| Alternative Name Cardigan, CWC, Cardi
Basic Info
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is one of two separate dog
breeds known as Welsh Corgis that originated in Wales.
It is one of the oldest herding breeds. The Cardigan is
a long, low dog with upright ears and a fox-like
appearance. The old American Kennel Club standard called
it an "Alsatian on short legs". Unlike Pembroke Corgis,
who are bred to have only a small nub of a tail (without
docking) the Cardigan's tail is long. Cardigans can be
any shade of red, sable, or brindle; they can also be
black with or without tan brindle or blue merle (black
and gray or marbled) with or without tan or brindle.
They usually have white on the neck, chest, legs,
muzzle, underneath, tip of the tail, and as a blaze on
the head. Other markings include ticking on the legs and
muzzle, smutty muzzles, monk's hoods, and others. A few
other unofficial colors can occur, such as red merle. An
average Cardigan is around 10.5 to 12.5 inches (260 to
315 mm) tall at the withers and weighs from 30 to 38 lb.
(13.6 to 17.2 kg) for the male and 25 to 34 lb. (11.3 to
15.4 kg) for the bitch.
Behavior
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi originally bred for herding
sheep and cattle, they have proven themselves as
excellent companion animals and are outstanding
competitors in sheepdog trials and dog agility. Cardigan
Welsh Corgis were bred long and low to make sure that
any kicks by cattle would travel safely over the dogs
without touching them. Like most herding breeds,
Cardigans are highly intelligent, active, athletic dogs.
Affectionately known as "a big dog in a small package,"
Cardigans are affectionate, devoted companions that can
also be alert and responsible guardians. However,
Cardigans can nip, especially small children, in an
attempt to "herd" people. Cardigan Corgis are typically
a 'one-man dog'. They are quite wary of strangers and
prefer to reserve their affection for a select few with
whom they are familiar. Thus, you have in a Cardi a
dedicated and loyal companion.
Origin
Wales
History
Cardigans originated from the Teckel Dogs, now more
commonly known as Dachshunds. They are among the oldest
of all herding breeds, originally coming only in brindle
and red. Eventually, through crossbreeding with collies,
the colors of the Cardi grew to include tricolor and
blue merle. The phrase "corgi" translates to "dwarf dog"
in Welsh. The breed was often called "yard-long dogs" in
older times. Today's name comes from their area of
origin, Cardiganshire, Wales. Originally used only as a
farm guardian, they eventually took on the traits of a
cattle drover, herder, and many more. They are still
highly valued for their herding, working, and guarding
skills, as well as their companionship. However, if a
Cardigan, like most other herding dogs, does not have a
job to do, it can become destructive.
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