Description of the Welsh Corgi Cardigan breed
Popularity 20th among 263 dog breeds
Lifespan:
12-15 years
Height:
males: 27-32 cm, females: 25-30 cm
Country of origin:
Great Britain
Average price:
20-30 thousand rubles
Weight:
males: 14-17 kg, females: 12-15 kg
Latest articles Cat health
Rabies vaccination for cats: choice of vaccine, necessity, schedule 01/22/2022 20 0 0
Selection and adaptation
TOP 20 best cat breeds for families with children 01/22/2022 33 0 0
Advantages and disadvantages
- Pros:
- excellent companions, not intrusive, not requiring constant attention;
- balanced, reasonable, well aware of the owner’s mood;
- small in size, can be kept in a small apartment;
- easy to train and socialize.
- Minuses:
- have an excellent appetite, which makes them obese;
- due to the thick undercoat, they require frequent brushing, especially during shedding;
- do not feel fear, without hesitation, they rush at larger dogs;
- bark loudly and frequently.
Key facts
The canine standard distinguishes two main branches of corgi: Cardigan and Pembroke. These are miniature dogs similar in character and appearance. The main difference is that Cardigans have a larger and longer body, a wider chest, larger ears, a tail that resembles a “fox,” and coat colors that are more varied than those of the Pembroke.
Cardigan Welsh Corgis are able to cover long distances, they are hardy and tireless. There are slight differences in character - cardigans are more reserved and independent, they are suitable for more serious people.
Description of the Welsh Corgi Cardigan breed combines:
- noble and sweet appearance;
- kindness, joy, inexhaustible optimism;
- balanced and peaceful character;
- caution and prudence;
- good intellectual abilities;
- ease of education and training;
- Friendly attitude towards children, adults and other pets.
Dogs easily and quickly become attached to the breeder and his family, do not bark unnecessarily, but in case of danger they immediately give a ringing and loud voice. Due to their miniature size and light weight, dogs are convenient to keep both in a country cottage and in a small apartment. Animals tolerate cold well and rarely get sick.
Characteristics of the Welsh Corgi Cardigan breed include many facts:
- Corgis appeared in England at the beginning of the 12th century. The breed has common roots with the Chow Chow, Finnish Spitz and Norwegian Elkhound. Dogs were usually used to herd sheep and cows and to guard them at night.
- Character traits - animals are very loyal to their owner and family. For days on end they are able to bestow others with their affection, attention and inexhaustible optimism. They are naturally endowed with good intelligence, so they understand a person’s desire to be alone.
- With proper care and nutrition, the life expectancy of Cardigan Welsh Corgis is 13-16 years.
- Daily care is not too simple, but not too complicated either. The coat should be brushed several times a week, and every day during shedding. No haircut needed. Eyes and ears are cleaned when dirty, nails are trimmed once a month.
Despite their small size, Cardigan Welsh Corgis are very energetic and resilient. Over the years, their activity decreases, which provokes the development of chronic diseases.
In adulthood, the health of dogs should be given increased attention. Regular visits to the veterinarian are recommended for a general examination, early detection of health problems and their effective treatment.
How to buy a corgi puppy
Cardigans are a rare breed, but you can buy a puppy. To do this, it is better to contact a kennel so as not to acquire a mixed breed or a sick dog. The cost of a purebred corgi in Moscow starts at 40 thousand rubles, and the offspring of exhibition winners cost at least 80-100 thousand. In pursuit of a low price, it is not recommended to go to the poultry market or buy a dog from advertisements.
