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The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is one of the oldest herding breeds and believed to have been in existence in Wales for over 3,000 years. These dogs are small and have a long, low-set frame and upright ears. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is sturdy, tough and has a fox-like appearance. The breed is known to be an excellent cattle herder, drover and vermin hunter among many others. Cardigan Welsh Corgis also exhibit very good guarding skills and makes a wonderful and loyal companion.
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi came to Cardiganshire, Wales (known as the high country) with the Celts around 1200 B.C. The breed is cousin to the Pembroke Corgi Welsh and is also a member of the Teckel family of dogs which produced the Dachshund.
In June of 1931, Mrs. Robert Bole of Boston imported the first pair of Cardigan Welsh Corgis into the United States and in 1935, this breed was recognized by the AKC in the Herding Group
Height: The height for Cardigan Welsh Corgi dogs is 10-13 inches (25-33cm) and for bitches 10-13 inches (25-33cm)
Weight: The weight for Cardigan Welsh Corgi dogs is 25-30 pounds (11-14kg) and for bitches 25-30 pounds (11-14kg)
Coat Type: The Cardigan Welsh Corgi’s hard textured coat is straight and short or medium in length. Double coat – outer is harsh and wiry, weather resistant. The under coat is soft, short and thick. It easy to groom Cardigan Welsh Corgi’s coat – bathe only when necessary and use a good quality bristle brush and comb. This breed sheds twice a year.
Color: Cardigan Welsh Corgis can be any shade of red, sable, or brindle. They can also be black with or without tan brindle or blue merle (black and gray; marbled) with or without tan or brindle points. White markings are common.
Temperament: Cardigan Welsh Corgis are alert, intelligent, protective and loyal. This breed makes for an excellent companion. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is active, obedient and affectionate. They are not shy nor aggressive, but are wary of strangers. Cardigan Welsh Corgis are usually good with children. These dogs are eager to please and make good therapy dogs. Cardigan Welsh Corgis are easy to obedience train.
Health Problems: Cardigan Welsh Corgis are generally a healthy breed with few diseases. Some are prone to Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) as well as spinal disc problems, hip dysplasia, autoimmune diseases and cataracts. Do not overfeed this breed, as it tends to gain weight easily. The average life span for the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is 12 to 15 years.
Special Interest:
• The name “Corgi” comes from the Celtic word for dog.
• The Cardigan Welsh Corgi has a tail – the Pembroke Corgi does not.
• The Cardigan Welsh Corgi was developed for use as an all-purpose farm dog.
Classifications:
AKC: Herding Group
ANKC: Group 5 – Working Dogs
CKC: Group 7 – Herding Dogs
FCI: Group 1 Section 1 Sheepdogs
KC: Pastoral
NZKC: Working
UKC: Herding Dog
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Welsh Corgis: Pembroke and Cardigan