Updated 22-05-2023

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

A sweater similar to this one the Cardigan Dogs of the Welsh Corgi breed are thought to have existed in Wales for more than 3,000 years, making them the oldest Corgi breed. People have relied on these dogs for centuries to transport livestock to market. These days, they like to spend time with their families and are great playmates for elementary-aged children because they are lively and full of energy.

The long tail of the Cardigan makes it look like a sweater with cardigan sleeves. Its medium-length coat is available in a variety of hues and patterns, including black, blue merle, and red. The breed, known as the yard-long dog, is intelligent and kind.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis have a wide range of characteristics and facts to share with you!

Highlights

  • Cardigans have a lot of energy and talk a lot. It doesn't matter what you do or say, they'll yell.
  • Cardigans have a keen intellect, but they can also be obstinate. When it comes to potty training, crate training is the best option.
  • It is possible for cardigans to bite at the heels of your youngsters when they are playing.
  • Cardigans are known for their voracious appetites. Make sure they don't get fat by keeping an eye on how much food they eat.
  • Cardigans have a lot of energy and need to be exercised on a daily basis.
  • Never buy a cardigan from puppy mills, puppy breeders, or pet stores.

Characteristics

Social Appearance 

Adaptability

It's a common misconception that a little dog is better suited to living in a limited space. Many tiny dogs have too much energy and are too yappy to live in an apartment building. An apartment dog's best attributes include being quiet, low energy, somewhat peaceful indoors, and respectful to the other inhabitants. Your dog's personal space in your apartment can be improved by purchasing one of these fantastic dog cages.

Sensitivity Level

Depending on the dog, a strong rebuke can be taken in stride by some, while others regard even the tiniest hint of disapproval as a personal attack. If you have a loud or pushy owner, a chaotic home, or a routine that is unpredictable or variable, your low-sensitivity dog, often known as "easy-going," "tolerant," "resilient," or even "thick-skinned," will be able to handle it better. Do you have young children, host a lot of parties, or have a hectic lifestyle? Choose a dog that isn't overly sensitive.

Intensity

You can't tell from looking at them whether or not they're hyperactive, but when they do anything, they do it vigorously. They tug at their leashes (unless you teach them not to), they push their way through barriers, and they down their meals in huge, gobbling gulps. A home with young children or an elderly or feeble person may not be the best place for these dynamos to learn proper etiquette. On the other side, a dog with poor vitality adopts a more reserved demeanor.

Potential for Playfulness

The playful nature of certain dogs never fades away, and they're always ready for a game, whereas the reserved and serious tendencies of other dogs develop through time. Think about how many times a day you want to play fetch or tag with your dog, and whether or not you have children or other dogs who can act as substitutes.

Personality Appearance

Intelligence

In the same way as working dogs, such as those that herd sheep, are bred for intelligence and decision-making, working dogs like those who run all day need to exercise their bodies. The two most common activities that a bored pet engages in are digging and chewing, both of which require mental stimulation. There are several ways to keep a dog's brain active, including obedience training, interactive dog toys like tug of war, and dog sports like agility and search and rescue.

Energy Level

Energy-draining dogs are always on the lookout for a new activity. There are several jobs that require a lot of stamina from dogs, such as herding livestock or recovering prey for hunters. Children are more likely to engage in activities such as jumping, playing and exploring new sights and smells as a result of this change in their environment

A low-energy dog is more like a couch potato than a dog that needs a lot of exercise. Think about your level of physical activity and whether or not you find a hyperactive dog irritating before making your final choice.

Easy To Train

Easy to train dogs can more easily form associations between a cue (like "sit"), an action (like sitting), and a reward than dogs that are more difficult to train. Dogs that require more time, patience, and repetition are more difficult to train.

Getting your dog interested in training will require incentives and games because many breeds are intelligent but have a "What's in it for me?" mentality when it comes to learning new things.

Family Affection Level

Affectionate With Family

Since puppyhood, some breeds remain aloof and independent; others form deep bonds with one individual but are uninterested in the rest of the family; still other types shower their entire family with affection. Canines raised in homes with people tend to be more open to human interaction and develop stronger ties, regardless of their breed or upbringing.

