Which is Better between the Komondor and the Welsh Terrier? A Very Detailed Review.

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Komondor Versus Welsh Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Komondor and the Welsh Terrier? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Komondor and the Welsh Terrier better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Komondor and the Welsh Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Komondor and the Welsh Terrier is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Komondor and for the Welsh Terrier. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Komondor and the Welsh Terrier.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Komondor or the Welsh Terrier.

Komondor versus Welsh Terrier

Komondor versus Welsh Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Komondor and the Welsh Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Komondor is a large-sized dog while the Welsh Terrier is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Komondor belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

On the other hand, the Welsh Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Komondor versus Welsh Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Komondor to the Welsh Terrier based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Komondor and the Welsh Terrier

Factor Komondor Welsh Terrier
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 1/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 14 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
General Health 2/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 1/5
Height 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder 14 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 2/5
Weight 80 to 100 pounds Up to 20 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $840 $2510
Price Range $550 – $800 $1350 – $3834
Temperament Score 90.0 percent 76.3 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- min age 9 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 170 108

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Komondor in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Welsh Terrier. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Komondor is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Welsh Terrier is 77 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Welsh Terrier is a better pet than the Komondor. So, you should get the Welsh Terrier!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Komondor and the Welsh Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Komondor and the Welsh Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Komondor and the Welsh Terrier are most different:

  • Komondors do not get along well with other dogs. However, Welsh Terriers get along well with other dogs.
  • Komondors are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Welsh Terriers are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Komondors do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Welsh Terriers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Komondors have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, Welsh Terriers are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Komondors have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Welsh Terriers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Komondors have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time. However, Welsh Terriers have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • The Similarities Between the Komondor and the Welsh Terrier

    The Komondor and the Welsh Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Komondor and the Welsh Terrier are most similar:

  • Both the Komondor and the Welsh Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Komondor and the Welsh Terrier do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Komondor and the Welsh Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Komondor and the Welsh Terrier require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Komondor and the Welsh Terrier are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Komondor and the Welsh Terrier are very easy to train.
  • Both the Komondor and the Welsh Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Komondor and the Welsh Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Komondor and the Welsh Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Komondor and the Welsh Terrier are very playful.
  • Both the Komondor and the Welsh Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Komondor and the Welsh Terrier are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Komondor versus Welsh Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Komondor and the Welsh Terrier.

    Komondors weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Komondors are 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Welsh Terriers weigh Up to 20 pounds when fully grown. Welsh Terriers are 14 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Komondor versus Welsh Terrier

    The lifespan of Komondors is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Komondors is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of Welsh Terriers is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Welsh Terriers is 12.0 years.

    Welsh Terriers live longer than Komondors.

    Temperament of the Welsh Terrier Versus the Komondor

    The Komondor has a better temperament than the Welsh Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Komondor is 90.0 percent while the temperament score for the Welsh Terrier is 76.3 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 90.0 percent, the Komondor has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 76.3 percent, the Welsh Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Komondor and the Welsh Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 10 Komondors and 38 Welsh Terriers.

    Price of Komondor versus Price of Welsh Terrier

    The average price of the Komondor puppy is $840. The price of the Komondor typically ranges from $550 – $800. However, the price of a Komondor can be as low as $500 and as high as $1800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 17 Komondor puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Welsh Terrier puppy is $2510. The price of the Welsh Terrier typically ranges from $1350 – $3834. However, the price of the Welsh Terrier can be as low as $1200 and as high as $3834. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 13 Welsh Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Welsh Terrier is more expensive than the Komondor.

    Komondor Welsh Terrier
    Average Price $840 $2510
    Price Range $550 to $800 $1350 to $3834

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Komondor and Welsh Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Komondor puppies or how many Welsh Terrier puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Komondors. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Komondors. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Welsh Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of Welsh Terriers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Komondor puppy or the Welsh Terrier puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    The Popularity of Komondor versus Popularity of Welsh Terrier

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Komondor and the Welsh Terrier over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Welsh Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the Komondor. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Welsh Terrier is 108 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Komondor is 170 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Komondor

    Popularity of Komondor

    Popularity of Welsh Terrier

    Popularity of Welsh Terrier

    Year Komondor Popularity Rank Welsh Terrier Popularity Rank
    2013 159 104
    2014 168 106
    2015 163 108
    2016 177 111
    2017 163 109
    2018 173 107
    2019 181 110
    2020 178 112

    Health Problems of Komondor versus Health Problems of Welsh Terrier

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Komondor and the Welsh Terrier are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Komondor is prone to more genetic health problems than the Welsh Terrier.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Komondor than for the Welsh Terrier.

    3 health tests are recommended for Komondor while 2 tests are recommended for the Welsh Terrier.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Komondors and in Welsh Terriers.

    Komondor Health Problems

    Komondors are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Komondor puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Komondor puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Komondor breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Komondors for:

  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- min age 9 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Komondors here.

    Welsh Terrier Health Problems

    Welsh Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Welsh Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Welsh Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Welsh Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Welsh Terriers for:

  • Eye Examination
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Welsh Terriers here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Komondors and Welsh Terriers

    Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Komondor Breed is Eyes problems.

