Blue Merle Cardigan Welsh Corgi: A Comprehensive Guide

The Blue Merle Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a stunning breed with a unique coat pattern.

This rare color variation occurs due to a specific genetic combination that affects the production of melanin, resulting in a mottled blue and black coat.

As a relatively small dog, they typically weigh between 25-38 pounds and stand about 10.5-12.5 inches tall at the shoulder.

They have a short, dense coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling.

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The blue merle Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a medium-sized dog with a rich history.

This breed originated in Wales and falls under the herding group.

They typically weigh between 25-38 pounds and have a medium-length double coat that comes in any color or combination of colors.

Their lifespan ranges from 12-15 years, which means they'll be by your side for quite some time.

Here are some key characteristics to consider when thinking about bringing a blue merle Cardigan Welsh Corgi into your family:

These dogs require moderate exercise and early, consistent training is recommended.

The blue merle Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a stunning breed with unique physical characteristics.

Cardigans are relatively small dogs, standing between 10.5 to 12.5 inches tall.

Their short legs belie their incredible agility and speed. Their bushy, low-set tails shoot up when they're excited.

Here's a closer look at some of the key features that make this breed so special:

Cardigans are 10.5 to 12.5 inches tall.

Males weigh between 30 and 38 pounds, while females typically tip the scales at 25 to 34 pounds.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi has a unique appearance that belies its energetic and agile nature. Their short legs can be deceiving.

Their ears are erect with slightly rounded tips and are large in proportion to their small size.

Cardigans have wide-set, moderately large eyes that are dark (blue merles can have blue eyes or one blue and one brown) with dark rims and a gentle, friendly expression. This makes them look alert and endearing at the same time.

The nose is black for all Cardigan colors, though blue merles can also sport patches of light pink.

Cardigans are double-coated, with a thick, medium-length outer coat that's slightly thicker near the ruff, thighs and tail. Their head and legs have soft, short undercoat hair.

Their coat colors come in shades of red, sable and brindle, as well as black and blue merle. Patches of white are common on parts of the head, neck, chest, legs and tail.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi breed has a thick, low-set and bushy tail that shoots up when they're excited.

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Both Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis are older breeds with a rich history dating back to the 10th century.

They were originally farm dogs that excelled at rodent control.

Their versatility allowed them to herd cattle without getting caught up in their hooves.

Short legs made them useful for tasks around a farm.

Blue Merle Cardigan Welsh Corgis are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they’re prone to certain health conditions.

You should expect to see health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hip dysplasia with a score of fair or better, certification from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) that eyes are normal, and a DNA test for progressive retinal atrophy. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site (offa.org) and the CERF web site (vmdb.org/cerf.html).

Intervertebral Disk Disease is a serious condition where Cardigans are prone to ruptures in a spinal disc, leading to unsteadiness, difficulty going up or down stairs, knuckling over of limbs, weakness, and paralysis.

To prevent back injuries, avoid letting puppies jump on and off furniture, and don't pick them up without supporting both the front legs and the rear end.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions.

One condition that affects Cardigans is Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD), which can cause ruptures in a spinal disc due to their long backs.

Symptoms of IVDD include unsteadiness, difficulty going up or down stairs, knuckling over of limbs, weakness, and paralysis.

Dogs with short legs and long backs are at higher risk for IVDD, so pet parents may help decrease the risks by using stairs for the bed/couch and limiting high jumping.

Here's a list of common health issues associated with Cardigan Welsh Corgis:

Cardigans are also prone to Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), a family of eye diseases that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina.

Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind; they lose sight during the day as the disease progresses.

Many affected dogs adapt well to their limited or lost vision, as long as their surroundings remain the same.

The merle gene can cause health problems in Cardigan Welsh Corgis, including deafness, blindness, sun sensitivity, and higher rates of skin cancer.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a relatively high-maintenance breed that requires daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

A varied daily routine should include at least 45 minutes of physical activity, such as long hikes or strolls on the beach, to keep your Cardi physically fit. This can be great for owners who enjoy outdoor activities.

Cardigans are prone to back injuries due to their short legs and long backs, so it's essential to avoid letting puppies jump on and off furniture and support both front and rear ends when picking them up.

