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Herding breeds: Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Origin
The older of the two breeds the Cardigan came to the high country now known as Cardiganshire, South Wales, with the Celts from Central Europe. This migration took place approximately 1200 B.C. The Cardigan is from the same family that the Dachshund comes from.
The Cardigan was an integral part of the family circle, and its importance was passed from generation to generation. They watched children and hunted small game.
The tenant farmers, or crofters, were allowed to use the common land to graze their cattle. It was here that the Corgi shined in earnest. They would chase the neighbors' cattle from the field claimed by their masters, their low bodies giving them some advantage to the kicking cows as the bit at their hocks. They moved with incredible speed for a dog with such short legs, but their elongated bodies gave them extra spring. Time came when the crofters disappeared, but the Corgi was still useful as a guard dog and a companion.
It was at this time the Cardigan was bred with the brindle herder of the time, and it was this crossing that produced the Pembroke. The two breeds were interbred for years until they became separate breeds in 1934.
General description
Height: 10.5-12.5 inches
Weight: 25-38 pounds
Color: All shades of red, sable, and brindle; black with or without tan or brindle points; blue merle (black and gray; marbled) with or without tan or brindle points. There is no color preference. White flashings are usual on the neck (either in part or as a collar), chest, legs, muzzle, underparts, tip of tail and as a blaze on head. White on the head should not predominate and should never surround the eyes.
Grooming requirements
Regular weekly brushing, bathing, ear cleaning, nail clipping. The Cardigan's coat is medium in length, thick, and dense. The coat is known to shed a lot. You will need a metal comb and a slicker brush to properly groom this breed. Problem areas for this breed include the hind quarters and bib areas. The shedding this little dynamo does can be cut substantially by regular grooming and conditioning after bathing.
Health considerations
This breed is prone to progressive retinal atrophy and disc problems.
Breed characteristics and personality
Temperature is not a large consideration for the thick-coated Cardigan, as they are not bothered by temperatures ranging from 20 degrees below zero up to 110 degrees above. They are even-tempered, intelligent, loyal, and affectionate. They have a special affinity for children. They are intelligent enough to regulate their play for those they are playing with regardless of age.
Early socialization and obedience training is highly recommended, as this breed can be daring, strong-willed, headstrong, and commanding. The Cardigan may resist formal training at first but enjoys learning and likes to work.
The Cardigan also has a high to very high activity level and requires daily exercise. If exercised regularly, this breed makes a suitable apartment dog.
Uses
In keeping with their Welsh farm heritage and intelligence, Cardigans do well in obedience, tracking, agility, and, of course, herding trials, and they make for an outstanding companion dog.
Web links
AKC Cardigan Welsh Corgi page
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America
Bluebonnet Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club
Chesapeake Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club
Lake Michigan Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club
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