Description

A little herding dog, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi has a weatherproof double coat with abundant hair on the ruff, tails underside, and back of the legs. A low, long dog, it has erect, very large ears, dark eyes that concord with their coat color, and a deep chest. Its proportions and bone structure resemble that of Dachshunds, making some breeders believe that there is some Dachshund heritage in the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.

People often confuse the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi although there are some visible differences. The Cardigan has a low-set long tail while the Pembroke usually have no tail or a completely docked tail. The Pembroke’s body is shorter, their ears smaller and weigh a little less than the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.

Coat Description

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi has a wiry, water resistant, medium length, straight double coat and a dense, soft undercoat that protects the dog from temperature extremes. The coat is thicker at the ruff, tail’s underside, and back of the legs. Coat colors include black and brindle, black and tan, black, red, blue merle, and brindle.

History

Some believe that in Wales, the Cardigan Welsh Corgis dates back over three thousand years ago, making these dogs one of the United Kingdom’s oldest breeds. Named after Cardiganshire, South Wales, where they developed these dogs’ centuries ago, the amount of land people received depended upon how many head of cattle they owned. They used the Cardigan Welsh Corgis as drovers to spread out the cattle. Later they utilized the Cardigan as herders, to protect cattle on the way to the English markets from Wales.

An excellent vermin hunter, cattle driver, and farm guard, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi drove cattle by nipping the cattle’s heels and barking. Their short stature kept the cows from kicking them.

Temperament

A very obedient, highly intelligent dog, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is also robust, devoted, and very protective of its master and family. Most Cardigans’ are active small dogs with an energy level that is high by nature. Always ready to run off some energy, they are good guard dogs and watch dogs. Usually wary of strangers, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi normally does not bark unless they feel the person is a threat to himself or his family.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are alert, active and have wonderful problem solving skills so are excellent at advanced obedience training and learning and performing tricks. If they do not enough mental stimulation and become bored, Cardigan Welsh Corgis often turn to unwanted behavior such as stealing food. Good with older, considerate children, Cardigan are loving, affectionate, and playful household pets that are devoted to their family, master, and friends. Because of their herding instincts, some Cardigan Welsh Corgi will nip at people’s heels attempting to herd them but you can train them not to do this.

Although good with other Corgis and non-canine animals, they are often aggressive or confrontational with other dogs so require socialization skills and supervision.

Health Problems

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are a generally a very healthy dog breed although some are prone to obesity, so must not be overfed. Some other possible health problems include:

[-]Hip Dysplasia – The hip joint and thighbone in this inherited condition do not fit snugly causing lameness and pain in some dogs.[/-]

[-]Cataracts and Eye Problems – Cardigan Welsh Corgi sometimes suffer from glaucoma and other eye conditions.[/-]

[-]Degenerative Myelopathy – This degenerative condition is progressive and affects the spinal cords supportive and nervous tissue.[/-]

It is important to get your Cardigan Welsh Corgi from a reputable breeder that checks their breeding dogs for hereditary diseases.

Grooming

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are easy to groom, as they only require brushing and combing two or three times a week using a firm bristle brush to remove loose hair, dead hair and dander. This not only helps keep the Corgis fur clean but also reduces the amount of hair found around the house. Brush the dog daily during shedding season, which occurs twice a year.

Only bathe the Cardigan Welsh Corgis when necessary, as washing them too often will make their naturally weather resistant coats lose this ability. These dogs have no natural dog smell but bathing them too frequently will wash away the oils that do keep them odor free. Cardigan Welsh Corgis are naturally neat dogs that keep their fur clean so, unless it is a very large problem, the dog will normally clean itself.

Exercise

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are surprisingly fast, athlete dogs that need a great deal of daily exercise. This breed of dog has a tendency to overeat and become obese if they do not receive adequate exercise. Corgis are excellent dogs for suburban and country living, as they love going for walks, especially with off-leash time. Obedient, well-trained Cardigan Welsh Corgi seldom run off so can be trusted in parks or the countryside without a leash. They require enough space to run, play, and exercise. Keep your Cardigan Welsh Corgi on a leash around other dogs, as they can be aggressive or confrontational towards strange dogs.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are extremely intelligent and active so require both mental and physical stimulation. Teaching them new tricks, advanced obedience training, or dog sports keeps the dog stimulated. Be sure to keep any obedience or training sessions, fun, short, and interesting.

Training

Very intelligent, smart, athletic dogs, Cardigan Welsh Corgis are easy to housebreak and obedience train. It is important to use positive methods such as the reward system when working with your dog. You may find that some dogs respond well to praise and affection during training sessions while others love treats or play periods. Keep food treats to a minimum as Corgi have a tendency to become overweight.

Although Cardigan Welsh Corgis usually get along wonderfully with children, some dogs may try herding them. It is important to socialize your dog at an early age to avoid suspiciousness and confrontation toward other animals and dogs. Exposing them to new people, animals, places, sights, sounds, and children when they are young, helps prevent the Corgi from becoming overly aggressive or shy.