Cardigan



The Cardigan Welsh Corgi - The Corgi with a Tail

 
 History
A Cardigan Corgi is a small but hardy dog that was found centuries ago in the remote hills of Cardiganshire in Wales. The Cardigan's were valued by their family as an affectionate companion, guard-dog, general farm worker, and driver of cattle.

The Cardigan's are sometimes confused with the tailless Pembroke Welsh Corgi, however they are a separate breed, descending from the Teckel or Dachshund family. The earliest Cardigans were heavy, golden or blue merle with drop ears. It is believed that the Cardigan's were crossed with other herders to increase the working ability which also gave the Cardigan's a more refined, foxy-looking expression.                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                             
Appearance
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a long, low, fox-like dog with large upright ears and a brushy tail, moderate bone, and front legs slightly bowed around a deep chest. His appearance should conform as closely as possible to the AKC Standard, which states, "...a small, sturdy but powerful dog capable of endurance and speed." The average size is handy, approximately twelve inches at the shoulder with females ideally ranging from 25-34 pounds and males from 30-38 pounds. The Cardigan's double coat is of medium length with a variety of colors, shades and patterns: brindle, red, sable, blue merle and black. Blues and blacks can have tan or brindle "points". White markings are usual on the neck, chest, legs, muzzle, underparts, tip of tail and blaze.

 Personality
The Cardigans have a wonderful, funny personality.  They are a big dog in a small package. The Cardigan is a dog who wants to be involved with his family; his family should WANT to become involved with him too. He is full of fun and will shower that family with devotion and sensible affection; although some Cardigans will be reserved with strangers until they get to know them better. Caring for his owners comes naturally to this intelligent, alert and responsible dog. 

 
 Care
The average lifespan of a Cardigan is around 12-15 years. They need a good diet and water, exercise, veterinary visits and vaccinations, general grooming, socialization, training and love. If not show quality, he/she should be neutered or spayed.
One should be careful about allowing puppy Cardis, with their very distinctive front assembly, to jump down. When born, the puppies have drop ears.  Within the first few weeks the big ears will come up on their own, but occasionally ears are temporarily supported with tape. A Cardigan should be picked up by placing one hand under the chest behind the front legs with the other hand supporting the hindquarters.  Cardigan's have stamina and LOVES to play and go for walks. Typically does not require more exercise than what he gets around the house and yard. With exercise, he can be quite athletic with surprising speed.

The Cardigan's coat is all-weather and generally clean and odorless. It is best if brushed once a week to remove dead hair. Like most dogs, he does shed twice a year; in keeping with his moderate coat, the amount is not extreme.

Additional information can be obtained from the CWCCA website at http://www.cardigancorgis.com

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