You’ve got to be having a pretty lousy day if even the site of a Cardigan Welsh Corgi can’t put a smile on your face! This is why it’s no surprise that this little lovable guy has gone from being a very productive member of the family to now a highly desirable companion and “show dog” sometimes!
Origins of the Species (of Dog)
The Cardigan Corgis, or the “yard-long dog” that they often affectionately referred to is thought to have descended from the Teckel strand of breeds.
“Teckels”
It is a term used to mainly describe a “type” of dog with a long body, a deep chest and very short legs. These dogs have traditionally been known to be fantastic hunters of small game and vermin and are best represented by the Dachshund breed. And early on, the Cardigan Welsh Corgis and the Pembroke Welsh Corgis were lumped into the “category” of dogs and fell under the vague title of “Welsh Corgi” for quite some time.
It is believed…
Both the Pembroke Welsh corgis and the Cardigan Welsh Corgis were bred as herders: dogs that would patrol the farms of the Welsh countryside and secure them from vermin or chase their cattle, where needed. Their speculated beginnings in the twelfth century mean they have worked by our sides for hundreds of years.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Fast Facts
Origin: Wales (Cardiganshire, Wales)
Original Purpose: Cattle driver and small game hunter
Height: About 10 to 12 inches.
Weight: between 25 to 35 pounds
Life Span: 12-14 years.
And even though…
These two breeds remain as some of the oldest remembered working breeds in the world – it wasn’t until the beginning of last century that the Cardigan Welsh Corgi Dog and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Dog came to be “officially” recognized as two segregated breeds.
Up until then, they were both regarded as one, and there was copious in-fighting between the two factions regarding which breed was the superior Corgi. Even today there remains a little healthy rivalry between warring breeders (Which is a topic we’re not even going to get close to discussing)!
In modern times…
Both “types” of Corgi frequently show at Dog shows (e.g. CRUFTS) and make valuable little buddies and clever and relentlessly loyal watchdogs.
Intended initially as farm watchdogs and vermin controllers, these herding dogs gradually evolved to do all sorts of exciting farm jobs. Today’s resulting breed is wary and watchful while still desperate for attention like any normal family pet should be.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) set the Breed standard in 1935 when they were officially recognized as an altogether independent breed from Pembroke. Parties were held throughout Wales as both sides of the great debate finally settled their differences and celebrated together.
It was a magical moment for Britain.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi characteristics
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a small dog weighing 25-35 lbs and standing about a foot tall. And while the “color coat” can vary including all shades of red, sable and brindle, many will often have a distinguished “blue” tint to it which referred to as a “blue-Merle pattern” with patches of color in a solid or “piebald coat” pattern. One of the nice things about these dogs is that their coats (despite having a double coat) are manageable and don’t require more than the typical brushing every couple of days.
Welsh corgis also have tails!
Unlike his Pembroke counterpart, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi has a tail! A tail that will set low and is not curled over its back.
As well as very distinct eyes and ears which will typically stand straight up most of the time, especially when they are alert and have large feet that tend to point outward.
But don’t’ let…
These “odd” little feet surprise you. Cardigan Welsh corgis are fast and will want to go on plenty of walks and play with you. After all, they’re a part of the “herding group” which means they will be ready and eager for a good chase!
It should also be pointed out that Cardigan Welsh Corgi bark a lot, so please be aware of this “trait” before you decide to purchase your new Cardigan Welsh Corgi Puppy! This is why if you live in an apartment or a house with really close neighbors, there’s a good chance that he might not be the right dog for you! This is if you want to stay on good terms with your neighbors/landlord.
Your Cardigan’s Temperament…
It’s probably best to consider your Cardigan Welch Corgi equal parts watchdog and loving best friend. He will enjoy attention and excel at obedience training or competitive training events.
They are going to be very active and full of beans for their comparably small size and are likely to guard your house against every single stranger who walks past (remember that barking we talked about?)– so if you have thin walls and angry neighbors the Corgi might not be for you.
As a former working dog…
That was bred to be able to live indoors out of the harsh Welsh winters; the Cardigan has a loving and attentive nature like no other. Now they will like to chase and or their prey drive will be high – although you might find he is more likely to chase and bark than to actually “attack” (all bark and no bite).
This is why these guys are excellent family dogs that will be gentle and careful with your children. These little guys are generally best kept indoors and close to their humans for optimal results. Early socialization is essential with any new puppy, but it is necessary if you want your Corgi to get on well with other “furry” family members.
As far as guard dogs go…
They’ll provide an excellent early warning system without scaring your guests or loved ones away while providing a friendly, active, adoring pet for your kiddies.
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi does have the perfect mix of pet and working dog in its blood and will make a great family member that will always, always, always be ecstatic to see you when you arrive home… he’s just quite likely to let your neighbors know your home, as well.
Is health an issue in such an old breed? Do Cardigan Welch Corgis suffer from a lot of health problems?
Health issues with this breed are few and far between, especially since it is rumored to be one of the oldest known breeds.
As a general rule…
Modern dog breeds descended from strong working dog stock tend to be healthier than other breeds, and thus it is with the humble Cardigan. That said however, they tend to suffer from:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy which can lead to blindness,
- Hip dysplasia in their elder years and may suffer from disc problems on their backs.
- Von Willebrand Disease (VWDI) is an inherited bleeding disorder that disrupts the normal blood coagulation process in affected dogs.
It may sound bad, but given how many health conditions and how many of them could affect a purebred, only being susceptible to one or two different medical conditions isn’t all that bad.
This brings us to…
The last topic we wanted to discuss regarding the Cardigan Welch Corgi is if you’re researching this breed to determine if it might be the right dog for you, that’s great! But don’t stop there. Also take a moment and see exactly what it might cost for you to be able to purchase a pet insurance policy on your new puppy or rescue dog because the last thing that you want to have happen is to have your new pet become sick or injured and not be able to afford the care that they will need.
This is why…
We’ve taken the time to research many different pet insurance companies out there and have created our own Best Pet Insurance Companies article so that you can quickly determine if getting a pet insurance policy for your loved one is the right move for you.
