Portuguese Sheepdog Welsh Springer Spaniel Mix

The Portuguese Sheepdog Welsh Springer Spaniel Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Portuguese Sheepdog and the Welsh Springer Spaniel. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Portuguese Sheepdog is known for being rustic, nimble, and swift. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Portuguese Sheepdog or the Welsh Springer Spaniel? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Portuguese Sheepdog Welsh Springer Spaniel Mix.

While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Portuguese Sheepdog Welsh Springer Spaniel Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Portuguese Sheepdog Welsh Springer Spaniel Mix puppies for sale.

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Portuguese Sheepdog Welsh Springer Spaniel Mix History

All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.

Portuguese Sheepdog History

The Portuguese Sheepdog is not a very common breed. It has been around since the early 1900s and as you might guess is from Portugal. It is also a herding breed that is used primarily to herd goats and sheep. They almost went extinct in the 1970’s but were resurrected and have a decent population. Aside from being a good herding dog, they are also a good watch dog and are loyal to their family. They have the nickname, of “monkey dog” due to their expression that resembles the monkey. This is a very intelligent dog.

Welsh Springer Spaniel History

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is sometimes called the Welsh Starter. Spaniels in general were originally thought to have originated in Spain (hence the name). This breed obviously has some roots to Wales. The Welsh Springer Spaniel was a favored hunting dog by nobility in the 1700s. Their popularity started to fade off in the 1800s but were slowly revitalized. One of the more notable breeders was A.T. Williams. His family had a long passion for this breed. They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1906. None of them were registered from the years 1926 - 1948 due to the Wars. However, dogs were imported from England to revive the breed.

Portuguese Sheepdog Welsh Springer Spaniel Mix Size and Weight

Portuguese Sheepdog
Height: 17 - 21 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 35 - 60 lb.
Lifespan: 12 - 13 years

Welsh Springer Spaniel
Height: 17 - 19 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 35 - 55 lb.
Lifespan: 12 - 15 years

Portuguese Sheepdog Welsh Springer Spaniel Mix Personality

The Portuguese Sheepdog and the Welsh Springer Spaniel might be a little bit spunky. They can be an inquisitive little fella so keep on the lookout for that behavior! All dogs need attention and don't want to be left alone. That's why you have a pet, right? Plan on putting forth effort to socialize her as this will reap dividends in the long run. Please use always use positive reinforcement even though they can have a mind of their own. Enjoy being with your new mixed breed and love the relationship you will have with them.

Portuguese Sheepdog Welsh Springer Spaniel Mix Health

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The Portuguese Sheepdog mixed with the Welsh Springer Spaniel might be prone to joint dysplasia, red meat irritation, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Portuguese Sheepdog Welsh Springer Spaniel Mix Care

What are the grooming requirements?

Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

What are the exercise requirements?

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.

What are the training requirements?

This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.

Portuguese Sheepdog Welsh Springer Spaniel Mix Feeding

"A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.

Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."

Portuguese Sheepdog Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in