The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is renowned for its adaptability, athleticism, and resilience. Bred for labor in the hills of Cardiganshire, Wales, the Cardigan boasts a deep chest for enhanced heart and lung capacities. Despite its short legs, don't underestimate this breed: it's tough, capable, and surprisingly fast.
Looking Back
The ancestors of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi migrated to Wales alongside Celtic warriors thousands of years ago. These dogs required not only physical strength but also a steadfast temperament to control livestock.
Initially, the Cardigan's dwarfism was a genetic mutation known as chondrodysplasia. As herding dogs, their short legs became an advantage, enabling them to dodge and avoid cattle kicks.
Early Cardigans were responsible for herding their owner's cattle to grazing areas and keeping trespassing cattle off the owner's property. Farmers also utilized Cardigans as companions, for general farm work, protection, and vermin hunting.
Still Busy Today
In contemporary times, only a handful of Cardigans are engaged in livestock herding, but they all thrive when kept busy. These intelligent and obedient (although occasionally independent) dogs excel in various dog sports such as obedience, tracking, herding, rally, agility, and barn hunting. At home, daily walks, focused training sessions, and activities like ball chasing ensure the Cardigan remains healthy and content. They adapt well to urban environments and apartment living, provided they receive regular exercise.
Outside their home, Cardigans exhibit reserve with strangers. On their own turf, they proudly wear the watchdog cap. This breed is ever vigilant and has no intention of topping any list of quiet dogs. Yes, they tend to be vocal when sounding alarms!
Cardigans generally get along with animals in their own household, but they may assert themselves with unfamiliar animals. After all, the Cardigan's ancestors were specifically trained to chase away stray animals from the property. Let's be clear: Herding breeds tend to be inherently assertive!
Isn't a Corgi Just a Corgi?
Despite similar names and physical resemblances, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi are distinct breeds with unique histories and lineages. Both breeds assisted farmers in herding cattle and guarding the barnyard. However, Cardigans, being some two thousand years older, were developed in the rocky terrain of Cardiganshire in southwest Wales, while Pembrokes originated in the flatter terrain of Pembrokeshire in southern Wales.
Distinguishing between the two breeds today is relatively straightforward: Cardigans have long, foxlike tails, while Pembrokes have tails docked close to their bodies.
Additional Cardigan Information
- Weight: 30-38 pounds (male); 25-34 pounds (female)
- Life Span: 12 to 15 years
- Coat: Double-coated with slightly harsh outer hairs and a short, soft, and thick insulating undercoat
- Color: Red, sable, and brindle; black, blue merle
- Grooming: Easy to maintain, mainly requiring weekly brushing
- Shedding: Yes, especially seasonally
- Best for: Active singles and families
- Accurate name: In Welsh, the word "Corgi" loosely translates to "dwarf dog."
- AKC popularity rank: 66th
- Equipment: Cardigans are not built for prolonged swimming, so a life jacket is advisable. Some Cardigans use portable stairs to access furniture.
- Possible health issues: Degenerative myelopathy, hip and elbow dysplasia, canine intervertebral disc disease.
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