Origin
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is supposed to come from the Dachshund group. The ancestors of the Cardigan Welsh have been introduced in Wales more than 3000 years BC by Celtic tribes coming from central Europe. Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgi were crossed and treated as the same breed until 1934. The name “corgi” is specific to this breed of dog in Welsh (Cymreig). The phrase “cor gi” is still translated as “dwarf dog” in Welsh. The current name comes from their region of origin: Ceredigion in Wales. Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgi were recognized by the Kennel Club in 1928. They were used to herd cattle, hunt vermin and protect the farm. They can drive the cows, barking and biting. Their small size allows them to avoid cattle kicking. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi has never been as popular as Pembrokes, probably due to the impact of the Royal family. However, they found their place in many parts of the world. They are always extremely valued for their ability to work, care and herd, in addition to their companionship.
Description
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a long and close to the ground dog. Their backs are not really longer than most dogs, their legs are just shorter. Their coat has a layer of short, thick and resistant hair covered by a longer and coarser coat. The coat is longer at the collar, the rear legs and under the tail. Some Corgis called “fluffy Corgis” or “long-haired Corgis” are born with longer coats. The coat colors include red, sand, fawn, brindle, black and brindle, blue merle (black and gray, marbled), black and tan with white spots. There are regular white markings on the legs, abdomen, neck and parts of the muzzle. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi life expectancy is about 12-15 years. A normal Cardigan Welsh Corgi is about 10.5 to 13 inches (260 315 mm) high and weighs 30 to 38 pounds (13.6 to 17.2 kg) for the males and 25 to 34 lb (11, 3 to 15.4 kg) for the females.
Temper
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is very clever and dedicated, capable and ready to please his owner. Reliable, dedicated and loving, yet he can be to be careful with strangers. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi socializes well especially being young. They are dynamic and generally get along very well with young people as the dog sees itself at a lower rank. Their shepherd instinct can push them to chew ankles. Protective and robust, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi are very obedient. They can be aggressive with other dogs if they are not properly trained. They sometimes try to lead people by biting their ankles. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is an active and highly intelligent dog. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is often used as guard dog because he is extremely sensitive to foreign intrusions into his territories. They will be very noisy until they are guaranteed that the intruders pose no threat. They will be cautious with strangers and reserve their affection for a few close humans.
Living conditions
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi needs a daily walk or a training. If sufficiently active, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi will thrive in any environment, apartment or country house. With enough activity, he will be quiet inside, and will be very active otherwise. Problems appear if the dog feels superior to his master, or does not get enough exercise during the day. The cardigan has a coat to sustain the harsh climate of Wales, but that does not mean he is an outside dog. He is close to people and should not be relegated to the terrace with minimal human communication.
Care
With short legs and a long back, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi may be prone to developing injuries. As their skeletal development is not yet complete, you must avoid letting the puppies bouncing on furniture or lifting them without supporting both front and back legs. Their coat is easy to maintain. Use a stiff bristle brush and bathe them only when necessary. They lose their hair continually, with intense shedding twice a year. Daily brushing and hot showers is needed during these periods.
