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A Brief History
A small but hardy dog was found centuries ago in the remote, misty green
hills of Cardiganshire in Wales. He was a "Corgi," "Cor" for dwarf (or perhaps
"cur" for working dog) and "gi" (with a hard "G" sound) for dog. This "ci-llathed" or "yard-long" dog was
highly valued by his family as affectionate
companion, guard, general farm worker, and driver of cattle. In fact, ancient
Welsh law provided for severe penalties to those who harmed or stole one of the
little "corgwn," because the corgi's talents could help determine his family's
economic status.
Never numerous and sometimes confused with the more common tailless Pembroke
Welsh Corgi, the Cardigan is a separate breed of ancient lineage, descended from
the Teckel or Dachshund family. The earliest Cardigans were heavy, golden or
blue merle with perhaps drop ears. Careful crosses were made with working
qualities in mind, probably with brindle and red herders; the result was also
more refined, dignified and foxy-looking.
Although the Cardigan Welsh Corgi was first shown in England in 1919 and
the English Cardigan Welsh Corgi Association was founded in 1926, the Cardigans
and Pembrokes were not finally declared to be separate breeds by the English
Kennel Club until 1934. The first pair of Cardigans was imported to the United
States by Mrs. B.P. Bole in 1931, with the Welsh Corgi recognized by the
American Kennel Club in 1934, and the Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgis
recognized separately in December, 1934. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of
America was founded in 1935. The Cardigan has gone from the Non- Sporting to the
Working to the Herding Group.
Physical Appearance
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a long, low fox-like dog with large upright ears, 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 practical coat is medium length and double with a variety of colors,
shades and patterns: brindle (which gives a wood grain effect), red (brown or
golden), sable (with black hair tips), blue merle (black and grey marbled) and
black. Blues and blacks can have "points" (cheeks and eyebrows) in either tan
(for a tri-color) or brindle. White flashings are usual on the neck (as a
partial or full collar), chest, legs, muzzle, underparts, tip of tail and blaze.
Black masks are acceptable along with some ticking (freckles).
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Personality
One of the best features about a Cardigan is his personality. A big dog in a
small package, his temperament is based upon his original life as a companion
and valuable farm helper and guardian, all of which make him an adaptable and
outstanding housepet. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a dog who wants to be truly
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 withhold their favors from strangers until
they get to know them better. Caring for his people (including children) comes
naturally to this intelligent, alert and responsible dog. Because they're
expressive and trainable, Cardigan Welsh Corgis have also been seen in several
recent motion pictures.
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Care
With reasonable care, the average lifespan of a Cardigan is around 12-15 years,
with 16 and 17 not unheard of. All Corgis deserve good care, which includes a
secure place, a good diet and water, exercise, veterinary visits and
vaccinations, general grooming (including nails and teeth), socialization,
training and love. If not show quality, he/she should be neutered or spayed; a
litter requires many considerations including genetics, time, effort (!) and
expense.
One should be careful about allowing puppy Cardis, with their very distinctive
front assembly, to jump down. Note that a very young puppy has drop ears;
usually those 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. The Cardigan is generally an active dog, but in adulthood he
doesn't get carried away with it. He has stamina and LOVES walks and romps, but
doesn't absolutely require more exercise than he gets around the house and yard.
With exercise, he can be quite athletic with surprising ball-chasing 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 roughly
twice a year; in keeping with his moderate coat, the amount isn't extreme.
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Buying a Puppy
A puppy is a long-term, emotion-filled investment and should be purchased
carefully. With needs including proper health care and socialization, a puppy
should NOT be purchased from a pet shop. A responsible and knowledgeable breeder
is important. Breeders directories can be obtained from the CWCCA.
If you need a contact address or telephone number, contact the American Kennel Club at 51
Madison Ave., New York, NY 10010 or 1-900-407-PUPS. In looking for a Cardigan,
expect to be interviewed by a reputable breeder as to your qualifications to own
and care for a special puppy.
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Beyond the Home
As a recognized AKC breed, the Cardigan can compete in AKC dog shows. However,
he does not have to be limited to conformation. In keeping with their Welsh farm
heritage and intelligence, Cardigans do well in obedience, tracking, agility
and, of course, herding trials. If you would like to participate in these
activities, your dog's breeder, the CWCCA or the AKC can offer advice.
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America
The CWCCA is devoted to the appreciation and advancement of the Cardigan Welsh
Corgi. To that end, Specialty Shows with seminars are held yearly in different
regions of the country, the Cardigan News-Bulletin and Newsletter are published
several times a year, and a Yearbook is published every other year. In addition,
the Club has many committees, including Rescue and general education. A current
Breeders Directory is available on the Breeder's Directory page on this site.
Additional Resources
Although not all are easily obtainable, there are several resources written or
produced on the Cardigan:
- The American Kennel Club has a video tape available on the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
- Your Welsh Corgi by Robt. J. Berndt, Denlingers, Fairfax, VA., c. 1978...This
book deals with both Corgis.
- The Cardiganshire Corgi by Clifford Hubbard, Nicholson & Watson, England, c.
1952 (Out of print, but might be found in some libraries)
- The Welsh Corgi by Charles Lister-Kaye and Welsh Corgis by Charles Lister-Kaye
and M. Migliorini, both Arco Publishing Co., NY, c. 1970 and 1971
- Welsh Corgis by Charles Lister-Kaye, W. & G. Foyle Ltd., England, c.1969
- How To Raise & Train a Cardigan Welsh Corgi by Mrs. Henning Nelms & Mrs.
Michael Pym, TFH Publications, NJ, c.1965
- The Cardigan Handbook by Pat Santi, Denlingers, c. 1980
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