Cardigan Welsh Corgi – Mixed Dog Breed Characteristics & Facts

Cardigan Welsh Corgi as the more ancient of the two Corgi dog breeds, Welsh Corgis are thought to have been domesticated in Wales for more than 3,000 years. These dogs have been employed throughout history to herd cattle to markets. These days, they prefer to spend time with their families and make energetic, entertaining playmates for kids of school age.

The long tail of the Cardigan, which resembles the sleeves of a cardigan sweater, serves to identify them. Red, brindle, blue merle, and black are just a few of the hues and patterns available for their medium-length coat, which frequently has white markings. The breed, also referred to as the “yard-long dog,” is thoughtful and loving. See all of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi’s characteristics and information below!

Cardigan Welsh Corgi  Mixed Dog Breed Picture

Cardigan Welsh Corgi – Mixed Dog Breed Characteristics

Vital Stats:

The fairies ride tiny long-backed dogs across a moonlit sky in Wales, a tiny fantasy land dotted with misty mountains and enigmatic standing stones. Several fortunate mortals acquired the dogs for themselves after learning of the fairies’ canine treasure. They are among the oldest of the herding breeds and go by the name Corgi, which is derived from the Welsh word “cor gi,” which is a diminutive dog.

The Cardigan and the Pembroke varieties of Welsh Corgis are now recognized as two separate breeds with their own histories and characteristics. Up until 1934, the breed was thought of as a single entity. The United Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club both recognize cardigans as members of the Herding Group.

In addition to having a longer tail than the Pembroke, the Cardigan is larger than the Pembroke, has a longer body, a heavier head, and larger, more rounded ears. Males usually weigh between 30 and 38 pounds. Females typically weigh 25 to 34 pounds and are a little smaller.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi, also referred to as a Cardigan, Cardi, or CWC, has a watchful, alert, yet friendly expression. All shades of red, sable, and brindle; black, with or without tan or brindle points; or blue merle, with or without tan or brindle points, are available in their dense, heavily shedding double coat.

Their head may have a blaze, and they typically have white markings on the legs, chest, neck, muzzle, belly, and tip of the tail. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America maintains the recognized AKC breed standard.

Highlights

• Dogs called cardigans speak up. They scream and bark at everything.
• Although they can be stubborn, cardigans are intelligent. Crate training is suggested if housetraining is a challenge.
• Cardigans may nip at your kids’ heels when they are playing because they have a strong herding instinct.
• If given the chance, cardigans enjoy eating and will overindulge. Make sure to keep an eye on their food intake to prevent obesity.
• Cardigans require daily exercise because they have a lot of energy.
• Never buy a cardigan from an ignorant breeder, a puppy mill, or a pet store.

History

The Dachshund and Basset Hound are descendants of the same dog family as the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. It is thought that Celtic tribes that migrated to Wales from central Europe more than 3,000 years ago brought the ancestors of modern-day Cardis with them. This prehistoric dog was a hybrid between the Teckel and Spitz families.

Some people think that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi was created when the Vikings crossed the original Corgi with the Spitz-type dogs they brought with them when they invaded Wales. Working dogs like cardigans helped farmers herd their cattle and protect their livestock from danger. Additionally, they assisted farmers in transporting their cattle to the market and the fields.

They were cherished as family pets, vermin hunters, cattle guardians, and guard dogs. The dogs were so prized and important to the farmers’ ability to make a living that an old Welsh law imposed harsh punishments on anyone who would hurt or steal one of the animals. The English Cardigan Welsh Corgi Association was established in 1926, and Cardigan Welsh Corgis were first displayed in English dog shows in 1919.

The Cardigans and Pembrokes were regarded as one breed at the time and frequently interbred, which led to a great deal of conflict among breeders. A red and white dog by the name of Bob Llwyd had a significant impact on the breed in the middle and late 1920s. According to legend, he served as the model for the first breed standard. The first champion of the breed, Ch. Golden Arrow, was descended from him.

