

A pair of Brecon Buff Geese.

Horse

Welsh Pony and Cob

The Welsh Pony and Cob is a very old breed of horse, existing even before Roman times! They are known for being strong, hardy, and intelligent. The Welsh Pony and Cob Society was founded in 1901 to protect and promote these wonderful horses. In 1913, there were 574 registered. This breed includes several different types, from small ponies to larger cobs.

A Welsh Pony and Cob, Section D.