Cardigan Welsh Corgi Dog Breed | Welsh Corgi Cardigan - Dog Breed
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Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Dog Breed
The Breed History
In early history, and arising from the same type of dog that gave rise to the Dachshund, the progenitors of the modern day Cardigan Welsh Corgi were brought to Cardiganshire in Wales around 1200 BC. Other bloodlines that may have contributed to the corgi type include Shipperke, Swedish Valhunds, and Finnish Spitz dogs. Breeders split the breed into Cardigan and Pembroke Corgis around 1934. In 1931, Cardis were first brought to the US, and the AKC registered them in 1935. The name Corgi is thought to be a Celtic word for dog or perhaps a Welsh word for dwarf dog.
Breeding for Function
These dogs were valued as guarding dogs, and were used to manage cattle by driving and dispersing them on the common pastures. They were also valued as a vermin hunter. They perform well in agility and herding competitions, and have become a popular companion pet.
Physical Characteristics
Height at Withers: female 10.5-12.5 " (26.5-31.5 cm), male 10.5-12.5 " (26.5-31.5 cm).
Weight: females 25-34 lb (11.5-15.5 kg), males 30-38 lb (13.5-17 kg).
Coat: The double coat of medium length should never be primarily white. Blue merle may have pigmented points, and black, red, sable, and brindle coats may have white on chest, legs, neck, face (except around eyes), and tail tip. A tri-color coat is also sometimes seen. They are not clipped for show.
Longevity: 12-15 years.
Points of Conformation: These sturdy, low-set muscular dogs with great agility and intelligence have a very alert expression. Their forefeet normally are displaced laterally and legs bowed due to chondrodystrophic conformation. Their eyes have dark pigmentation at the palpebral margin and the eyes are dark except in the blue merles, where blue eyes are acceptable. The face has a moderate stop, and the muzzle is tapered. Moderate length of neck, and well-sprung ribs with moderate tuck up in loins are evident. The long back has only a slight slope down towards the tail base along the topline. The tail is long and thick and rear dewclaws are generally removed. The Pembroke is shorter, has straighter legs, ears are smaller and more pointed, and the tail is docked short in comparison.
Recognized Behavior Issues and Traits
Reported breed characteristics include: Loyal, protective intelligent dog, they learn quickly, and are active dogs. They are wary of strangers, and are an excellent alarm barker. Early training and socialization to people and other pets are important for these dogs. They may try to herd children by nipping at the heels, but can be trained away from this behavior. If left alone for long periods, these dogs tend to chew or bark. They benefit from daily moderate exercise, and are generally calmer than Pembrokes. They are high shedders, but require low to moderate grooming.
Normal Physiologic Variations
None reported
Drug Sensitivities
None reported
Inherited Diseases
Hip Dysplasia: Polygenically inherited trait causing degenerative joint disease and hip arthritis. OFA reports 19.1% affected.
Patella Luxation: Polygenically inherited laxity of patellar ligaments, causing luxation, lameness, and later degenerative joint disease. Treat surgically if causing clinical signs. Reported at a high rate, but too few Cardigan Welsh Corgis have been screened by OFA to determine an accurate frequency.
Elbow Dysplasia: Polygenically inherited trait causing elbow arthritis. OFA reports 3.2% affected.