Born in 1928, he completed his championship in 1931. Additionally in 1931, Mrs. B.P. Bole brought the first set of cardigans into the country. One of them was a woman by the name of Cassie who was already a reputable manufacturer of top-notch cardigans in England. Despite being misidentified as white with brindle patches, she still produced top-notch pups. Megan, one of her puppies, was the first American champion of the breed.

The Megan Competition, an annual competition for champions only, is held by the Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America, Inc. The British Kennel Club officially recognized Pembrokes and Cardigans as distinct breeds in 1934, putting an end to any speculation regarding their possible interbreeding.

The American Kennel Club officially recognized Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgis the following year. It’s a cardigan In 1935, the Welsh Corgi Club of America was established. At American Kennel Club (AKC) dog shows, the Cardigan has transitioned from the Non-Sporting to the Working to the Herding Group.

They aren’t as well-known as the Pembroke because the parent club has always been dedicated to preventing commercialization of their dogs, but they will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who know and love them. Today, The Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America upholds the breed standard.

Size

Cardigans range in height from 10.5 to 12.5″. Compared to women, men weigh between 25 and 38 pounds.

Personality

The Cardigan still has the instinct for herding cattle, but he doesn’t do it very often these days. He has a flexible personality and a responsible nature and is a family companion and show dog. The Cardigan frequently resides with horse owners who value his help loading their animals into trailers. In comparison to the Pembroke, the Cardigan can be less outgoing and more possessive.

The Cardi is a watchdog who is alert but can be wary of strangers, staying true to his herding dog heritage. At the sight, smell, or sound of anything strange, be prepared for him to bark in warning. He is a strong friend for kids, and he is very trainable due to his intelligence. Despite this, he is a free-thinker and frequently goes his own route, giving orders and other directives a distinctively Cardigan twist.

The Cardigan needs early socialization, or exposure to a variety of people, sights, sounds, and experiences, just like every other dog. Ideally, this should happen before the dog is four months old. In order to ensure that your Cardigan puppy develops into a well-rounded dog, socialization is important.

Health

Although Cardigan Welsh Corgis are generally in good health, they are susceptible to some health issues like all breeds. Not all Cardigans will contract one or more of these illnesses, but if you’re thinking about getting one, you should be aware of them.

For hip dysplasia, Cardigans should have Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) health clearances (with a fair or better score), Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) certification that the eyes are healthy, and a DNA test for progressive retinal atrophy. Checking the websites of the OFA (offa.org) and CERF (vmdb.org/cerf.html) will allow you to verify any medical clearances.

• Cardigans are prone to spinal disc ruptures because of their long backs, which causes intervertebral disk disease. Unsteadiness, difficulty getting on or off of furniture or going up or down stairs, knuckling over of limbs, weakness, and paralysis are symptoms.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A group of eye conditions that cause the retina to gradually deteriorate. Affected dogs initially develop night blindness; as the illness worsens, they begin to lose their daytime vision. Many affected dogs adjust to their diminished or lost vision well, as long as their environment doesn’t change.

Care

The Cardigan has a low-slung, quick body like a fine sports car. He can daily transport vast distances with flocks because he is a herding breed. Even though he no longer works in that field, he still needs daily exercise in the form of a walk or preparation for a canine sport like agility. The Cardigan is content in any setting, whether it be a city condo or a rural estate, as long as he has the activity he needs.

The Cardigan is prone to back injuries because of his long back and short legs. Avoid letting puppies jump on and off of furniture because their skeletal development is still incomplete. Never pick them up without supporting the back and the front legs.

The Cardigan is not an outdoor dog despite having a weatherproof coat made to withstand the abrasive Welsh weather. He is very people-oriented and shouldn’t be sent to the backyard where there will be little to no human contact.

Feeding

1 to 1.5 cups of premium dry food, divided into two meals, is advised each day. Note: Your adult dog’s appetite is influenced by his size, age, build, metabolism, and level of activity. Like people, each dog is unique, so they don’t all require the same amount of food. A highly active dog will require more than a couch potato dog, which should almost go without saying.

