<C>Weight:</C> 30 to 38 pounds (male); 25 to 34 (female).
<C>Size:</C> Small.
<C>Availability:</C> Difficult to find.
<b>History:</> There are several theories about the origins of the Welsh Corgi. Both Corgi varieties may be descended from the Swedish Vallhund brought to Wales by Vikings in the 800's. Or it could be that the Cardigan is the older variety, brought to Wales by the Celts in about 1200 BC. The name Corgi probably comes from the Celtic word for dog, "corgi." The breed was mentioned in the Domesday Book (1086). Developed in Cardiganshire, Wales, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is an excellent cattle drover, vermin hunter and farm guard. The Corgi drove cattle by barking and nipping at the animals' heels. His low stature helped him roll out of the way when a cow kicked. Corgis still maintain that habit when chasing each other. The Pembroke and Cardigan varieties were freely interbred until the 1930's, after which time breeders tried to accentuate their differences. Today, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is primarily a companion dog.
<b>Description:</> The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a long, low, dog (36"-43" long, all the way from the nose to the tip of the tail) with large erect ears, a broad flat skull, and a long, low- set tail (the Pembroke variety has no tail). The Cardigan tends to be a bit heavier than the Pembroke. The Cardigan's erect ears are larger than the Pembroke's and the feet are more round. The Cardigan has a straight topline and a deep chest with prominent breastbone. The front feet turn outwards slightly. The front assembly should be relatively heavy- boned, but not coarse. Dewclaws should be removed. The Cardigan has dark eyes that harmonize with the color of the coat. Blue eyes are allowed only in blue merle dogs. The head is broad between the ears and tapers to the eyes. The occiput is not at all pronounced. The rounded, tapered muzzle is shorter from nose to stop than the skull's length from stop to occiput in a proportion of approximately 3:5. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. The Cardigan's double coat consists of a harsh medium length outer coat lined with a soft, dense undercoat. Hair is more abundant at the ruff, back of the legs and on the underside of the tail. Colors are brindle, blue merle, black, black and tan, black and brindle, sable, and red, often with white markings.
<b>Notes:</> Some Corgis have died defending their homes because of their size. Tends to want to herd people. A good alarm barker; some lines bark a lot. Some are prone to PRA and glaucoma. Buy only from CERF-certified stock. Males can be aggressive with other males, particularly if a bitch in heat is in the vicinity.
<b>Personality:</> Highly intelligent, obedient, protective and robust. Steady. Loyal and loving. Willing to please. Some Cardigans are less sociable and more territorial than Pembrokes. Good with other non-canine animals and with other Corgis, but can be combative with other dogs.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Best with older, considerate children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Reserved with strangers.
<C>Trainability:</C> Easy to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Not particularly dependent or independent.
<C>Dominance:</C> Moderate.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Good with other pets if raised with them from puppyhood.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Can be a bit dog-aggressive.
<C>Noise:</C> Average barker.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> A little grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> No trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Short coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Average shedder.
<C>Exercise:</C> Moderate exercise needed.
<C>Jogging:</C> Small, but a pretty good jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Very active indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Good for apartment living.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> Does all right without a yard.
<C>Climate:</C> Does well in most climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Good for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Moderately long lived (12 to 15 years).
<b>Talents:</> tracking, herding, watchdog, guarding, and agility.
<b>For More Information:</>
Call the AKC Breeder Referral Hotline: 1-900-407-PUPS for the name of a breeder referral representative in your area. Cost is 99 cents per minute.
<b>Photo Caption:</> CARDIGAN WELSH CORGI
Photo copyright: Cook PhoDOGraphy 1995. All rights reserved.
