The Corgi Galés de Cardigan is a beloved breed that originated in Wales, specifically in the Cardigan region. They have a rich history dating back to the 10th century.
Their short stature is a result of selective breeding for a smaller size, making them an ideal choice for herding cattle and sheep. They are intelligent and energetic dogs.
One of the most distinctive features of the Corgi Galés de Cardigan is their unique coat pattern, which can come in a variety of colors including red, sable, and fawn. Their coats are thick and double-layered, providing warmth in cold climates.
Their intelligence and trainability make them a popular choice as family pets and working dogs.
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General Information
They are recognized by the American Kennel Club's Herding Group and the United Kennel Club.
Cardigans are known for their long tails, slightly larger size, and longer bodies compared to Pembroke Welsh Corgis.
Males typically weigh between 30 to 38 pounds, while females usually weigh between 25 to 34 pounds.
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Their dense double coat sheds heavily and comes in a variety of colors, including red, sable, brindle, black, and blue merle.
White markings are common on their legs, chest, neck, muzzle, belly, and tail tip, and some may have a blaze on their head.
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America maintains the official AKC breed standard for this breed.
History and Origins
The corgi galés de Cardigan has a rich history that dates back over 3,000 years. Its ancestors were brought to Wales by Celtic tribes from central Europe.
The breed was originally a working dog, helping farmers herd cattle and keep them safe from predators. They were also tasked with driving cattle to fields and markets. The corgi galés de Cardigan was so valued that an ancient Welsh law made harming or stealing one punishable by severe penalties.
The corgi galés de Cardigan was first shown in English dog shows in 1919, and the English Cardigan Welsh Corgi Association was founded in 1926. Initially, the Cardigans and Pembrokes were considered one breed and often interbred.
A red and white dog named Bob Llwyd significantly influenced the breed in the 1920s. He sired the breed's first champion, Ch. Golden Arrow, and his descendants went on to become prominent in the breed. The first pair of Cardigans was imported to the United States in 1931.
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America, Inc. hosts an annual contest for champions only, named the Megan Competition, in honor of the first U.S. champion of the breed. The breed was officially recognized as separate from the Pembroke in 1934.
The word "corgi" comes from the Welsh language, meaning "dwarf dog." The breed's name "Cardigan Welsh corgi" refers to its area of origin in Wales, Cardigan (Welsh 'Ceredigion'), not its coat markings.
Here's a brief timeline of the breed's history:
- 3000 years ago: Ancestors of modern-day Cardigans brought to Wales by Celtic tribes
- 1919: First shown in English dog shows
- 1926: English Cardigan Welsh Corgi Association founded
- 1931: First pair of Cardigans imported to the United States
- 1934: Officially recognized as separate from the Pembroke
The corgi galés de Cardigan has a unique origin story, with some theories suggesting it descended from northern spitz-type dogs or the teckel family, which also produced the dachshund.
Physical Characteristics
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a long, low dog with upright ears and a fox brush tail, originally bred as a farm guardian and herder. They have a double coat that sheds continuously, with periods of heavier shedding at least twice a year.
Males typically weigh between 30 to 38 pounds, while females weigh between 25 to 34 pounds. They usually stand between 10.5 to 12.5 inches tall at the withers.
Cardigans come in a variety of colors, including red, sable, brindle, black, and blue merle, often with white markings on the legs, chest, neck, muzzle, belly, and tail tip.
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Description
The Cardigan's physical characteristics are quite unique. They have upright ears and a fox brush tail.
Their tail is long, unlike some other breeds like the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. This long tail is a distinctive feature of the Cardigan.
Cardigans are double coated, which means they have two layers of fur. This helps keep them warm in cold weather.
For your interest: Pembroke Welsh Corgi with Tail
They come in a variety of colors, including red, sable, and brindle, as well as black. You can also find them with or without tan, brindle, or blue merle markings.
The Cardigan's typical height is around 10 to 13 inches at the withers. That's quite short, but they pack a big personality.
Males weigh between 30 to 38 pounds, while females weigh between 25 to 34 pounds. That's a nice range, but it's still a relatively small dog.
Litter size can vary, but typically ranges from four to six puppies.
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Size
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a sturdy breed with a compact build. They stand at a height of 10.5 to 12.5 inches tall.
Males can weigh anywhere from 30 to 38 pounds, making them a substantial companion. Females are slightly smaller, weighing between 25 to 34 pounds.
Coat Color and Grooming
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi's coat is a double coat, consisting of a short undercoat and a longer, thicker topcoat. This means they shed continuously, with periods of heavier shedding at least twice a year.
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Cardigans require frequent brushing to keep flying hair under control, with daily brushing and warm baths necessary during shedding season. Brushing their teeth at least two or three times a week can help remove tartar buildup and prevent gum disease.
Their coat comes in a wide variety of colors, including shades of red, sable, and brindle, as well as black, blue merle, and white markings. These markings can include white on the neck, chest, legs, muzzle, and tail tip, as well as a blaze on the head.
Cardigans typically weigh between 30-38 pounds for males and 25-34 pounds for females, and stand around 10-13 inches tall at the withers. Their coat length varies on the body, with some Cardigans having soft, fluffy coats that aren't desirable due to lack of protection from the elements.