    This is because the Komondor ranks 19 out of 182 dog breeds for Eyes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 54 Komondors, 1 of them had Eyes problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Komondors, and how common these diseases are in Komondors relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Eyes problems: Rank 19 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 30 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 90 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Welsh Terrier Breed is Primary Lens Luxation problems.

    This is because the Welsh Terrier ranks 14 out of 17 dog breeds for Primary Lens Luxation problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 365 Welsh Terriers, 1 of them had Primary Lens Luxation problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Welsh Terriers, and how common these diseases are in Welsh Terriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Primary Lens Luxation problems: Rank 14 out of 17 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 24 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 89 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 108 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Komondor and in Welsh Terrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Komondor and the Welsh Terrier:

    Disease Komondor Rank Welsh Terrier Rank
    Eyes problems 19 out of 182 dog breeds Not Common
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems 30 out of 70 dog breeds 24 out of 70 dog breeds
    Hips problems 90 out of 198 dog breeds 89 out of 198 dog breeds
    Primary Lens Luxation problems Not Common 14 out of 17 dog breeds
    Patella problems Not Common 108 out of 145 dog breeds

    *To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.

    Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Komondor versus Welsh Terrier

    Komondors do not like to be left alone.

    Welsh Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Komondors shed more than Welsh Terriers?

    Komondors shed moderately.

    Welsh Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Komondor or the Welsh Terrier

    Komondors do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Welsh Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Komondor or the Welsh Terrier?

    Komondors require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Welsh Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Komondor Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Welsh Terrier?

    Komondors have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Welsh Terriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Komondors Bark and Howl? What about Welsh Terriers?

    Komondors are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Welsh Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Komondors Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Welsh Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Komondors can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Welsh Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Komondor vs. Welsh Terrier

    Komondors have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Welsh Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Komondors Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Welsh Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Komondors can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Welsh Terriers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Komondor or the Welsh Terrier?

    Komondors do not get along well with other dogs.

    Welsh Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Komondors good family dogs? What about Welsh Terriers?

    Komondors are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Welsh Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Komondors and Welsh Terriers?

    Komondors get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Welsh Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Komondor Easier to Train than the Welsh Terrier?

    Komondors are very easy to train.

    Welsh Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Komondor Better for Apartment Owners than the Welsh Terrier?

    Komondors do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Welsh Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Komondor or the Welsh Terrier?

    Komondors are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Welsh Terriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Komondor

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Komondor that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Komondor:

  • Belgian Tervuren (70 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Welsh Terrier vs Belgian Tervuren.
  • Black Russian Terrier (70 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Welsh Terrier vs Black Russian Terrier.
  • Giant Schnauzer (72 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Welsh Terrier vs Giant Schnauzer.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Welsh Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Welsh Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Welsh Terrier:

  • Jack Russell Terrier (79 percent match with Welsh Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Komondor vs Jack Russell Terrier.
  • Stabyhoun (76 percent match with Welsh Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Komondor vs Stabyhoun.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Komondor and how the Welsh Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Komondor and of the Welsh Terrier to other breeds:

    Komondor Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Komondor versus Kishu Ken     Komondor versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Komondor versus Norfolk Terrier     Komondor versus Papipoo     Komondor versus Maltipoo     Komondor versus Siberian Husky     Komondor versus Weimaraner     Komondor versus Berger Picard     Komondor versus Japanese Chin     Komondor versus Cane Corso     Komondor versus Puli     Komondor versus Belgian Sheepdog     Komondor versus Australian Shepherd     Komondor versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Komondor versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Komondor versus Tibetan Spaniel     Komondor versus Tibetan Terrier     Komondor versus Pointer     Komondor versus Lancashire Heeler     Komondor versus Afador     Komondor versus American Bulldog     Komondor versus Bordoodle     Komondor versus Bloodhound     Komondor versus Welsh Terrier     Komondor versus English Cocker Spaniel     

    Welsh Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Welsh Terrier versus Bich Poo     Welsh Terrier versus Stabyhoun     Welsh Terrier versus Borzoi     Welsh Terrier versus Shiba Inu     Welsh Terrier versus Morkie     Welsh Terrier versus Lowchen     Welsh Terrier versus Finnish Spitz     Welsh Terrier versus Alaskan Malamute     Welsh Terrier versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Welsh Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel     Welsh Terrier versus Westiepoo     Welsh Terrier versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Welsh Terrier versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Welsh Terrier versus American Foxhound     Welsh Terrier versus Havanese     Welsh Terrier versus Bloodhound     Welsh Terrier versus Kai Ken     Welsh Terrier versus Stabyhoun     Welsh Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher     Welsh Terrier versus Maltese     Welsh Terrier versus Field Spaniel     Welsh Terrier versus Silky Terrier     Welsh Terrier versus Borzoi     Welsh Terrier versus Collie     Welsh Terrier versus Chorkie     

    Conclusion: Komondor versus Welsh Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Komondor and the Welsh Terrier better suits you and your family.