Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Family: livestock, herding

Origin: Wales

Date of Origin: ancient times

Breed For: cattle driving

Lifespan:

Recently Used For: cattle driving, herding trials

Avg Size of Male: Height: 10-13 ins (25-33cm) Weight: 25-30 lbs (11-14kg)

Avg Size of Female: Height:10-13 in(25-33cm) Weight: 25-30 lbs(11-14kg)

Temperament:

Fun-loving and high-spirited, yet easygoing, the Cardigan is a devoted and amusing companion. This is a hardy breed, capable of a day dodging kicks, so it is agile and tireless. At home it is well-mannered but inclined to bark. It tends to be reserved with strangers and can be scrappy with other dogs.

History:

One of the earliest breeds to come to the British Isles, the Cardigan Welsh corgi was brought from central Europe to Cardiganshire, South Wales, centuries ago. Its derivation is unknown, though it may have been influenced by the extinct English turn-spit dog, a short-legged, low-bodied dog used to turn spits in kitchens. Initially used as a family protector and even a helper in the hunt, it was only later that the corgi found its true forte. In a time when the land available to tenant farmers was determined by how much acreage their cattle occupied, it was to the farmer's advantage to have scattered, far-ranging stock. Thus, a dog that would drive, rather than herd, the cattle was an invaluable aid, and the corgi stepped right into this role, nipping at the cattle's heels and ducking their kicks. In fact the word corgi is probably derived from cor (to gather) and gi (dog). The original corgis were supposed to measure a Welsh yard (slightly longer than an English yard) from nose to tail tip, and in parts of Cardiganshire the breed was called the yard-long dog or ci-llathed. When the Crown lands were later divided, sold and fenced, the need for drovers was lost, and the corgi lost its job. Kept by some as a guard and companion, nonetheless, it became a luxury that few could afford, and it became perilously close to extinction. Crosses with other breeds had been tried, but most were not particularly successful. The exception was the cross with the brindle herder present-day Cardigans are the products of this slight herder influence. The first Cardigans were shown around 1925. Until 1934, the Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh corgis were considered one breed, and interbreeding between the two was common.

Upkeep:

The Cardigan needs a surprising amount of exercise for its size. Its needs can best be met with a herding session, but a moderate walk or vigorous play session will also suffice. It can live outside in temperate to cool weather, but it is a very good house dog and best when it is allowed access to both house and yard. Its coat needs brushing once a week to remove dead hair.

Health:

Major concerns: none#Minor concerns: none#Occasionally seen: none#Suggested tests: none#Life span: 12-13 years