The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a very old breed. Some historians place the ancestors of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi on the shores on South Wales as early as 3000 years ago. Physically, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi closely resembles his sibling; the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and, to a lesser extent, his cousin the Dachshund. Temperamentally, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi has been described as a big dog in a small body. He is bold and courageous, intelligent and hardworking. Indeed the Cardigan Welsh Corgi’s charming constitution towers over breeds twice his size.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi History
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi was brought from central Europe to the shores of South Wales many centuries ago. More precisely, it was brought to Cardiganshire, from where this breed gleans its name. The Cardigan’s exact lineage is unknown, but experts agree that the likely ancestors for the Cardigan Welsh Corgi include the English Turn-Spit, a now extinct dog whose kitchen duties were to turn a spit.
Early on, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi was mainly used for protection and as hunter dog. Sometime later, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi found his true calling as a cattle driving dog. Driving cattle, rather than herding was the forte of the Cardigan. His low stature allowed him to nip at the heels of unruly cattle and duck to avoid a hoof to the head. This proved invaluable to farmers whose cattle grazed far and wide and needed reigning in from time to time. This occupation was so closely associated with the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, that the word Corgi is believed to be derived from <em>Cor</em>, meaning to gather, and <em>Gi</em>, meaning dog.
Later, when farmers took to dividing, fencing and selling large parcels of farm land, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi found itself unemployed, so to speak. Luckily, it was welcomed as a companion dog and many dogs returned to their guarding duties. But, as economic hardships worsened, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi became a luxury that few could afford. The breed was saved from extinction when it was crossed with a brindle herder of unknown specification. The present day Cardigan Welsh Corgi was thereby established. Until 1934, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi were considered one breed. Then, with its acceptance into the American Kennel Club, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi gained distinction from its counterpart.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Appearance
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a markedly low-set dog that is nearly twice as long as it is tall. Its length was once strictly protected as being one Welsh yard. This was not to be confused with the slightly shorter English yard. Today there are slight length and height variations.
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is more agile and powerful than it’s squat legs would imply. He is capable of astonishing speed, a throwback to his days chasing cattle. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi has large, slightly rounded ears and a moderately flat head.
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi has a rather harsh, medium length outer coat and a soft thick undercoat. Its tail swoops downward and is about 1/5th its length.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Temperament
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a congenial pet. He is fun-loving and easygoing with his family, but he can be wary of strangers. With other dogs, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is seldom intimidated and he can be scrappy. After all, if a herd of fully grown beef cattle can be policed by a single Cardigan Welsh Corgi, then surely he can muscle his will onto any dog.
As a herder, Cardigans are typically intelligent and athletic and, they are curiously responsible. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi tends to be highly devoted to his owner and will go to great lengths to please him. This courtesy tends not to be extended to other pets, especially to cats. At times, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi can bark unreasonably. This can and should addressed early training.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Exercise Info
The modest grooming requirements of your Cardigan Welsh Corgi are offset by his rigorous exercise needs. While you need not think you will be running a daily marathon, do expect to walk up to 10 kilometers per day. So, if fitness and exercise have played second fiddle to chocolate treats lately, then the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is the solution. An off-leash dog park may bridge the gap between how far you are willing (or able) to go and how far your Cardigan wants to run, but Cardigan Welsh Corgis can be foul tempered with other dogs.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Grooming Info
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi has simple grooming requirements. A daily brush and a occasional bath will do. The exception to this rule is as the seasons change and your Cardigan sheds his winter coat. Much more frequent brushing will be needed to curb mounting dust bunnies.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Training Info
You can rely on the Cardigan Welsh Corgi’s intelligence when the time comes to train him. He is an attentive student and will aim to please his owner as soon as a command is understood. The savvy Cardigan Welsh Corgi owner will use tasty liver bits or a similar treat to reward and to indicate when a command has been obeyed. This treat should be reserved only for training and if your Cardigan Welsh Corgi loves the treat sufficiently, he will be more apt to work for it.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Health Info
Common health concerns for your Cardigan Welsh Corgi include; CHD, degenerative myelopathy, PRA and urinary stones.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Right Breed Info
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is an alert and spirited dog whose charming temperament will win your affection. Other than moderately demanding exercise needs, this is a low maintenance breed. The Cardigan does well in fenced areas where he can run like mad for long periods. He is a herder by nature and most amusingly, he will seek ways to be useful (although not always successfully) around the house. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is inexplicably less popular than his Pembroke sibling, but is still modestly popular throughout the United States and North America.
When purchasing your Cardigan Welsh Corgi, resist the urge to purchase a dog inexpensively from a pet store or from an advertisement in a newspaper. You may unwittingly buy a mal-adjusted, sick, puppy mill dog. This is to be avoided at all costs.