CARDIGAN WELSH CORGI
APPEARANCE
The Cardigan is a long, low dog with upright ears and a fox-like appearance. Unlike the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, whose tail is usually docked, the Cardigan’s tail is long. Cardigans can be any shade of red, sable, or brindle; they can also be black with or without tan brindle or blue merle with or without tan or brindle points. The height of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is around 10-13 inches, and he weighs in at around 25-45 pounds.
PERSONALITY
Cardigans are affectionate, devoted companions that can also be alert and responsible guardians. They are known for their personality. Like most herding dogs, caring for “their people” comes naturally to the devoted, alert, and dependable Cardigan. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is responsive and obedient, but also independent, with a mind of his own. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a dependable and reliable dog that can make a very good family pet.
TRAINING
This breed does have a tendency to nip, but their high intelligence and the fact that they are quick to learn makes them easy to train. Cardis love problem-solving and other intellectual challenges, and are natural candidates for heavy obedience training and trick-performing. Their intelligence needs to be constantly exercised or Cardis will start becoming restless and will start turning their intelligence toward stealing food, finding their way out of closed apartments or yards, and other unwanted behavior.
EXERCISE
The Welsh Corgi likes to be outdoors. They’re very good at amusing themselves indoors, require only one or two walks a day. By focusing on active, energetic training–tricks, ball-chasing, and other stimulating yet tiring activities in particular–you can keep your Corgi fit. They love walks and romps, and with exercise can be quite athletic with unexpected ball-chasing speed.
SOCIALIZATION
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi will usually get along well with children, especially older, more considerate children. However, Cardis are not quite so good with other household animals, and they should be introduced to their prospective housemates at an early age. Socialization with other household dogs should be done very, very early. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is reserved but polite when it comes to strangers and guests.
LIVING CONDITIONS
Cardigans are adaptable, living on country acreage or city apartments. They are ideal house pets and companion dogs, which means they are meant to be with you. Dogs can be outside to exercise but brought in several times during the day. Cardigans love to romp in the snow.
GROOMING
Two sessions of brushing a week should suffice to remove unwanted dead hair, which will keep your dog clean and minimize shedding. This breed is a medium shedder, but will shed more heavily on a seasonal basis. Bathing should be kept to a minimum - too frequent bathing can result in a lessening of his coat weather-resistant capacity.
HEALTH ISSUES
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi has a life expectancy of around 12-15 years. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is an exceptionally healthy breed; canine hip dysplasia is almost never clinical, and on extremely rare occasions the dog may develop DM (degenerative myelopathy).
HISTORY
Cardigan Welsh Corgi was developed in Cardiganshire in Wales. Originally used only as a farm guardian, they eventually took on the traits of a cattle drover, herder, and many more. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi was registered with the AKC in 1935.