Kid-Friendly

Kids-friendly dogs are calm, strong enough to bear the hefty hugs and pets kids can dish out, and have an unfazed attitude about rushing, scream-inducing children. There are several names you may not expect to see on the list: Fierce-looking Both Boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers are regarded as family dogs (which are considered Pit Bulls). Chihuahuas, which are small, sensitive, and potentially sharp, are not always family-friendly.

Dog Friendly

Dog friendship and human friendship are two entirely different things. The fact that a dog is friendly with humans doesn't mean it's immune to aggression or aggression from other dogs; some canines choose to play rather than fight; others will just run away. The type of animal isn't the only consideration. Dogs who have spent a lot of time playing with their littermates and their mother at the age of six to eight weeks are more likely to be socially competent.

Physical Appearance

Amount of Shedding

Having a dog in the house means that you'll have to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothing and in the home. It's worth noting, however, that shedding varies widely among breeds. Some dogs shed all year long, while others ``blow" just during specific times of the year, and still others don't shed at all. If you're a stickler for cleanliness, you'll need to choose a breed that sheds less or lower your expectations. You can use a deshedding tool to keep your house a little cleaner.

Drooling Potential

While greeting you, some dogs may cover their arms with ropes of drool and create large, wet patches on your clothing. If you don't mind a little drool, go for it; but if you're a stickler for cleanliness, you may want to look for a dog with a low drool rating.

Easy To Groom

Some breeds of dogs can simply be brushed and left alone, while others require frequent washing, trimming, and other grooming in order to maintain their health and appearance. If you don't have the time or money to take care of a dog that requires a lot of grooming, you may want to look into hiring a professional.

Exercise Needs

Evening walks around the neighbourhood are perfectly acceptable for some breeds. Others, particularly those trained for physically demanding vocations like herding or hunting, require regular, rigorous exercise.

They can gain weight and release their pent-up energy in ways you don't like, including barking, chewing, and digging, if not given enough exercise. Those looking to train their dog for an energetic canine activity, such as agility, should consider getting a dog that needs a lot of exercise.

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed

Weight

25 to 38 pounds

Lifespan

12 to 15 years

Height

10 inches to 1 foot tall at the shoulder

History

The Cardigan was one of the first breeds to arrive in the British Isles. Cardiganshire, South Wales, has been a home to the Welsh Corgi since the Middle Ages. An extinct English turn-spit dog, a short-legged, low-bodied canine that was used to turn spits in kitchens, may have affected its development.

Only afterwards did the Corgi discover its ultimate calling as more than just a family protector and hunter's sidekick. Having a large number of cattle spread out across a large area was advantageous to the farmer in a time when the amount of land accessible to tenant farmers was decided by the size of their herds. The Corgi fell easily into this job, biting at the cattle's heels and ducking their kicks, as a driving dog rather than a herding one. The word "Corgi" may actually be derived from the Latin words "Cor" (gather) and "Gi" (dog).

They were originally termed "yard-long dogs" or "Ci-flathead" because they were expected to be as long as a Welsh yard (a little longer than an English yard) from snout to tail tip. Corgis were no longer needed as drovers when the Crown domains were divided, sold, and fenced. Even though it was kept as a companion and a guard by some, it became an expensive luxury that only a select few could afford, and it was on the verge of extinction.

Although other breeds have been crossed, the results have been mixed. The only exception was the brindle herder cross, which resulted in the current generation of Cardigans. It was in 1925 when the first Cardigans were introduced to the fashion world. Cards and Pembroke Welsh Corgis were considered one breed up until 1934, and it was customary for them to breed with one other. American Cardigans arrived in 1931, and the American Kennel Club (AKC) granted breed status to the breed in 1935. No matter how hard breeders try, they can't seem to duplicate the Pembroke Corgis success with the Cardigan.

Personality and Temperament

Pembroke Welsh corgis are known as socialites, but Cardigan Welsh corgis are more laid back and less extroverted. Cardigans can be a little reserved at first, but once they open up, they can be a lot of fun. Cardigans are noted for their alarm barking, yet they are not considered to be nuisance barkers.

Corgis, like all herding breeds, are bright and energetic, but Cardigan Welsh corgis are the most active of the bunch. If they are raised with children, other dogs, and other pets, they perform well, but be aware that they have a tendency to herd others from time to time. Cardis has a strong personality because they were bred to work with animals much larger than themselves.