The kind of dog food you purchase also matters; the better the food, the more effectively it will nourish your dog and the less you will need to shake into the bowl. Cardigans enjoy eating and, given the chance, will overindulge. Instead of leaving food out all the time, feed your Cardi twice a day with measured portions to keep him healthy. Give him the hands-on and eye tests if you’re not sure if he’s obese. Look down at him first.

There should be a waist visible. After that, lay your hands on his back with your thumbs along his spine and your fingers spread outward. Without exerting much pressure, you should be able to feel his ribs but not see them. He needs less food and more exercise if you can’t. See our recommendations for selecting the best food, feeding your puppy, and feeding your adult dog for more information on how to feed your Cardigan.

Coat Design and Maintenance

Cardis have two coats, a longer, thicker topcoat and a shorter, undercoat. They continually shed, with heavier periods of shedding occurring at least twice a year. To keep flying hair under control when wearing a Cardigan, be prepared to brush it frequently. During the shedding season, daily brushing and warm baths to remove extra coat may be required.

Black with or without tan or brindle points, blue merle with or without tan or brindle points, and all shades of red, sable, and brindle are available for the coat. Their head may have a blaze, and they typically have white markings on the legs, chest, neck, muzzle, belly, and tip of the tail. Depending on the body, the coat’s length varies.

Because they don’t shield the dog from the elements, some Cardis have soft, fluffy coats, which are undesirable. A “fairy saddle,” as it is known, is often worn over the backs of Cardigans. The legend that fairies rode dogs in their native Wales gives rise to the name of this marking. In order to get rid of tartar buildup and the bacteria that lurk inside it, brush your Cardigan’s teeth at least twice or three times per week.

Even better than twice-daily brushing is prevention of bad breath and gum disease. If your dog doesn’t wear his nails down naturally, trim them once or twice a month to avoid painful tears and other issues. They are too long if you can hear them clicking on the floor. Because dog toenails contain blood vessels, cutting them too short can result in bleeding, which may make your dog uncooperative the next time the nail clippers are pulled out.

So, if you’re not experienced with dog nail trimming, seek advice from a veterinarian or groomer. Check your ears once a week for redness or an unpleasant smell that could be an infection. To help prevent infections, clean your dog’s ears when you check them with a cotton ball dampened with a mild, pH-balanced ear cleaner. Simply clean the outer ear; avoid inserting anything into the ear canal.

As soon as your Cardigan is a puppy, start exposing him to brushing and examinations. Dogs are sensitive when it comes to their feet, so handle his paws frequently and examine his mouth. Lay the groundwork for simple veterinary exams and other handling when he’s an adult by making grooming a rewarding experience filled with praise and rewards.

Check your pet’s feet, nose, mouth, eyes, and skin for sores, rashes, or infection-related symptoms like redness, tenderness, or inflammation as you groom them. Clear eyes without any redness or discharge are ideal. You can identify potential health issues early on thanks to your thorough weekly exam.

Kids and other animals

Although cardigans are devoted to kids, their herding instincts can cause them to nip at a kid’s feet or ankles. But they can quickly pick up on the fact that this is unacceptable behavior. In order to prevent biting or ear or tail pulling on either party, you should always teach kids how to approach and touch dogs.

You should also always supervise any interactions between young children and dogs. Teach your child to never try to steal a dog’s food or approach a dog while he or she is eating or sleeping. Regardless of how friendly they are, dogs and children should never be left unattended. As long as they have been socialized with other household pets, cardigans are typically friendly toward them.

However, they enjoy having a second or third dog in the family to play with, particularly another Corgi. They can be aggressive toward dogs that aren’t a part of their family.

Rescue Teams

Some cardigans require adoption or fostering because they were either bought without fully comprehending what it takes to own one or were given up because their families could no longer care for them. Not every rescue organization is listed. Contact the national breed club or a local breed club to find a Cardigan rescue organization if you can’t find one listed for your region.

Breeding businesses

Welsh Corgi National Rescue Trust in Cardigan

Creator: PetsCareTip