When choosing a corgi puppy, you need to be guided by several recommendations from dog handlers:
- males are more efficient and efficient, females are more cunning and affectionate;
- puppies inherit working qualities and hereditary diseases from their parents, you need to ask the breeders for documents confirming the health of the dogs;
- they sell puppies at the age of 2-3 months, by which time the necessary vaccinations must be completed;
- the puppy must have clean eyes, ears, smooth, shiny fur, and a soft tummy;
- behavior is not aggressive, not cowardly, healthy babies are playful and curious
Photos show what Cardigan puppies should look like:
Before getting a Cardigan Welsh Corgi dog, you should watch the video:
Video: Welsh Corgi Cardigan
Video: Cardigan Welsh Corgi
This variety of Corgi is an adorable dog, friendly and sweet. Due to its small size and calm nature, it is ideal as a companion for any owner. This dog is able to adapt to the lifestyle of active people, homebodies, and gets along with children and pets. But you shouldn’t get such a pet if you don’t have time to take care of it. Despite its small size, it is still a shepherd dog, which can cause many problems without proper training.
History of the origin of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi breed is very ancient. Herding dogs were brought to the British Isles by the Vikings in the Bronze Age, that is, 3 thousand years ago.
The first written information about animals was found in the collection of laws of the Welsh king Howell the Good (920), where the punishment for killing a cardigan corgi was to buy the owner an ox. The dogs helped move cattle, urged cows and sheep on by biting their legs, and drove mountain ponies into the stall, nimbly dodging blows from their hooves.
Despite its usefulness and attractive appearance, the breed was not popular among breeders for a long time. The world saw the animals only in 1892 at an exhibition in London. But world breeders really paid attention to the service breed after Cardigan Corgis became the favorites of the Queen of England. In 1932, the Duke of York gave Margaret's daughters Rose and Elizabeth (Queen Elizabeth II) a cute puppy.
The breed was brought to Russia from Finland in 1992. These were 2 females and two males, which were distributed to nurseries in St. Petersburg and Kursk. Until the end of the 90s, dogs did not arouse any interest among domestic breeders. And only after the National Breed Club was registered in the Russian Federation at the beginning of 2000, shepherd dogs began to be bred as elite ones - for participation in international exhibitions and for sale to foreigners.
What does the price depend on?
In Russia, corgi puppies are sold for different prices. The formation of value is influenced by the following factors:
- Age of the animal.
- Color.
- Breed class.
- Place of purchase.
- Purebred.
- Health status.
- Availability of veterinary documents (passports, cards).
- Number of required vaccinations given.
- Having titled parents.
- Sales region.
In the capital, such a puppy is sold at a higher price than on the outskirts of the city. Purebred representatives are more expensive than a cross between a purebred dog and a mongrel. Having titled parents, pedigree and veterinary documentation makes the puppy more valuable. A completely healthy and vaccinated animal costs more than one that has some health problems.
Appearance of a Welsh Corgi Cardigan
General impression
Miniature “shepherd dogs” reach a height of 32 cm at the withers, and by adulthood they gain weight up to 12 kg. As you can see in the photo, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi has a well-defined mouth, which is why the animals seem to be “smiling.”
Previously, dogs had to have their tails docked, but after the ban on cosmetic surgeries was introduced, individuals with tails of different lengths are found.
Head
The dogs have a “fox” head - a flat and wide skull between the ears, gradually narrowing towards the eyes and hanging slightly over them. The size of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi's muzzle in proportion to the skull is 3:5. Nose – wet, black.
Neck
Strong, muscular, proportional to the body. The back is straight, the chest is powerful and wide.
Torso
The body with developed muscles is longer than that of the Pembroke. The front legs are wide, short, elbows touching the sides. The hind legs are short, with developed hips.
Tail
“Foxy” and long. When moving, it rises higher than its back; when at rest, it drops almost to the ground.
Movement
In their young years, dogs have strong and elastic muscles, they are very playful and active. Over the years, the animal moves less, the muscles become flabby, the animals change running to walking, sleep more and often become obese.
Wool
When young it is soft and shiny. Over the years it becomes tougher, turns pale and breaks. In older dogs, the coat is uneven in structure, often looks patchy and quickly becomes dirty. It needs careful care.
Welsh Corgi Cardigan colors
Breed standards allow brindle, red, harlequin, sable, 3-color with different markings. The nose and eyes are outlined in black. White spots can be located on the neck, paws, chest, muzzle, tip of the tail and lower body.
