The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is the older of the two Corgi breeds, and is also larger than its cousin, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Standing up the 13 inches at the shoulder, and weighing 45 pounds, they are stocky, low-slung and somewhat longer than they are tall. The ears are erect, and the face fox-like.Don’t be fooled by the Corgi’s cuteness though, these are tough little dogs who in the past earned their keep as cattle herders.
There are a number of theories regarding the origins of the Corgi. One is that the breed descends from dogs brought to Britain by the Celts, circa 1200 BC. Another theory is that the Vikings brought Swedish Vallhunds with them to Britain, and this is the progenitor of the Corgi breed.
Both of these theories may have some credence as the name “Corgi” derives from the Celtic word for “dog”, and the Corgi, closely resembles the Vallhund.
Corgis have been herding cattle in Britain for centuries, and it’s a job they perform exceptionally well. They may be small, but they make up for that with their energy, and bravery. A Corgi will stand his ground against a charging bull without blinking. In addition, they are very agile dogs, and along with their low-profile, this helps them avoid flying hooves as they nip at the ankles of the cattle.
These days you’re more likely to see a Corgi as a family pet than as a cattle dog. But they are well suited to companionship.These clever, loving and gentle dogs thrive on being around humans. They are eager to please and, along with their intelligence, this makes them a dream to train.
Corgis are active, fun-loving dogs who get on with everyone. They are good with children, and do well with other dogs, and with cats. A minor problem is their instinctual desire to herd people by nipping at their heels, but a little bit of training will stop this behavior.
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is very alert and makes an excellent watchdog. They are quick to raise the alarm whenever something doesn’t seem right, but can become problem barkers if left unchecked.
Cardigans are relatively easy to groom. They have a short coat, and although they are seasonal shedders a brush down every other day is all that is needed to keep the coat in good order.
This is a tough, robust breed that avoids many of the diseases that you typically find in purebred dogs. They are prone to picking up weight, and can become obese if overfed and not exercised enough. A Corgi can live up to 15 years or even longer.
The Corgi is small enough to live quite happily in an apartment, as long as its exercise needs are met. This should include daily walks and also indoor and outdoor games, because these dogs love to play. They do well at canine sports like agility, flyball, advance obedience and herding, so consider getting your dog involved in these.
If you’re looking for dog names, for your Cardigan Welsh Corgi, I’d recommend Puppy Names HQ, a site with an extensive database of dog names, including thousands of cool dog names.
