ORIGINS: More than 3,000 years ago, Celtic tribes in central Europe migrated to Wales. With them came their dogs, ancestors of the CARDIGAN WELSH CORGI, including the Teckel family from which the Dachshund is also derived. Approximately 2,000 years after the sturdy dwarf breed was established in a remote area later called Cardiganshire, emigrating Flemish weavers brought with them to Wales a Spitz type of dog, including an ancestor of the Schipperke. These dogs were crossed with some of the existing corgis in the area that became known as Pembrokeshire, and, centuries later, the result is called the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. But the original, much older version of the corgi remained isolated and was not crossed with the Spitz dogs, thus retaining the differing physical characteristics and temperament specific to today's Cardigan Welsh Corgi. The loyal Cardigan was an invaluable, versatile farm worker, acting as cattle dog, devoted family guardian and pet, and vermin exterminator. Though originally his job was to run before his master's cattle to clear the way to the common grazing areas, he later was employed as a herder and drover, taking cattle from Welsh farms to English markets. The smaller "loose-eyed" Cardigan was ideal for moving stock without running off valuable meat, and the shortness of his legs allowed him to escape kicks from the cattle. However, over time the new farming method of fencing off grazing areas rendered the working Cardigan obsolete. The breed was nearly extinct until a few decades ago when several dedicated breeders resurrected him, and in the 1930s the first Cardigans were imported from the UK to the United States. Though for many years in the U.S. the breed was rare, the Cardi has gained steadily in popularity over the last 20 years--even appearing in movies, TV shows, advertisements and commercials--and it is no longer unusual to see Cardigan Welsh Corgis in the show ring or suburban back yards. Yet even today, many people are not aware there are two distinct breeds of corgis. In fact, the word "corgi" is a generic term like "retriever" or "spaniel;" in Welsh, cor means dwarf, and gi (pronounced with a hard "g," as in "girl") means dog, thus Welsh Corgi translates to "dwarf dog from Wales." But the two breeds actually boast more differences than similarities. There is the matter of the tail, of course: Cardigans proudly display a long, fox brush of a tail, while Pembrokes waggle the merest stub. But the Cardigan is also a larger, longer, heavier dog. Typical weights in males range from 34 to 40 pounds, while females usually average 28-30 pounds. Cardigans have relatively large, round feet and dense bone for their stature, and substantial heads are crowned by remarkably large, erect ears. They are a deep-chested breed with a long ribcage that ideally supports two-thirds of the spine, allowing for the amazingly fast, springy gait of a Cardigan at full gallop chasing down errant livestock--or an escaping dog toy. Colors include red, sable, black, brindle, and blue merle, with brindle or tan points and generous white flashings. The hallmark of the breed is the "crook" in the front legs. To accomodate the deep, broad chest and good ribspring characteristic of the Cardigan, the front legs bow slightly outward to "wrap around" the chest. The ankles incline somewhat inward at the bottom of the crook, and the paws, to balance the Cardi's powerful front end, turn slightly outward. One of the outstanding features of the breed is his delightful personality. A big dog in a short-legged package, the Cardigan is an alert, sensible, and courageous dog willing to stand down challenges from animals much larger than he, and to protect his beloved family from all dangers. He is keenly intelligent, precocious, and quick-thinking, a dog who loves to learn. Superbly versatile in mind and body, the Cardigan is a highly trainable, surprisingly fast and nimble dog well-suited to performance events, and an affectionate, fun-loving housepet with a wonderful sense of humor. Unsurpassed in his devotion to family, the Cardigan may initially be wary of strangers. He does not do well as a "kennel" or "backyard-only" dog, and should always be included as an integral part of the family. His intelligence and almost human-like empathy make him an outstanding therapy, service, and Search and Rescue dog. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is an all-around dog who is willing to, and can do, anything asked of him. SHEDDING: The Cardigan is a shedding breed with a double coat very like a German Shepherd's. There are two major seasonal shedding periods, but some shedding occurs throughout the year, especially in hot climates. Cardigans are not recommended for families where allergies or loose hair are significant concerns. BUYING A CARDIGAN: It is strongly recommended that potential puppy buyers educate themselves about the breed beforehand and, if possible, visit dog shows or breeders in their area to meet Cardis in person before purchase. Please avoid buying from a pet shop, as pet shop stock generally comes from puppy mills and brokers, and actually may cost more than companion Cardigans available from show breeders. Show breeders study pedigrees, personally know many of the dogs in the second and third generations of the pedigrees, socialize their puppies from birth, and have health clearances in place prior to breeding. Responsible show breeders wll always take back a puppy or adult for any reason, no questions asked. They are also familiar with the temperaments of the parents (and often grandparents) and carefully evaluate litters to determine which pups may do best in a given situation, be it for family companionship, therapy work, Search and Rescue, performance events, or conformation competition. CARDIGAN BREEDERS: The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is an uncommon breed with a small genepool and an extremely dedicated group of owners and breeders devoted to the breed, and dedicated to maintaining the welfare of the Cardigan. Responsible, reputable breeders are very careful in qualifying potential homes for their puppies. Demand exceeds supply, and waiting lists of a year or more are not uncommon. Good breeders will always refer buyers to other trustworthy regional breeders if they themselves have nothing available. For additional information including a geographical listing of breeders, please click below: |
