Description

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a long, low dog (36" to 43" long, all the way from the nose to the tip of the tail) with very, large erect ears, variety has no tail). The Cardigan tends to be a bit heavier than the Pembroke. The Cardigan's erect ears are larger than the Pembroke's and the feet are more round. The Cardigan has a straight topline and a deep chest with prominent breastbone. The front feet turn outwards slightly. The front assembly should be relatively heavy-boned, but not coarse. Dewclaws should be removed. The Cardigan has dark eyes that harmonize with the color of the coat. Blue eyes are allowed only in blue merle dogs. The head is broad between the ears and tapers to the eyes. The occiput is in a proportion of approximately 3:5. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. The Cardigan's double coat consists of a harsh medium length outer coat lined with a soft, dense undercoat. Hair is more abundant at the ruff, back of the legs and on the underside of the tail. Colors are brindle, blue merle, black, black & tan, black & brindle, sable, and red, often with white markings.

Origin

The Cardigan and the Pembroke Welsh Corgis have been considered separate breeds for only about 70 years. There are several theories about the origins of the Welsh Corgi. Both Corgis varieties may be descended form Swedish Vallhunds brought to Wales by Vikings in the by the Celts in about 1200 BC. The name "Corgi" comes from the Celtic word for dog. The breed was mentioned in the Domesday Book (1086) and developed in Cardiganshire Wales. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is an excellent cattle driver, vermin hunter and farm guard. The Corgi drove cattle by barking and nipping at the cattle's heals. His low stature helped him role out of the way when a cow kicked. Corgis still maintain that habit when chasing each other. The Pembroke and Cardigan varieties were freely interbred until the 1930's, after which time breeders tried to accentuate their differences. Today, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is primarily a companion dog.

Temperament

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is highly intelligent, obedient, protective and robust. Steady, loyal and loving, but wary of strangers. They are willing to please. Some Corgi's are extremely active and devoted little dogs, and are usually good with considerate children. They make fine guards, and excellent show and obedience dogs. Cardigans are less sociable and more territorial than Pembroke's. Good with other non-canine animals and with other Corgis, but can be combative with other dogs. Several of these brave dogs have lost their lives defending their homes, as they were too small for the situation. They sometimes attempt to herd people by nipping at their heels, although they can be trained not to do this. The Cardigan is a good alarm barker and some tend to bark a lot. Males can be aggressive with other males, particularly if a bitch in heat is in the vicinity.

Height

Height: Dogs 10-13 inches (25-33cm) Bitches 10-13 inches (25-33cm)

Weight

Weight: Dogs 25-30 pounds (11-14kg) Bitches 25-30 pounds (11-14kg)

Known Health Problems

Some are prone to PRA and glaucoma. Do not overfeed this breed, as it tends to gain weight easily.

Conditions for Living

Good for apartment life. They are very active indoors, and will do okay without a yard.

Exercise Requirments

Even more active that the Pembroke; Cardigans must have regular

Life Expectancy

About 12-15 years.

Grooming

The wiry, medium-length water-resistant coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary. The coat is shed two times per year.

Group