Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is one of two breeds of Corgis. The other is the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. While these breeds share some similarities, they are differentiated by looks. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is often known as "the Corgi with the tail."� History Cardigan Welsh Corgis originated in Cardiganshire in 1200 B.C. Celt owners used them as drovers and farm dogs because of their speed and endurance. They became extremely useful to farmers at that time because of the way the land was set up. The Crown owned almost all of the land, leaving only a small plot of land for a farmer's house and barn. However, farmers were permitted to feed their cattle on the Crown's land. So, Corgis helped to drive cattle to far-away fields where they could eat, bringing them back home at the end of the day. While the Cardigan Welsh Corgi's appearance may give the impression of a toy lap-dog, the opposite is actually true. It's long and low build was designed on purpose, so that a cow's kick would miss them and sail over the dog's back. This also helped them excel as cattle herders and drovers. Appearance Though they are tiny dogs, Cardigan Welsh Corgis are by no means delicate. They have heavy, thick bones and deep chests, which houses big lungs. These features are what gave them the power and agility to herd cows in ancient times. Other breeds look powerful because of a square-shaped body, but this isn't so for the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. They have long bodies, much longer than the dog is high, so they look somewhat lean despite their bone structure. In fact, the ideal ratio between length and height is around 1.8:1, meaning that these dogs can be up to twice as long as they are tall. At the withers, both males and females measure between 10.5 and 12.5 inches high. Average weight is between thirty and thirty-eight pounds for males, between twenty-five and thirty-four pounds for females. The body is well muscled and strong. The tail, which is the distinguishing feature of this dog, is long and carried low, except when the dog is excited. Cardigan Welsh Corgis usually have friendly, gentle, yet alert expressions. Their heads have distinctly masculine or feminine shapes, depending on the sex. Eyes are medium-sized and dark in most cases; in the case of a merle-colored coat, blue eyes, or one blue and one dark eye, are normal. The ears are very large and noticeable, and they are held erect. As for the double-layered coat, the undercoat is short and thick, while the outer coat is harsh and straight. Short hair covers most of the body, though it is slightly longer around the ruff of the neck, on the backs of the thighs, and on the tail. The fur can be brindle, merle, red, sable, or black (sometimes with tan spots). White patches on the neck, legs, chest, muzzle, tip of the tail, and on the blaze of the head are normal. Temperament Cardigan Welsh Corgis can be very loving and affectionate pets. They enjoy spending time with their family and are intensely loyal to their masters. They are often calm and even-tempered. Highly intelligent, like most herding dogs, athletic, and determined, they make great pets and are usually easy to train. However, they may act like "a big dog in a small package."� If they are socialized at a young age and grow up with other pets, they can be very friendly to other animals. Adopting an unsocialized Corgi into a multiple-pet household is unwise, though. Pet Care These dogs may be small, but the Cardigan Welsh Corgi does need a fair amount of exercise. They were bred to run, so they need to burn off that pent-up energy. As long as they are taken on daily walks or runs, these pets are perfectly content in urban situations. However, if you can't provide that, this dog may be unhappy. Grooming needs are slightly more demanding than those of other breeds. The coat needs brushed on a regular basis to maintain good fur and skin health. Health Issues The average lifespan of a Cardigan Welsh Corgi is between twelve and fifteen years. They are generally healthy, but they do suffer from Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), back disorders, glaucoma, and obesity. A healthy diet and good exercise regime can help prevent some of these problems. What Owners Have to Say Most owners love this breed for its loyalty and athleticism. Cardigan Welsh Corgis are small dogs, but they are definitely not delicate like most of the toy breeds. For many, this is a desired trait. Is this breed right for you? If you are looking for a small yet hardy dog, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is worth considering. It most often acts like a big dog in a little body. Personality wise, it is a polite and dependable dog. Thus, it makes an excellent watchdog and can guard against intruders. "Guarding"� usually involves barking and alerting its owners of approaching people, animals, and objects. These dogs are comfortable around other animals, too, so they can live in multiple-pet households. Though they are small, they are athletic, so they love to play; exercise needs are very moderate, though. All of these are generally considered good traits. There are some bad traits to this breed as well. Cardigan Welsh Corgis were bred to be intelligent herding dogs, so they need mental stimulation. This may just mean providing them with toys. However, without the proper exercise and stimulation, these dogs will become destructive as they search for something to occupy their minds. They can be strong-willed because of their intelligence, so owners need to be firm with discipline. Their unpleasant habits include chasing moving objects and small animals, barking a lot, and nipping at heals. They shed regularly. Prospective dog owners should take all of this into account prior to buying a Cardigan Welsh Corgi so they are prepared to handle the dog.

Back to iAnimals.com home page Copyright Notice: This website is © . All Rights Reserved.  Click Here to contact us. Link Partners: Animals Go to Heaven | Adopt Me | Salt And Pepper | Singing Animals | Animal Noises