Welsh Corgi , Cardigan

Welsh Corgi , Cardigan

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is distinguished from its more common cousin by its long, low body and fox-like tail. This breed has been around for centuries and is a consummate cattle dog.

History:

The Cardigan has been known for centuries in its native Wales, more precisely in the green hills of Cardiganshire. The name Corgi is derived from two Welsh words, "Cor" meaning dwarf (although there is some speculation that it could also have been "cur" for working dog) and "Gi," the word for dog.

The Cardigan is a separate breed from the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and has an ancient lineage. It is derived from the Dachshund family, and the original Cardigans were usually golden or blue merle. It is thought that these early Cardigans had dropped ears, unlike the upright ears that the Cardigans of today have. These ancestral dogs were thought to have been brought to Wales by the central European Celts around the time of the 1200 BC invasion. Even as recently as the 1850s, the Cardi was sometimes the only breed of dog kept by some Welsh communities.

The Cardigan was first shown in conformation in England in 1919, but the two Welsh Corgi breeds weren't officially recognized as separate breeds until 1934. In 1931 the first two Cardigan Welsh Corgis were brought to the United States, and they were officially recognized there in 1934.

Physical characteristics:

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a long, low dog that uses its lack of height to good advantage when droving cattle. Height: 10.5 - 12.5 in (27 - 32 cm). Weight: 25 - 38 lb (11.5 - 17.5 kg). It is very fox-like in appearance, from the brush-like tail to the large erect ears and intense inquiring expression. The front legs are slightly bowed around a deep chest. This dog is built for endurance, but still has the capability of short bursts of speed.

The short double coat comes in a variety of colors, patterns and shades: blue merle, brindle, sable, red and black. Some of the colors can have tan-colored cheeks and eyebrows, and white on the chest or collar is common.

Behavior:

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a bright and cheerful little dog. This dog was originally bred to be a working cattle dog. It was necessary for the dog to bravely rush at the feet of cattle and nip at them. This rushing and nipping characteristic still remains, and owners are advised not to over-stimulate the dog with chasing games. This is very important when small children are about. Otherwise, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi can make a wonderful companion animal.