The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a small squat dog with a square head, large bat shaped ears and intelligent alert eyes above a long nose. The neck is wide and short to a broad chest over short legs with large feet. The back is straight to a narrow waist with strong hips and a long tail carried low toward the ground.
This dog is a cousin to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and is an intelligent, alert, lively little dog that can move surprisingly fast when it wants to.
Origin: ~ Wales
Bred for: ~ Driving cattle
Coat: ~ Straight, short, fairly harsh.
Colour: ~ Red, sable, brindle, blue merle, black, with white flashings to various colours.
Height: ~ 10.5 inches to 12.5 inches or 27 to 32cms.
Weight: ~ 25 to 38lbs or 11 to 17kgs.
Lifespan: ~ 12 to 14 years.
AKC Group – Herding Group
History of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi was originally bought from Europe into Cardiganshire, South Wales some centuries ago.
At a time when the available land given to tenants was determined by how much acreage their cattle occupied. Thus it was to their advantage to have their stocks scattered in as far a range as possible.
A dog that would DRIVE rather than HERD the cattle was a very valuable aid. The Corgi stepped right into this role, nipping at the cattle’s heels and being quick enough and low enough to avoid being kicked by the cattle in return.
The original Corgis were said to measure a ‘Welsh Yard’ from their nose to the tip of their tail. and the breed were locally known as the ‘yard dog’ or ‘Ci-llathed’.
The first Cardigans were shown around 1925 right up until 1934 when two breeds were separated and it was in 1935 that the AKC recognised the breeds of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembrokeshire Welsh Corgi as two separate breeds.
Temperament and Upkeep of the Cardigan
These are fun loving high spirited dogs that are considered easy going and also make excellent companion dogs. Their high spirits can have a tendency to make them scrappy with other dogs, but good vigorous daily exercise will quell this need. After all, they no longer chase cows for fun.
They are generally a healthy breed and there are only two main health concerns. As puppies you need to check for Hip Dysplasia and in older age you need to be aware of degenerative myelopathy.