Their double coat sheds heavily in the spring and fall, requiring a good brushing at least once a week with a top-quality slicker brush. Black Cardigans may need trims more regularly than lighter-toned ones to prevent overheating during summer months.

Regular nail trimming is also crucial, especially if your Cardigan spends a lot of time outdoors, as their nails can click on hard surfaces and become painful. Daily dental hygiene is equally important, with daily brushings and annual vet cleanings recommended to prevent dental disease.

Overall, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a loyal companion that thrives on human interaction and regular exercise, making them an ideal pet for active owners who are willing to provide the necessary care and attention.

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Training your blue merle Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a breeze due to their intelligence and eager-to-please nature.

Consistent incentives and exposure to many scenarios are crucial for keeping them well-behaved.

Positive reinforcement through fun games with the whole family involved will teach your puppy to sit, fetch, and roll over – any trick you can think of short of making dinner.

Of course, success depends on your dog’s unique personality as some habits, such as excessive barking, are hard to break even after months of trying.

Investing in a qualified trainer or behaviorist will be worth it for both you and your Cardi.

Socialization is key when they're young, so take them on walks and let them meet new two- and four-legged friends – enroll them in puppy school if possible.

Exercise-wise, blue merle Cardigan Welsh Corgis love to get outdoors and participate in dog sports like herding, rally, and tracking.

However, they prefer spending time with their family over exercise, so if you're not active, neither will be your Cardi.

A simple game of fetch in the yard or a walk around town can be a great compromise when time is limited – new sights, smells, and sounds add to their socialization training.

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The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is an ancient breed with a rich history dating back over 3,000 years to when Celtic tribes migrated from central Europe to Wales.

Their ancestors were working dogs that helped herd cattle and keep them safe from predators, earning them a treasured spot on farms as cattle dogs, guardian dogs, family pets, and vermin exterminators. An ancient Welsh law even placed severe penalties on anyone who would harm or steal one of these valuable dogs.

The breed was first shown in English dog shows in 1919 and the English Cardigan Welsh Corgi Association was founded in 1926, but it wasn't until 1934 that the British Kennel Club declared Pembrokes and Cardigans to be separate breeds.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi has a rich history that dates back thousands of years.

They were brought to Wales by Celtic tribes from central Europe over 3,000 years ago and were used as working dogs on farms. Their ancestors were likely transitional forms between the Teckel and Spitz families.

Cardigans were highly valued for their herding abilities and were also used as guardian dogs, family pets, and vermin exterminators. An ancient Welsh law even protected them from harm or theft, imposing severe penalties on anyone who would mistreat one.

The first Cardigan Welsh Corgis were shown in English dog shows in 1919, but it wasn't until the mid-1920s that a red and white dog named Bob Llwyd significantly influenced the breed. He sired the breed's first champion, Ch. Golden Arrow, who finished his championship in 1931.

In 1934, the British Kennel Club declared Pembrokes and Cardigans to be separate breeds, ending any questions about interbreeding the two.

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Merle cats are one of the rarest color patterns out there, just like merle Corgis.

You can expect to spend a pretty penny if you're lucky enough to find one - after all, they're often worth anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000.

Blue Merle Cardigan Welsh Corgis are incredibly loyal and affectionate with their families.

They get along well with kids, other dogs, and even cats, provided they're properly socialized when they're puppies.

These fun-loving pups are just as happy to snuggle on the couch as they are to play outside all day – just as long as their family keeps them company.

Cardigans may take a while to warm up to visitors, but introducing them to new people when they're puppies will help them warm up quickly to new friends as they grow up.

Their energy levels fall somewhere in between couch potato and triathlete, requiring variety in training and exercise routines to keep them from getting bored.

Big barkers that they are, Blue Merle Cardigans will let you know whenever someone comes to the door.

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The blue merle Cardigan Welsh Corgi makes a phenomenal pet due to their extremely affectionate and personable nature.

They typically do well with other dog breeds, but be aware that they have herding instincts which may require training to avoid unwanted behavior around small pets or children.

With patience and persistence, you can train your pup to respect boundaries and behave accordingly.

Their affectionate side is a two-way street - while they'll want attention, they usually aren't too needy and won't demand nonstop interaction like some other breeds.

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