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Cardigan Welsh Corgi Dog Introduction
Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a dog breed derived from Welsh. It is among the two varieties of livestock-herding dog breeds called Welsh Corgis. They are also among the oldest breeds of the British Isles and are popularly known by the nicknames CWC, Cardigans, Cardigan Corgi, and Cardi. Others also call these dogs Welsh Cardigan Corgi. They are loyal and trainable dogs that are naturally accustomed to herding several different animals from waterfowl and poultry to big livestock like cattle and sheep. Cardigans have a high adaptability level and can live in different settings.
They possess a medium-length coat with several colors and patterns and normally have white markings. Cardigans are mostly recognized for their long nails. In the early days, these dog breed was mostly used to take cattle to the market. In recent years, Cardigans have been used as companion dogs, and love to spend time with their families. They can live in households with children and other pets like dogs since they are good with children and other dogs. Cardigans can serve as watchdogs since they are quite reserved with strangers although they are not aggressive.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Origin | History
Both Cardigans and Pembroke Welsh were derived from Welsh and were initially listed by The Kennel Club UK as one breed in 1925. They were later rightfully recognized in 1928 as two different breeds by The Kennel Club though they were still classified together under the name “Welsh Corgis”. Cardigans and Pembroke Welsh were eventually described as uniquely different breeds in 1935 and were shown separately. The Corgi Club was later established in Carmarthen, South Wales in December 1925.
However, it was alleged that the local members preferred the Pembroke Corgis hence a club for Cardigans fanatics was established in 1926. The two groups have since worked hard to make sure the appearance and type of breed are consistent via careful and selective breeding. Cardigans are among the oldest breeds of the British Isles. The word Corgi which was initially Kergie is an ancient Celtic for dog. In addition, historians suspect that corgis were brought by the Celts from Central Europe to Wales some 3,000 years ago throughout their mass migration to Britain.
This type of dog breed is built low to the ground to help them avoid being kicked and also help them nip at the heels of cattle. Cardigans are prone to back pain issues due to their small size. The first pure Cardigans arrived in the U.S. for the first time in June 1931 and were later granted full breed acknowledgment by the American Kennel Club in 1935.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Lifespan
Cardigans have a life expectancy of between 11 to 15 years.
Grooming
Brush your Cardigan twice a week using a rubber curry comb or soft bristle brush to keep your dog’s coat looking healthy. Brush your dog at least four times during shedding to remove dead and loose hair. If your Cardigan was out in the mud, it is recommended to let it dry and then remove the dirt since it is easier that way. Give your dog a warm bath once every 4 to 6 weeks using a canine shampoo and conditioner and rinse the shampoo and conditioner thoroughly.
Apply paw balm on your dog’s paws frequently to prevent them from cracking. Brush your Cardigan’s teeth at least three times a week to avoid dental problems and remove plaque. Make sure to cut your dog’s nails using dremel or clippers once every month and whenever needed to prevent over-cracking and avoid causing pain to your dog. Clean their ears once a week using dog wipers or clear ear cleanser and cotton balls to prevent dust and wax overload. Remember to also inspect your dog’s ears once every week or so for parasites, debris, and pests.
Shedding
They are heavy shedders. Cardigans tend to shed their thick undercoat two times annually.
Coat | Coat Type
They possess a double coat that can either be medium length, short, or straight and is waterproof. Cardigans also have a thick undercoat.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Hypoallergenic
This dog breed is not hypoallergenic since it has a blowing coat. Cardigans shed heavily spreading fur in their surrounding which triggers inflammation. They also produce dander and saliva that are commonly known to cause allergic reactions in people.
Training
Engage your Cardigan in early and frequent socialization which is essential in their healthy and happy development. Delicately expose your dog to situations, a wide range of people, sounds, and smells. Attend training sessions with your dog and all family members if possible to keep your dog happy and engaged in the obedience classes. Ensure that your dog’s training session doesn’t exceed 15 minutes.
