History of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi Breed
Although the origin of the name "corgi" has been disputed, the ancestry of the Cardigan Welsh corgi is clearer than that of other breeds. Some say the name "corgi" is derived from "cor" - which means to gather, and "gi" - which means dog. Others say that the name comes from the Celtic word for dog. Yet another version is that "corgi" is the Welsh word meaning "tiny dog." Nonetheless, most agree that the Cardigan Welsh corgi is one of the earliest breeds to appear in the British Isles, and that the dog was introduced to Cardiganshire, South Wales, by central Europeans many hundreds of years ago. While its exact ancestry is not known, this breed was likely related to the English turn-spit dog, now extinct. This type of dog had short legs and a low body, and it was used to literally turn spits in kitchens. Others claim that the breed descended from the Swedish Vallhunds, and was brought to Wales by Vikings in the 800s. Still others feel that it was brought to Wales by the Celts in about 1200 BC. And some claim that the dog comes from an early form of the Dachshund. Whatever its ancestral roots, the corgi was first used to protect the family and also to aid in hunting. Later, people realized that the corgi was very efficient at driving cattle, much to the advantage of the tenant farmer whose acreage was determined by how much land their cattle occupied. Therefore the farmer would prefer to have his herd scattered throughout large parcels of land. The corgi was especially effective at driving, as it would nip at the heels of the cattle, and it could easily avoid the kicks of the herd. It is said that the original dogs of this breed measured (from nose to the tip of the tail) a Welsh yard, which is slightly longer than an English yard. In fact, in certain areas of Cardiganshire this dog was called the yard-long dog. After the Crown lands were divided, and there was no longer a need for drovers, the corgi was used by some as a companion or guard dog. But it soon became a luxury that most people of the time could not afford. Because of this, the corgi came very close to extinction. While crosses with other dogs were attempted, most were not very successful. The one exception to this was breeding the dog with a brindle herder, and the current Cardigan is the result of the herder influence. It was around 1925 that the first Cardigans were shown, and until 1934, the Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh corgis were considered one breed. At that time interbreeding between the two types of corgis was common. In 1931, the first Cardigans appeared in the United States, and the breed was recognized by the AKC in 1935. However, in America, the Cardigan has never been as popular as the Pembroke corgi.
Size and Appearance of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi Breed
Low-set and almost twice as long as it is tall, the Cardigan Welsh corgi is a small but powerful dog. It boasts relatively large, rounded feet that feature well-filled pads. The hindquarters are strong and well-muscled, and the back feet are slightly smaller and more oval than front feet. The head of this dog is proportionate to its body, and the medium-size eyes offer a gentle and friendly, yet alert and watchful expression. The large ears are strong and slightly rounded at the tip. The rounded muzzle is gently tapered, offering a black nose and strong jaws with teeth that meet in a scissors bite.
The muscular neck is moderately long, and it blends smoothly into well-shaped shoulders. The tail is set low, and it is carried low at rest and parallel to the ground when the dog is running. The gait of this dog is described as free, smooth, and effortless. The dense, double coat of this breed is of medium length, and the outer hairs are slightly harsh in texture. The weather-resistant coat lies fairly smooth on the body. The undercoat provides insulation, and it is short, soft, and thick. The Cardigan Welsh corgi comes in a variety of coat colors, including: many shades of red; sable and brindle; black, with or without tan or brindle points; and blue merle consisting of marbled black and gray, with or without tan or brindle points.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Temperament
An amusing and fun-loving companion, the Cardigan Welsh corgi is a high-spirited, yet easygoing breed. This dog can be an excellent pet for the disabled or the elderly, and it truly enjoys the company of children. It can sometimes be reserved around strangers, and it may have a tendency to bark. This breed has been known to be combative with other dogs, except other corgis. It is usually good with other pets if socialized at an early age. Because of their herding history, the corgi may nip at peoples' heels, unless trained not to do so. This breed is thought to be very intelligent and obedient.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Recommended Maintenance
The water-resistant coat of this breed should be brushed at least once a week to remove dead hair. It is fairly easy to groom with a firm bristle brush. The corgi only needs to be bathed when necessary. The coat of this breed is generally shed twice a year. Despite its small size, the Cardigan needs to have daily exercise. It most enjoys a herding session, but walks and vigorous game playing is a good way to provide necessary physical activity. While this breed can live outside in temperate to cool climates, it is also a very good house dog. It is quite active when indoors, and it can do well in an apartment if exercised sufficiently.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Health
Life span: 10 - 12 years
Major concerns: CHD
Minor concerns: PRA
Occasionally seen: urolithiasis, PRA
Suggested tests: hip, (eye), (DNA test for PRA)
