Cardigan Welsh Corgi

In my own words

 

“Just got to round everyone up and get them home safe! Come on family! Hurry up!”

Come on my lovelies! Hang on, I’ve just got to herd this lot inside, make sure all the family is home. Yep OK. All there and accounted for.

Come by yer, now who are you? Oh, thinking about a Welsh Corgi are you? Well your home would be well looked after! Us Welsh Corgi Cardigans know a thing or two about looking after our homes. We’re only small but we’ll take care of you!

Information essential about the Cardigan Welsh Corgi

 

Kennel Club Group:-

Pastoral - herding

Size:

Height: Male:10.5-12.5 inches (26.5 – 31.5 cm) Females: 10 – 13 inches (25 – 33 cm)

Popularity:

 

This relatively rare breed is consistently gaining recognition and popularity.

Breed History:

 

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are one of the oldest dog breeds in England. Originating in Wales, the Central European Celts brought them over in 1200 B.C. Welsh farmers later used them to herd and manage cattle, guard the farm and hunt vermin. They were also an integral part of the family. Often mistaken with Pembroke Welsh Corgis (as owned by the Queen) they are each recognised as their own breed. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is considered the older of the two. While more reserved with humans and other pets than the Pembroke Welsh Corgie, Cardigan Corgies are equally as loyal and eager to please. While the breed is rare, it is consistently gaining recognition and popularity.

Character:

 

These intelligent and courageous dogs have delightful and endearing personalities. They thrive on human companionship and are devoted to their families. They are brave and loyal defenders of their home and family. Their natural herding instincts make them a naturally protective breed and they will attempt to herd anything that moves. A farm or outdoor worker would benefit from having a Welsh Corgi. They are well suited to working outdoors and on farms but as long as they get enough attention and exercise they are equally as well suited to apartment living. In the house, they are quiet and polite.

Temperament:

They have endearing personalities and are incredibly affectionate. They are prized for their obedience, intelligence, and determination. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi can be wary with strangers and while they get along with non-canine pets they can be aggressive with other dogs. Caution must be taken when they are in defence mode.

Conformation:

 

Cardigan Welsh Corgis have fox- like heads and are small, sturdy, long and low. Their wide set, dark eyes and erect ears give them an alert and intelligent expression. The head is flat and wide between the ears. Their necks are long and they have deep chests and short legs. They are set low to the ground and are longer than they are tall. They have fox like, brush tails which almost touch the ground. The tail should not curl over the back. Their medium-length coats come in black, black and tan, blue merle, red, sable and brindle. The coat sometimes has white markings. Any colour is acceptable in the show ring, so long as white is not the dominant colour. The outer coat is harsh, straight and water resistant, while the under coat is soft and dense. The Cardigan sheds all year round with heavy bi-annual shedding.

Colour:

 

Black, black & tan, blue merle, red, sable and brindle. White patches common. Any colour is acceptable in the show ring, as long as white is not the dominant colour.

Training:

 

Obedient and eager to please, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi will require basic obedience training and early socialisation as a puppy.  They love to learn and perform tricks and are often used as therapy dogs. Excelling in agility, herding trials, tracking and conformation they are also used extensively in search and rescue. They are easy to train but will take over the training session if given the opportunity.

Care:

 

Welsh Corgis should be handled with care because of their shape. Similarly to dachshunds they need to be held in a supportive way, if at all. Puppies will need to be taught how to go up and down stairs due to their short legs but it is advisable not to encourage stair climbing and jumping until the puppy is at least 6 months old. This breed requires minimal grooming but should be brushed regularly with a firm bristle brush. During their moderate shedding period they should be groomed daily. Bathing should only be done when really necessary using a mild shampoo. This breed has a tendency to become overweight, so they must not be over fed. This breed require s 40 to 60 minutes exercise a day. While they only have short legs they like to be kept active.

Health:

 

A healthy  Welsh Corgi Cardigan can live for 15 years. Cardigan Corgis are hardy little dogs, but some common health problems includes spinal ailments  and hip dysplasia. They must be watched when climbing stairs. It is advisable not to allow your puppy to climb stairs or jump until it is at least 6 months old. They also have a tendency to become overweight so smaller portions throughout the day are recommended and their diets must be watched carefully.  Obesity can also lead to back and joint problems. This breed can suffer from glaucoma. Less common health concerns include Progressive retinal atrophy, glaucoma, cataracts and Urinary stones.

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