Welsh Hillman facts for kids
| Origin | Wales |
|---|---|
| Breed status | Extinct |
| Notes | Considered extinct since 1990 |
| Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) | |
The Welsh Hillman was a special kind of dog from Wales. It was an old "landrace," which means it developed naturally over time in a certain area, rather than being carefully bred by people. These dogs were amazing at herding sheep and moving them long distances, a job called "droving." Sadly, this unique type of dog is thought to have become extinct around 1990.
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What Was the Welsh Hillman?
The Welsh Hillman was a very old type of herding dog from Wales. People believe it came from ancient Welsh herding dogs. It might even have been the oldest Welsh sheepdog! Some experts think it was a descendant of the "gellgi," or "Welsh wolfhounds," which were used about 1,000 years ago. These dogs were known for their speed and bravery.
How Did the Welsh Hillman Look?
The Welsh Hillman was a large dog, but it was also quite lean and athletic. It could stand up to about 63.5 centimeters (25 inches) tall. People described it as "fast and fearless." Its look was a bit like a lighter, more agile German Shepherd.
Its ears stood up straight, which is called "pricked" ears. The coat was usually a light fawn, sandy, or reddish-gold color. It often had a black "saddle" mark on its back. The dog also had white fur on its chest, legs, and the tip of its tail. A white stripe, called a "blaze," often ran down its face. Sometimes, you could even see blue merle dogs, which have a cool marbled or spotted coat pattern.
Why Did the Welsh Hillman Disappear?
The Welsh Hillman was not very common in recent times. As early as 1948, a writer named C. L. B. Hubbard said the dog was "almost extinct." He noted that you "scarcely ever seen [them] working today." This means they were already very rare many years ago.
The Last Known Welsh Hillman
The very last known Welsh Hillman was a dog named "Jess." She was bought in 1974 from a hill farm near a town called Hay-on-Wye. Her owner was an author and broadcaster named Jeanine McMullen. Jess was spayed, which means she could not have puppies. Her owner didn't realize how rare Jess was until later. Because Jess couldn't have puppies, the special line of Welsh Hillman dogs eventually ended.
