Welsh Corgi Ears: A Comprehensive Guide to the Breed's Ears

Welsh Corgi ears are a distinctive feature of the breed, known for their erect ears that stand upright on their heads. They can be either erect or semi-erect, with the latter being a characteristic of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

One of the most notable features of Welsh Corgi ears is their ability to move independently. This means that they can rotate their ears to pinpoint sounds, which is an essential skill for a herding breed.

The ears of a Welsh Corgi are also relatively small compared to other breeds, measuring around 1-2 inches in length. This is due to the breed's original purpose as a working dog, where smaller ears were less likely to get in the way of their work.

The shape and size of a Welsh Corgi's ears can give clues about their ancestry. For example, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi tends to have smaller, more rounded ears, while the Cardigan Welsh Corgi has larger, more pointed ears.

Corgis can have a variety of ear types, including erect, floppy, or one of each. Genetics, parents, ear injuries, and mixed breed ancestry can all affect a Corgi's ear type. Your veterinarian may be able to provide insight into your Corgi's ear type, but it may still be difficult to pinpoint the exact reason.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis typically have erect ears with slightly rounded tips, while Pembroke Welsh Corgis have upright ears that are rather large in relation to their size. Some Corgis may have floppy ears, even as adults, although this is not common.

The size and shape of a Corgi's ears may be related to their original purpose as herding dogs. Their large ears may have helped them hear commands and other sounds in noisy environments.

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Cardigan Welsh Corgis have erect ears with slightly rounded tips, which are large in proportion to their small size.

These ears are a distinctive feature of the breed and add to their alert and gentle appearance.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi ears are erect, whereas Pembroke Welsh Corgis have ears that are rather large in relation to the size of the dog.

The ears of both breeds are a key part of their overall physical appearance and contribute to their intelligent and active nature.

Here are some key facts about Welsh Corgi ears:

Both breeds have ears that are well-suited to their role as herding dogs, and their size and shape contribute to their overall appearance and function.

Some Corgis are born with floppy ears, which will eventually develop and stand upright thanks to the cartilage inside.

Puppies are deaf at birth, and their ears are floppy, only beginning to open about 2 to 3 weeks later.

The change from floppy to upright ears isn't guaranteed to happen in every dog, and some Corgis may have one ear that stands up and one that stays floppy.

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You can try attracting your Corgi's attention from a few feet away with a sound like "food" or "Want a snack?" to see if their ears will stand up.

If your Corgi's ears are still floppy but stand up when you use the word or phrase, the chance that their ears will stand up someday is high.

However, this method is not scientifically proven and may not work for every dog.

Given enough time, most Corgis' ears should stand up on their own, unless there is a genetic reason why they're not forming cartilage.

Some lines of Corgis tend to have their ears pop up as early as 7-8 weeks old, while others may take a couple of months.

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Dogs have big ears to help them hear their owners and other animals, especially in noisy situations.

Their large ears also play an important role in body language communication.

Having big ears may have helped dogs to hear commands better when working in the field or pasture herding animals.

It's likely that their ears helped Corgis to hear their owners and other animals more clearly.

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The Cardigan Welsh Corgi's double coat is a testament to its hard-working heritage. Proper grooming is essential to maintain the coat's health and the dog's overall well-being.

Taping or gluing the ears of young pups is a common way breeders get their pups' ears to stand up. This method involves fixing the ear in an upright position for a period of time to allow the cartilage to form uninterrupted.

Cartilage formation tends to be slow, so patience is necessary to achieve results. The more impatient you are, the higher the chance the cartilage doesn't form properly and the ears stay floppy.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are relatively high maintenance dogs that need a varied daily exercise routine to stay happy and healthy.

Regular grooming is essential to maintain the coat's health and the overall well-being of the dog, especially with a double coat like the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.

A well-kept Cardi is a happy dog who will reward you with love and loyalty, making all the extra care worth it.

These good-humored charmers need a lot of mental stimulation to prevent boredom and stress, which can lead to destructive behavior.

