Cardigan Corgi

BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION

Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Bluetrix A Little Wicca Majic (Wicca)
Photo courtesy: Bluetrix Kennels

Breed Registries:

Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may also be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America.

* — The FCI is the World Canine Organization, which includes 84 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 339 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The "owner" countries of the breeds write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.

Origin:

Great Britain

Height:

10.5 to 12.5 inches at the withers
Ideal height is as near as possible to 12 in. (30 cm) at the shoulder.

Weight:

Males: 30 to 38 lbs — Females: 25 to 34 lbs
Weight is in proportion to size, with over-all balance as prime consideration.

Breed Profile:

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a descendent of the Teckel family of dogs which also produced the Dachshund. The breed is believed to have been developed after being bred with local herding dogs in Wales with the purpose of developing an all-purpose farm dog. One that drove, guarded and herded cattle. The breed was little known outside of Wales until the 1920s. Corgis were recognized as pure-bred dogs in the U.K. in the 1920's and, in 1934, the Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis were recognized as seperate breeds by the Kennel Club (England) as well as the American Kennel Club. The Cardigan is one of the less common breeds but is not considered a rarity. The breed was imported into the United States from Great Britain in 1931.

The Cardigan differs from the Pembroke Corgi in several ways — He has a full tail, is somewhat larger, longer in body, has rounded ears and comes in a wider variety of colours.

The Cardigan Corgi has a steady, even temperament. He is alert, intelligent, affectionate and adaptable. He makes a good family companion but does require plenty of outdoor exercise. The Corgi also excels at many activities including: conformation showing, obedience, herding, tracking, and agility. Because of his eagerness to please and love of people, the Cardigan also makes an excellent Therapy Dog.

His coat is hard-textured, short to medium length, and weatherproof with a good undercoat. All colours are acceptable, with or without white markings.

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Health Issues

Corgis are generally a healthy breed. However, like all breeds of dogs, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi can have some health concerns, including: Progressive Retinal Atrophy has been reported in the Cardigan as well as Hip Dysplasia, Spinal Disc Problems, Autoimmune diseases, and Cataracts. The average lifespan for the Cardigan is 12 to 15 years.

If you are considering the adoption of a Corgi puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)

Additional Health Resources:

Only Natural Pet Store

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Breed Standards

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Grooming Information

The Cardigan Corgi's coat should be brushed a couple of times a week. The nails should be kept fairly short and the hair between the toes and on the bottom of the feet should be trimmed occasionally. As with all dogs, to help promote good health, teeth should also be brushed regularly.

  • Grooming — This section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
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Training Resources

  • Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.

Training Tools & Equipment
Choose from a wide variety of items from Dogwise.com



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Additional Information

  • Herding Dogs — The Herding Dogs section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website includes training and general information about Herding/Stock Dogs; listing of Stock Dog Clubs and Associations; listing of upcoming shows and events; and more.
  • Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
  • Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.

    • Discussion Groups/Forums:

    • Show Cardi-L — A discussion forum for Cardigan Welsh Corgi conformation and performance issues.
    • Performance Corgis — A Yahoo Group Discussion Forum for Welsh Corgi (Pembroke and Cardigan) fans in all performance venues.

    Select from the following links to view Breeder listings; Breed Clubs; Rescue Organizations; as well as Books and other Merchandise specific to the breed:

    Breeders  /  Breed Clubs  /  Rescues  /  Books & More