The Bluebonnet Cardigan
Welsh Corgi Club

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Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Information

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A Versatile Breed

History

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi takes its name from Cardiganshire (or Cardigan County) in Wales where it had its historical origin. Expert opinion says that the Cardigan descended from the Teckel or Dachshund group with which it shares the characteristics of a longer body, heavier, deeper in chest and blunter jaw with rounded-tipped ears, although Cardigan ears are erect.

It is believed that one of the earliest references to the Corgi was in the twelfth century in the Laws of Howell the Good, a copy of which is at the National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth. This herdsman's dog was referred to by the term cur. Because he worked cattle and sheep, the cur was a valuable dog and legally recognized in Wales as such.

Welsh Working Dog

The name "Corgi" may come from two words in the Welsh language. The first word "cor-" is the word for "dwarf" and the second "-gi-" (pronounced with a hard G sound) translates as the word "dog." So a Corgi is a "little dog" in Welsh.

Another interpretation is that the first syllable is equivalent to the word cur, which in ancient times described a working dog, as opposed to a sporting dog. So, according to this translation, the Corgi was a "Welsh Working Dog."

Appearance and Size

The average size of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is about 12 inches high at the shoulders (withers) and with a weight of from 25 to 34 pounds for females and 30 to 38 pounds for males. Even a full grown Corgi is reasonably easy to pick up. Cardigans reach full size at about two years of age, even though it takes about another year to fully mature. Cardigans have large and prominent ears in proportion to the size of the dog. Their hearing is extremely acute, and they can distinguish between familiar sounds and strange noises. In other words, they make excellent watch dogs.

Color

The Cardigan's distinct white flashings are usual on the neck, chest, legs, muzzle, underparts and tip of tail, and as a blaze on the head. The predominant colors are shades of red, sable and brindle; black with or without tan or brindle points; or blue merle (black and gray merles).

Less Numerous Breed

The cardigan is one of the less numerous breeds, but it is not a rarity. The Cardigans in the United States were imported from Great Britain in 1931 by Mrs. Benjamin P. Bole of Cleveland, Ohio. They can now be found in just about every state.

Grooming is Simple

Compared to many breeds that require a complicated grooming procedure, Cardigan grooming is quite simple. The coat should be brushed about twice a week with a bristle brush. Normally, a bath can be given about once a month after reaching the age of six months. Nails should be kept fairly short by trimming about every three to four weeks. To promote good health, the teeth of any dog, not just Cardigans, should be brushed about once a week with plain baking soda or a pet dentifrice. The coat should be natural (no clippers or scissors needed), but the hair between the toes and on the bottom of the feet should be trimmed occasionally.

Show Dogs

Because there are not many Cardigans and grooming is so easy to do, they are an excellent choice for people who would like to show their own dogs as a hobby.

Working Ability

The Cardigan Welsh Corgis are an untapped source of great obedience potential. People who work with Cardigans heartily agree. These dogs have an immense desire to please their handlers. They respond to praise with tremendous enthusiasm. A Cardigan was one of the first Obedience Trail Champions in the Herding group. Tracking, an outdoor sport in which a dog must lead its handler on a designated course by scent alone, is a sport in which Cardigans have shown excellent aptitude.

Generally, Cardigans have natural herding instincts and excel in the sport of agility. Because they like being with people, Cardigans make wonderful therapy dogs, welcome visitors at hospitals and nursing homes.

Outstanding House Pet

The Cardigan Corgi's small size makes it adaptable to life in an apartment or a home with a fenced in yard. The Corgi loves people and makes an outstanding house pet. Compared with many breeds, it is relatively odorless. Its compact strength and endurance make it a formidable watch dog and protector, and its natural instincts are to be gentle and protective to all members, children and adults, in the family. Cardigans are generally hardy and free of ailments, and their average life span is about 12 to 15 years. They enjoy going for brisk walks on a leash.

Lifetime Investment

Like all pets, a puppy is a lifetime investment for at least 15 years. Puppies should never be purchased at a pet shop. They should be seen at a breeder's home, preferably with one or both of the parent dogs on the premise. Expect to be interviewed by a reputable breeder as to your own qualifications to own and care for a Cardigan, whether as a pet or a show dog.