Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The Corgi has been in Wales for at least a millenium, and possibly for as long as 3,000 years. Until the 1850s, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi was the only dog known to be kept in some Welsh communities. Records dating from 1574 suggest the breed gets its name from the word cur, meaning to watch over, and in old Welsh, gi means dog. This breed was originally a robust livestock guard on farms, as well as an instinctive “heeler”, driving cattle by nipping at its heels; it was built low enough to the ground to avoid flailing hooves. Corgis are still given to this behaviour today, being self-willed and sometimes snappy. They make exuberant, alert, but opinionated companions for owners with a firm hand.

Breed name synonyms: Cardigan, Corgi, Cardi

HISTORY

The origin of the name Corgi is often argued about. Some say that ,,cor gi,, is a Welsh word meaning ,,tiny dog,, or ,,dwarf dog,,. Others believe that the name comes from the Celtic word for dog. However everybody agrees that the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is one of the oldest breeds to appear in the British Isles. It is a descendent of the Teckel family of dogs.
Originally they were used as cattle drivers, vermin exterminators and farm guards. They drove cattle by barking and nipping at the cattle’s heels rather than just herding them. Their low stature helped them roll out of the way of kicking cows.

Although Cardigans still have their herding instinct, they do not spend much time working. They rather spend time laying on sofas and being loving pets and companions.

PERSONALITY

Cardigan Welsh Corgis have big personalities, stashed in small bodies. They are amusing, fun-loving, high-spirited, devoted and easy-going. Fulfilling their desire to please people, they can sometimes be clownish and seek attention, but generally they are a hardy breed – responsible, tireless and thoughtful. Cardigans love having something to do. Since they were bred to work with animal quite larger than themselves, they can be a little strong-willed and independent.
When at home, Cardigans try really hard to be well-mannered but in the end they are vocal dog and incline to barking. In fact, they bark at anything and everything.

TRAITS

It can honestly be said that Cardigans are funny looking dogs. They have large, well pronounced, erect ears, set high on the head, long bodies, tails set low, short legs and round feet turned slightly outward. They have an agile and alert expression. Despite of their small size, they are described as sturdy and athletic.
Cardigan Welsh Corgis have dense medium-length double coat. They come in a variety of coat colors such as many shades of red, sable and brindle, black or blue merle with or without tan or brindle points.
Cardigans are almost twice as long as they are tall. The height at withers in both males and females is 10-13’’ (25-33cm) and they weight around 25-30Ib (11-14kg).

HANDLING

Cardigans are hyperactive and get bored really quickly, so training sessions should be short, but effective. First the owner must establish pack leader status and if the Corgi respects that hierarchy, the training can start. They need a firm, but patient hand.
A well-socialized Cardigan can be especially fond of kids. At first Cardigans may try to herd children by nipping at the heels, but can be trained away from this unwanted habit. They can be agreeable and get along with other pets, as long as they are raised with them.
Although they have ,,big dog,, bark, Corgis often suffer from small dog syndrome. If left alone at home for long periods, they develop destructive behavior, manifested with furniture chewing and loud, excessive barking.

HEALTH

Overall, Cardigans are a very healthy breed. Often seen health issues include hip dysplasia (malformation of the hip joints that can cause arthritis and severe pain), progressive retinal atrophy (which can lead to blindness) and very rarely, degenerative myelopathy (disease that causes progressive paralysis and usually affects very old Cardigans). Because of its short legs and long back, the Corgi is very prone to back injuries and intervertebral disk diseases. Blood-clotting disease (von Willebrand’s) and epilepsy are major concers in this breed.

The estimated lifespan of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is 12-15 years.