Long Haired Corgi Ownership: What You Need to Know

Long haired corgis are a unique and lovable breed, but they do require some special care. They need regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their beautiful coats.

Their coats can be prone to matting if not brushed regularly, which can lead to discomfort and even skin irritation for your corgi.

Long haired corgis are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain health issues such as obesity, which can be prevented with regular exercise and a balanced diet.

Their short stature and long bodies can make them prone to back problems, so it's essential to provide them with a comfortable and supportive living space.

The earliest records of long-haired Corgis in history are unclear, but both Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis have been valuable as cattle herding dogs for centuries.

Their ancestors were brought to Wales over 3,000 years ago by Celtic tribes from central Europe, and were likely a transitional form between the Teckel and Spitz families.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is descended from the same family of dogs that produced the Dachshund and Basset Hound, making them a unique breed with a rich history.

Cardigans were working dogs, helping farmers herd cattle and protect them from predators, and were so prized that an ancient Welsh law protected them from harm or theft.

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The earliest historical records of the Long-Haired Corgi are unclear, but both Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis have been valuable cattle herding dogs for centuries.

They originated in Wales around 1200 BC, used by farmers to herd sheep and cattle, with most having short coats.

The long-haired Corgi is the result of a genetic mutation, known as the "fluff gene", which gives these Corgis their long hair.

This mutation is still fairly rare, and you may have to seek out specific breeders that breed for the long-haired gene.

The ancestors of modern-day Cardigan Welsh Corgis were brought to Wales more than 3,000 years ago by Celtic tribes from central Europe.

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They were transitional dogs between the Teckel and Spitz families, and some believe they were crossed with Spitz-type dogs brought by the Vikings to produce the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis were first shown in English dog shows in 1919, and the English Cardigan Welsh Corgi Association was founded in 1926.

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Welsh Corgis were initially popular among ranchers and show dog owners, but their popularity grew among companion dog owners as well.

Their attention-grabbing appearance eventually led to a desire for more unique and rare varieties, such as the "Fluffy" Corgi.

As their popularity increased, Welsh Corgis became a common sight among dog owners who valued their companionship.

The "Fluffy" Corgi, a rare variety, emerged as a result of this growing demand for unique dogs.

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Cardigans are a small breed with sturdy, low-set bodies and a slightly larger build compared to Pembrokes. They typically stand between 10.5 to 12.5 inches tall.

Males weigh 30 to 38 pounds, while females weigh 25 to 34 pounds. Their compact size makes them a great fit for apartment living, as long as they receive regular exercise.

Cardigans have a unique appearance, with rounder ears and a long, bushy tail that sets them apart from other breeds. They come in a wide variety of colors, including red, brindle, sable, and blue merle, often with white markings.

Cardigans are a relatively small breed. They stand between 10.5 to 12.5 inches tall. Males typically weigh between 30 to 38 pounds, while females weigh between 25 to 34 pounds.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are known for their distinctive double coat, which can be quite fluffy in some cases. The common colors of red and black-and-tan can be seen in fluffy coats, as well as sable and black-and-white, brindle, and blue merle in the Cardigan breed.

Cardigans come in a wide range of coat colors, including red, brindle, sable, and blue merle, often with white markings. Some Cardigans even have a "fairy saddle" over their back, a marking that takes its name from the legend that fairies rode the dogs in their home country of Wales.

Here are some of the most common coat colors found in Cardigan Welsh Corgis:

While fluffy coats are not desirable because they don't protect the dog from the elements, they can still be a lovely sight to behold.

Long-haired Corgis are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all Long-haired Corgis will get any or all of these diseases, but it's essential to be aware of them if you're considering this breed.

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.

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Some potential health issues in Long-haired Corgis include Intervertebral Disk Disease, which can cause ruptures in a spinal disc, leading to unsteadiness, difficulty going up or down stairs, and paralysis. They're also prone to progressive retinal atrophy, a family of eye diseases that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina.

To keep your Long-haired Corgi healthy, it's crucial to provide regular exercise, such as daily walks or training for dog sports like agility. You should also avoid letting them jump on and off furniture, as this can cause back injuries due to their short legs and long back.

Here are some common health issues to watch out for in Long-haired Corgis:

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Intervertebral Disk Disease is a common issue in Cardigans, causing ruptures in a spinal disc that can lead to unsteadiness, difficulty going up or down stairs, and paralysis.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is another eye disease that affects Cardigans, causing gradual deterioration of the retina and resulting in night-blindness and eventually total blindness.

Regular health clearances are essential for Cardigans. You should expect to see health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hip dysplasia and certification from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) that eyes are normal.

Here are some common health issues that can affect Cardigans:

Corgis can be prone to getting overweight, so it's essential to monitor their daily food intake. Long-Haired Corgis, in particular, have a tendency to overeat.

As a Corgi owner, you know that they require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their fur. Corgis shed excessively due to their double coat, so daily brushing is a must.

To keep your Corgi's shedding under control, it's essential to bathe them regularly and feed them a healthy diet to maintain good skin and coat health. A good quality supplement can also provide an added nutritional boost.

Corgis are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, eye issues, and degenerative myelopathy. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify these issues early on.

Here are some key factors to consider when caring for your Corgi:

By following these care tips, you can help keep your Corgi happy and healthy.

The average lifespan of a Corgi is 12 to 13 years, which is a relatively long life for a dog of its size.

Females typically live one or two years longer than males.

Cancer and old age are the main causes of death in the breed.

With proper care, your Corgi can live longer than the average lifespan.

Long-haired Corgis require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their coats. They shed continuously, with periods of heavier shedding at least twice a year, so be prepared to brush them frequently.

Daily brushing is essential to keep flying hair under control, especially during shedding season. Brushing your Cardigan's teeth at least two or three times a week can help prevent tartar buildup and gum disease.

Cardigans have a thick topcoat that sheds heavily, making them look like they're wearing a "fairy saddle" over their back. This marking is a result of their double coat and can be a distinguishing feature of the breed.

To prevent painful tears and other problems, trim your Corgi's nails once or twice a month if they don't wear them down naturally. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they're too long.

Checking your Corgi's ears weekly for redness or a bad odor can help prevent infections. Wipe them out with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to help prevent infections.

Cardigans need regular baths to keep their coats clean and healthy. Use a high-quality dog shampoo that's made specifically for dogs, and consider finding a product that caters to sensitive skin if your Corgi has it.

Bathtime is also a great opportunity to inspect your Corgi's skin for sores, rashes, or signs of infection. Regular grooming can help you spot potential health problems early on.