The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is one of the oldest dog breeds known to man and has been native to Wales since ancient times.
Its name, “Corgi,” derives from the word “cor,” meaning “cattle,” making sense because the original purpose of the Corgi was to herd cattle into markets.
In the past, this dog breed was famous for taking cattle to the marketplace. In fact, people still use it for the same purpose to date.
Also, the Corgi is a family pet that loves spending time with its owner and making him smile.
This article discusses the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, its history, characteristics, health, and everything you need to know about the breed.
Quick Facts About the Cardigan Welsh Corgi
| Origin | Wales |
| Temperament | Intelligent, Moderately Energetic, Playful |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Life Expectancy | 12 TO 15 Years |
| Coat | Short, Medium |
| Coat Color | Brindle, Blue Merle, Sable & White |
| Height | Male: 25 to 33 Inches; Female: 25 to 33 Inches |
| Weight | Male: 14 to 17kg; Female: 11 to 15kg |
| Health | Dysplasia, Degenerative Myelopathy |
History of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi
The earliest known reference to the Corgi dates back to 15th century England, which was referred to as a “little hound.” In 16th century Wales, the name “Corgi” described a small, short-legged dog similar to today’s Cocker Spaniel.
However, in the early 20th century, the Corgi became popular in Great Britain, especially among children. By 1920, there were over 2 million Corgis in Britain alone.
People formed the Corgi Club in 1924 and took out its first registration in 1926. Its first president was Sir John Phillips, a former Lord Mayor of London. Then, he introduced the breed to America in 1930, and the American Kennel Club recognized it as a distinct breed in 1936.
By the 1950s, the Corgi had become very popular throughout North America. However, from 1960 onwards, the popularity of the Corgi began to decline in the United States and Canada due to the introduction of larger and more expensive dogs.
Some include the Doberman pinscher, German Shepherd Dog, Dalmatian, Chow Chow, Akita, Rottweiler, Bull Terrier, Boxer, and Labrador Retriever.
Today, the Corgi is still a rare breed in the US and Canada, although it is growing in popularity again. There are about 250,000 registered Corgis worldwide. As of 2013, approximately 10,000 Corgis were living in the UK.
Characteristics of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Appearance
The Cardigan has a white chest, upright ears, and a fox brush tail. Though they were famous for being farm dogs in the past, they later served as cattle drivers. Today, they remain highly prized for their herding, work, guarding abilities, and companionability.
The old standard describes a Cardigan as “long in the body, short in the head, broad across the shoulders, deep in the chest, narrow in loin, straight in front, and slightly arched in the rear.” Other descriptions include “short in stature,” “tall and slim,” “thin, smooth coat,” “small, compact, strong build,” and “a hardy, active little animal.”
Furthermore, double-coated cardigans come in a wide range of colors, including any shade of red or sable and black with or without tan, brown, or brindle points.
Some cards show color combinations like black and tan, black and brindle, or even black and tan points. However, these colors are not standards.
You can come across other colors, including red merle, but these colors aren’t also standard.
Size
Cardigan Welsh Corgis can weigh anything from 25 to 38 pounds, male and female. However, their heights range from 9 to 12 inches.
Temperament
The Cardigan Welsh corgi is a sturdy, intelligent, and athletic dog famous for being playful, friendly, and energetic. They are incredibly loyal companions and love children, making excellent family pets.
They are active dogs that require daily exercise. Also, a Cardigan Welsh corgi needs plenty of mental stimulation.
When you’re training your puppy, it’ll learn faster if you do it together; your pup will enjoy learning tricks, games, and puzzles.
Furthermore, a Cardigan Welsh Corgi will thrive in a household with lots of attention and affection. It will also appreciate having its ears scratched regularly and spending quality time outdoors.
Needs
A Cardigan Welsh corgi requires a lot of exercise and socialization. Therefore, providing them with enough space to run around and play is essential. You should also ensure they have access to fresh air and water.
Moreover, your Cardigan Welsh corgi must get regular grooming sessions. This includes brushing its fur, trimming its nails, and cleaning its teeth.
Health of a Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Many health issues are associated with this breed, including degenerative myelopathy, hip dysplasia, heart problems, breathing difficulties, vision disorders, hearing loss, dental disease, and joint pain. Some other conditions include CHD, PRA, and urinary tract infections.
Hip Dysplasia
This problem occurs when the hip socket becomes too shallow. As a result, the femur doesn’t fit properly into the socket. This results in abnormal wear on the cartilage of the joint.
Heart Problems
Cardigan Welsh Corgies may develop congenital heart defects. These defects occur during fetal development.
Breathing Difficulties
Corgis are prone to respiratory problems. In fact, some breeds are more susceptible than others. For example, the American Staffordshire Terrier has an increased risk of developing tracheal collapse.
Degenerative Myelopathy
This condition affects older Cardigan Welsh Corgis. This condition affects the spinal cord, and the symptoms start as stiffness and difficulty walking.
Then, the dog’s hind legs become weak. It causes progressive muscle weakness and paralysis. Eventually, it leads to death.
Caring for the Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Nutrition
Feed your Cardigan Welsh Corgi a diet rich in protein. The best food for this purpose is high-quality meat or poultry.
Also, you should feed your dog three meals daily and ensure that each meal contains at least 20 percent protein.
Grooming
Double-coated dogs like Cardigan Welsh corgies experience shedding at its most intensive in the spring and fall. Their undercoat goes through a process called blowing coat, during which the hair falls out yearly.
During this period, the dog sheds up to five times a day.
To keep regular shedding minimal, brush your dog with a pin brush and a de-shedding rake. A few minutes per week should do the trick.
If he needs a bath, make sure to wash him thoroughly. For extra care, check his teeth regularly and look into his mouth.
Exercise
Cardigan Welsh corgis require plenty of physical activity. They love running around and playing fetch. However, you can also take them for walks or let them explore their environment.
Training
If you want to train your Cardigan Welsh Corgis, start by teaching them basic commands such as sit, stay, down, and come when called. Then, teach them to walk on a leash, follow directions, and wait patiently at doorways.
Next, you’ll need to teach them how to perform various tricks. For example, you can teach your dog to shake hands, roll over, play dead, and even jump through hoops.
Conclusion
The Cardigan Welsh Corgie is one of the oldest dog breeds. Today, they’re still popular among pet owners because of their friendly nature and intelligence. Although they have many health problems, these animals are very loyal companions.