Start training your dog with basic obedience commands like stay, ring the bell, quiet, play, sit, potty, and let go. Reward your dog every time he gets a command right until he has fully known all the obedience commands. Alternate the rewards with treats like bananas, green beans, apples, and carrots. Also use verbal praise like “good dog”, “yes”, or “nice work” using an enthusiastic voice and giving them a loving pat on their head or stroking their back using your hand. Remember to potty train your dog outside which is essential for housebreaking and keeping your home clean. You can also housebreak your dog through crate training and forming a feeding schedule.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Temperament
– Devoted.
– Trainable.
– Affectionate.
– Vigilant.
– Good with kids.
– Powerful workers.
– Social.
– Intelligent.
– Active.
– Athletic.
– Sweet.
– Smart.
Exercise
This is a type of dog breed that has high energy levels and loves exercise. Cardigans need at least 1 hour of exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation. They can exercise through walks in the neighborhood and hiking. Cardigans are also highly adaptable dogs and you can also engage them in play sessions that are fun for you and your dog. If your dog does not have enough exercise and stimulation they can start acting naughtily and doing power runs in the house or even over the coach. This is an indication that your Cardigan needs to be exercised.
Barking | Growling
Cardigans are normally quiet but can bark to serve as an alarm, alerting their owner of incoming persons or something strange. They can also growl for attention or when excited. Cardigans are very smart dogs and can growl if they need a pet, belly rub, or be fed.
Apart from Cardigans, other dog breeds include:
Height
Cardigans have a height of 10.5 – 13 in ( Approx. 27 – 33 cm ).
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Weight
Female Cardigans weigh 24 – 34 lbs ( Approx. 11 – 15 kg ) while males weigh 29 – 38 lbs ( Approx. 13 – 17 kg ).
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Size | Cardigan Corgi Size
Female Cardigans weigh 24 – 34 lbs ( Approx. 11 – 15 kg ) while males weigh 29 – 38 lbs ( Approx. 13 – 17 kg ). Both male and female Cardigans have a height of 10.5 – 13 in ( Approx. 27 – 33 cm ).
Health Issues
In general, Cardigans are healthy dog breeds but have a possibility of having health issues like:
– Back pain.
– Joint problems.
– Heart disease.
– Digestive disorders.
– Metabolic disorders.
– Degenerative myelopathy
– Progressive retinal atrophy
Names
Cardigans can be given other names like:
– Monty.
– Rudy.
– Amber.
– Willow.
– Blossom.
– Clara Belle.
– Yale.
– Iago.
– Afon.
– Twain.
– Swiper.
– Wynn.
– Opal.
– Catrin.
Puppy Cardigan Welsh Corgi
The dam can litter around 3 to 6 puppies at a go. Normally, puppies stay with the breeder for the first eight weeks of life to allow them to socialize with their fellow litter mates and also breastfeed for the first 3 to 4 weeks as they transition to weaning from the age of four weeks.
Feeding | Food
This dog breed has a high probability of being overweight. As a Cardigan owner, feel your dog’s ribs occasionally using your fingertips, if you can’t feel them easily, there is a high chance that your dog is overweight. The amount of food your full-grown Cardigan takes depends on its activity level, size, age, metabolism, and build.
Ensure your dog feeds on foods with high-quality protein and a balanced diet based on its nutritional needs. It is also advisable to feed your Cardigan two smaller meals rather than one large meal a day for better digestion. Give your dog 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food suitable for its breed and size divided into two meals a day. Also, provide your dog with a clean bowl of water or add some water to their dry food to keep them hydrated.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Colors | Cardigan Corgi Colours
Their coat color has numerous colors and patterns and normally has white markings. Cardigans colors include:
– Black and White.
– Sable and White.
– Blue Merle and White.
– Brindle and White.
– Red Merle and White.
– Liver and White.
– Brindle Merle and White.
– White Merle.
– Gray and White.
– Red and White
– Sable Merle and White.