Proper grooming is crucial to maintain the coat's health and the overall well-being of the dog, so make sure to brush your Cardigan Welsh Corgi regularly.

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Taping is a common way to help young Corgi pups develop erect ears, and it's done by fixing the ear in an upright position for a period of time.

This allows the cartilage to form uninterrupted, which is crucial for preventing a weak point and a floppy ear.

Taping can also help if the ear becomes too heavy for the still-forming cartilage to keep it upright on its own.

There are various ways to tape, from just the base of the ears to the whole ear, and some people even glue the ear to form a cone shape.

The idea is the same – keep the ear in a fixed upright position – and patience is essential, as cartilage formation tends to be slow.

Welsh Corgis are incredibly loyal and affectionate with their families, making them a great addition to households with kids and other pets.

They're generally happy to snuggle on the couch or play outside all day, as long as they have their family by their side. This means they need variety in their training and exercise routine to stay engaged and prevent boredom.

These smart dogs can be a bit reserved around strangers, but early socialization can help them warm up quickly to new friends. Introducing them to new people when they're puppies is key to developing good social skills.

Cardigans are naturally sociable and form strong bonds with their family, but they can be sensitive to their owners' moods and emotions, acting as a barometer for the household's sentiment.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi's personality is a unique blend of loyalty, affection, and herding instincts.

These dogs are incredibly loyal to and affectionate with their families, making them great companions for just about anyone. They get along well with kids, other dogs, and even cats, provided they're properly socialized when they're puppies.

Cardigans are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them relatively adaptable to various households. However, their herding instincts can sometimes manifest in ways that might surprise novice owners, like nipping at heels or trying to "herd" children and other pets.

Their sensitivity to their owners' moods and emotions is a key aspect of their disposition. They tend to be deeply attuned to the household's general sentiment, often acting as barometers for the family's emotions.

Cardigans are naturally sociable and form strong bonds with their family, but they can be reserved or even suspicious of strangers. Early socialization can help mitigate excessive wariness and ensure the dog remains well-mannered around guests.

Their herding instincts might make them more assertive or dominant around dogs of the same sex, so it's essential to introduce them properly and early in life.

Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis are two distinct breeds that share a common ancestry but have some notable differences.

One of the most obvious differences between the two breeds is their tail length. Cardigans have long, bushy tails, while Pembrokes typically have a very short tail.

Cardigans also have larger, rounded ears, whereas Pembrokes have more pointed ears.

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If your Corgi's ear stands up by 6 months of age, there's a good chance the other ear will follow, but it may take longer.

Some Corgis get their second ear up between 2 to 3 years old, but it's more common for the ear to stay down without intervention.

Constant taping and supplementation can help, but it's a slow process and may take over a year to achieve a permanent lift.

Even with consistent taping, the ear may not stay up on its own, so patience is key.

You'll need to retape the ear frequently to allow for proper cartilage formation and repair, which can take months.

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The Cardigan Welsh Corgi's history dates back to medieval times, with a believed origin in 1200 B.C. when the Celts migrated with them from central Europe to Wales in the British Isles.

Their name comes from the ancient kingdom of Cardiganshire and is a variation of the Celtic word for "dog." The breed was considered a single breed with the Pembroke Welsh Corgi until 1934.

The American Kennel Club officially recognized the Cardigan Welsh Corgi as a breed in 1935, and it's believed that the first pair of Cardigans arrived in the U.S. in the early 1930s.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis were originally bred for their stellar herding abilities, which they developed over well over a thousand years. The dogs were introduced to Wales by Celtic tribes during their migration around 1200 BC.

As invaluable partners to Welsh farmers, the dogs primarily used to herd cattle, and their compact stature proved advantageous in this role. Their agility and sharp intellect made them an irreplaceable presence on the farm.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi's history is rich and varied, with distinct differences from its cousin, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. One notable difference is the presence of a tail in the Cardigan, contrasting the traditionally tail-less Pembroke.