Some common colors include:
- Atigrado (Brindle): a mix of brown and black stripes
- Sable: a dark coat with a reddish tint
- Blanco y negro con puntos atigrados: a white and black coat with brindle points
- Tri-color: a white, black, and tan coat
- Blue Merle: a coat with a mix of black and blue-gray patches
Regular grooming can help prevent painful tears and other problems, so it's essential to check their ears weekly for redness or a bad odor, and trim their nails once or twice a month if they don't wear them down naturally.
Carácter y Características
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi's character is truly one-of-a-kind. They are available in almost every color, but the proportion of white in their fur must be present in all of them.
Their fur is of medium length and resistant to the elements. The most common color combinations are red, beige-white, blue-merle, black-white, or tricolor.
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi adult weighs around 10 to 12 kilograms and should reach a shoulder height of 25 to 33 centimeters.
Their erect ears seem quite large, like those of a bat, with rounded tips. Their head is flat and wide, while their body is long with a strong loin that appears muscular.
Their tail resembles that of a fox, and their medium-sized eyes watch you attentively and alertly. Their lifespan is around 10 to 12 years.
A Cardigan Welsh Corgi's agility and intelligence make them a pleasure to be around. They are not aggressive in their behavior and are very protective of their family.
However, they can be wary of strangers and only bark in exceptional situations.
Additional reading: Pembroke Corgi Tri Color
Care and Maintenance
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a high-energy breed that needs daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. A walk or training for a dog sport like agility is a must.
They have a weather-resistant coat, but that doesn't mean they're an outside dog. They're highly people-oriented and need regular human interaction.
To prevent back injuries, avoid letting puppies jump on and off furniture, and never pick them up without supporting both front and rear legs. This will help their skeletal development.
A soft and padded harness is perfect for Cardigan Welsh Corgi puppies, and also suitable for adult dogs. It allows for free movement while walking on a leash.
Cardigans love to play with balls and enjoy dog sports that challenge their agility and intelligence.
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Care
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a herding breed that requires daily exercise, such as a walk or training for a dog sport like agility, to stay happy and healthy.
Their low-slung body and short legs make them prone to back injuries, so it's essential to avoid letting them jump on and off furniture and to support their front and rear legs when picking them up.
A soft and padded harness is a great choice for Cardigan Welsh Corgi puppies, and it's also suitable for adult dogs. This type of harness allows for smooth movement while walking.
Cardigans love to play with balls and enjoy games that challenge their agility and intelligence, such as playing fetch or playing with problem-solving toys.
To prevent back injuries, it's crucial to avoid letting Cardigan Welsh Corgi puppies jump on and off furniture, and to support their front and rear legs when picking them up.
They also need regular grooming, including a soft shampoo, a brush, and a nail clipper, to keep their coat clean and healthy.
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Feeding
Cardigans like to eat, and will over-indulge if given the chance. Keep your Cardi in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time.
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A highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog, so consider your Cardigan's activity level when determining his daily food intake. The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference – the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog.
You should be able to see a waist when looking down at your Cardigan. If you can't, he needs less food and more exercise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a cardigan corgi puppy cost?
A Cardigan Welsh corgi puppy typically costs between $1,500 to $2,500 from a reputable breeder, or less through adoption. Monthly expenses, including food, can range from $20 to $60.
Are Cardigan Corgis rare?
Yes, Cardigan Corgis are a relatively rare breed, having been preserved by old farmers and breeders for their herding and companion abilities. Their unique heritage and selective breeding make them a less common sight than other Corgi breeds.
Are Cardigan Corgis good pets?
Cardigan Welsh Corgis are friendly and trainable pets, making them a great choice for many families. Their unique personality and long history also make them an interesting and rewarding breed to learn more about.
What's the difference between Corgi Pembroke and Cardigan?
The main differences between Corgi Pembroke and Cardigan are size and tail length, with Cardigans being slightly larger and having a longer, fox-like tail. Cardigans typically weigh up to 38 pounds, while Pembrokes weigh up to 30 pounds.
Sources
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) (ofa.org)
- Southeast Corgi Rescue (southeastcorgirescue.com)
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi Rescue Trust (cardiganrescue.org)
- No Tails About It Corgi Rescue (notailsaboutit.org)
- JSTOR (jstor.org)
- news (google.com)
- "Cardigan Welsh Corgi" (google.com)
- standard (fci.be)
- standard (thekennelclub.org.uk)
- "Health: IVDD – Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America" (cardigancorgis.com)
- "Welsh Corgi Cardigan Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet" (hillspet.com)
- "Corgi" (dictionary.com)
- the original (cardigancorgis.com)
- "Corgis and the Queen: Celebrating the breed that the Queen made popular" (thekennelclub.org.uk)
- "Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Details" (akc.org)
- MyCorgi.com (mycorgi.com)
- Pastoreo (akc.org)
- Sitio oficial (cardigancorgis.com)
- Corgi galés de Cardigan (carácter, alimentación, cuidados) (hundeo.com)
- Category:Cardigan Welsh Corgi (wikimedia.org)
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