The Cardigan is a faithful and funny friend that is both fun-loving and easygoing. Despite their toughness, this type is nimble and unflappable. He's a good dog at home, but he has a tendency to bark. Afraid of strangers, he can be a little rough around the edges with other dogs.

Care

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi can be a happy, well-adjusted dog with some basic obedience training, moderate exercise, and regular grooming. There are plenty of things you can do with this breed of dog if they become part of your household.

Health

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi has long backs and small legs, making them heavier than they appear to be. Care must be taken to prevent a Cardigan from injuring its back because of the breed's distinctive physical characteristics. Lifting puppies should be done with equal support under the front and back legs, so don't let them jump from high places (consider utilising pet ramps for sofas or beds).

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi, like all purebred dogs, needs to be bred by a responsible breeder who screens both parents and puppies for inherited diseases. The following health issues apply to this breed:

Hip dysplasia 

Because of a joint deformity in the dog's hips, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is prone to developing dysplasia.

Progressive retinal atrophy

This is a degenerative eye illness that can lead to blindness, known as PRA.

Degenerative myelopathy

This condition, which is also known as DM, results in gradual paralysis. Veterinarians can now avoid passing on degenerative myelopathy by using a genetic test.

Recommended Health Tests 

  1. Hip Evaluation
  2. Degenerative Myelopathy DNA Test
  3. PRA Genetic Test or Clearance via Parentage (see CWCC website)

Nutrition

Avoid feeding your Cardigan Welsh Corgi too much food. Obesity in dogs can lead to a variety of health problems, including back and hip dysplasia, as well as other diet-related conditions including diabetes. Feed meals according to a timetable, using a cup or scale to measure the food. In order to ensure the health of your Cardigan Welsh Corgi, ask your breeder or veterinarian for advice on the best food to feed your pet.

Grooming

The Welsh Cardigan, the double coat of the Corgi, requires minimal clipping, making it a low-maintenance dog. Brushing once a week is necessary to maintain the shedding to a minimum, although it doesn't tend to matter. Their coats are wet and dirt resistant, so they only need to be bathed every few months or so. Trim the nails every week and clean the ears if they appear unclean using a pet-safe ear cleaner.

Exercise

Moderate activity is necessary for Cardigan Welsh Corgis to maintain good health. Unlike many other working breeds, they don't require as much energy as they do because they love and have a lot of it. Keep your dog on a leash while it's outside of a fenced-in area, as this breed is more likely to get into trouble if it's out of bounds. Some farm dogs, in particular, can be trained to use recalls to rapidly return to their owners, despite their tendency to chase after other animals due to their herding nature. Agility sports are also a favourite pastime for these dogs because of their work history.

Training

Your Cardigan Welsh Corgi puppy will swiftly and cheerfully learn proper manners and house rules if you begin training him or her as soon as possible. Because of the breed's innate intelligence and desire to please its owner, gentle, positive training methods work well. agility, fly ball, obedience and herding are some of the skills that many Cardigans possess.

Children and Other Pets

The herding tendencies of cardigans can lead them to nip at a child's feet or ankles. To their credit, they'll be able to figure out quite soon that this isn't acceptable.

It is important to teach youngsters how to deal with dogs, as well as oversee any encounters between dogs and young people so that there is no risk of either side biting the other. You should teach your youngster the importance of respecting dogs' privacy and not to disturb them while they're having a meal or sleeping. A youngster should never be left alone with a dog, no matter how friendly it is.

As long as they have been socialised with other pets in the family, cardigans are generally amiable. Their aggression toward dogs who aren't in their family is tempered by the fact that they like playing with other Corgi in the family as much as possible.

Puppies

Puppies from the Cardigan Welsh Corgi breed are noted for their loyalty and love. Their favourite pastime is to play, but they can be dangerous if they aren't well-trained.

Historically, corgis were employed to herd cattle by nipping at their lower legs, which makes them naturally predisposed to bite.

Most respectable breeders charge between $1,200 and $2,200 for a Cardigan Welsh Corgi puppy; a top-quality dog can go for as much as $3,000. It all depends on the breeder's location as well as the pup's age, sexes, quality, and lineage.

Dog breed similar to Cardigan Welsh Corgi

  • Pembroke Welsh Corgi