– Black, Red, and White
Brindle Cardigan Welsh Corgi
There are Cardigans with brindle and white and brindle merle and white colored coats. Those with brindle and white coats are considered to have the standard breed color while those that have brindle merle and white are not.
Merle Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Red Merle and white Cardigans are not recognized by the American Kennel Club as a standard breed color and their registration code is 330. On the other hand, blue merle and white coat colored Cardigans are acknowledged by the AKC as a standard breed color and their registration number is 051.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Black And White
Black and white Cardigans have a black color on their head, ears, back, tail, and back legs with white color on their chest and belly and their legs tips. They can have white markings on their face, ears, tail tip, and their spine. Black and white Cardigans are also recognized by the American Kennel Club as a standard breed color and their registration code is 019.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Black
It is quite rare to find a purely black Cardigan since they usually have two colors with white markings. Those with black coats have a white color, and white markings, and can also have black, white, and some red on their legs, ears, and face. They are also not recognized or mentioned by The American Kennel Club as a standard breed color.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Red
Cardigans with red or red and white coats have red on their back, around their eyes and ears, on their tail, and back legs. They also have white on their neck, chest, and belly with white markings between their eyes extending to the nose, tail tip, and legs.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Blue
Dogs with blue merle and white colored coats are recognized as a Cardigan breed standard color by The American Kennel Club. They have a registration number 051 and have blue merle with some black spots on their back and legs, white color on their neck, chest, and belly, with white markings on the face, tail tips, and legs.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Sable
Sable and white Cardigans are the only sable-colored dogs of this breed that are acknowledged by the American Kennel Club as standard breed color. They also have a registration code of 165. On the other hand, sable merle and white dogs have a registration code of 277 and are not recognized by the American Kennel Club as a standard breed color.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Mix
These are pure dog breeds that continue to be bred by old breeders and farmers for companionship and herding purposes.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Fluffy | Long Hair
Purebred Cardigans normally have medium-length, short, or straight coats that are waterproof. However, those that are crossbred by Wells Collie (a breeder) tend to have a fluff-gene which is found both in Cardigans and Pembrokes. This gene is recessive and causes these dogs to have long fluffy coats. Fluffy puppies are also achieved by breeding two Cardigan carriers of the fluff gene
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Tail
They are born with a long foxlike tail that is also permitted by the American Kennel Club standards. Their tail helps to distinguish them from Pembroke Welsh which are required to have their tails docked.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Vs Pembroke
Pembroke Welsh are quite friendly with strangers while Cardigans are quite reserved though they are not aggressive dogs. Cardigans are born with a long tail that is allowed by the AKC standards while the Pembroke Welsh should have its tail docked close to its body according to the AKC standards. Pembroke is lighter and weighs up to 30 lbs while Cardigans are heavier and slightly larger and males weigh up to 38 pounds.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Price
Their prices mostly vary with their breeders. An average Cardigan puppy from a well-known breeder cost around $1,400 – $2,500.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What Is A Cardigan Corgi
Cardigans are smart, happy, and friendly dogs that are derived from Welsh and are among the oldest breeds of the British Isles. They are mostly used for companionship, herding, and keeping watch over the house.
Are Cardigan Corgis Expensive
Their prices vary depending on the breeder. An average Cardigan puppy from a famous breeder ranges between $1,400 – $2,500.
What Are Cardigan Welsh Corgis Known For
Cardigans are popularly known for their big ears, short, legs, long body, and big personality.
Why Are Cardigan Corgis So Rare
These are among the oldest dog breeds in British that come from the same Tekdal dogs. Cardigans were left in the hands of old breeders and farmers who continued to breed them carefully for family companions and herding.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Quick Facts
- They are built low to the ground with short legs, broad rib cage, big ears, and long body.
- Cardigans have a long, fluffy, fox-like tail that is acceptable in the American Kennel Club standards.
- They are commonly used for companionship, herding, and watchdogs.