Dimensions
The growth of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is constantly increasing - in newborns it is up to 8 cm; at the age of 1-2 months – 7-10 cm; 3 months – 13 cm; 4 months – 15 cm; 5 months – 22 cm; 6 months – 27 cm; 7-10 months – 32 cm.
The weight of a Cardigan Welsh Corgi at 2 months is 2.5-4.1 kg, and in adulthood the dogs weigh up to 13 kilograms.
Breed standard
The first standard was developed in 1934, when Cardigans were identified as a separate breed. These dogs have a remarkable appearance: a small elongated body, short legs, a pretty face with large erect ears and lively, attentive eyes. Due to the special structure of the jaw, the dog seems to be smiling.
In terms of size, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a medium-sized breed. At the withers they reach a height of 30 cm, weighing on average 10-11 kg. But in an adult male, the weight can reach 14-17 kg, and these dogs are also prone to obesity.
Head
The head is proportional, moderately wide, the muzzle is elongated, but not sharp. The jaws are strong, elongated, with a scissor bite. The cheeks are pronounced, but do not droop, the lips fit tightly. The bridge of the nose is straight, the stop is pronounced. The lobe is large and black.
The eyes are oval, widely set. The color is dark, but individuals with the blue color may have blue eyes. Sometimes heterochromia occurs, when one eye is brown and the other is blue. The look is expressive, intelligent, friendly. The ears are medium in size, erect, with rounded tips. They are open forward and slightly set apart.
Body type
The body is elongated, located low to the ground. The length to height ratio should be 3:2. The neck is long, muscular, and the shoulders are sculpted. The chest is wide, deep, withers are well defined. The back is long, level, the loin is short, the stomach is slightly tucked. The tail is low set, long, reaching the ground. The dog keeps it down. A tail curled into a ring or thrown over the back is not allowed.
Limbs
The limbs are short but strong. The front ones are slightly turned out, repeating the shape of the chest. This is due to the fact that dachshunds were used in Cardigan breeding. The paws are large, wide, oval, with plump pads. Dogs of any color have white paws.
Coat and colors of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi
The coat is of medium length, smooth, lying close to the body. It is formed by moderately hard guard hair and thick undercoat. The coat should not be soft, wavy or very hard.
The colors of cardigans can be different. Only one color is not allowed; two or three colors must be combined. There may be white spots, but this color should not predominate. The following colors are common:
- brindle;
- merle (or blue merle or white merle);
- red and white;
- black and tan;
- sable - a combination of red and white with black tan.
The most popular colors are tiger, marble (blue). The rarest ones are black and tricolor (black-white-red).
Photos complement the description of Welsh Corgi cardigans:
Personality of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi
The dog has a kind and easygoing disposition. Excessive activity and playfulness are the result of many years of using animals as guards and guides for cattle. And today Welsh Corgis are used on many large farms and private households. They are usually owned by active families, but service dogs are not recommended for older people.
Despite their high activity, they do not need to do a lot of physical exercise - regular walking and active games in the fresh air are enough. Stimulation of brain activity is no less important for this breed of dog. There should be plenty of interactive and logical games; you can arrange entire quests for your pet.
It is in the owner’s interests to come up with activities for the dog that allow him to expend the energy he has in abundance. If this is not taken into account, the character of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi will deteriorate, which will harm family members, as well as household items: carpets, shoes, furniture.
Cardigan Corgis have a strong sense of self-esteem, they have personal opinions and know what they want. Animals love to be the center of attention and do everything possible for this.
Dogs love communication and do not miss the opportunity to be present when guests come. At first, they watch warily from the side, after which they easily make contact with unfamiliar people.
They get along well with other pets and happily entertain small children. Despite their small size, dogs bark loudly and can scare people who are unprepared for this.
Education and training
It is better to start training a Corgi Cardigan puppy from the moment the pet arrives in the house. Particular attention should be paid to:
- accustoming the dog to a name, a place to sleep and feed, and a toilet;
- execution of basic commands “near!”, “in place!”, “sit!”, “lie down!”, “come to me!” and others;
- teaching your baby to use a leash;
- encouragement and proper punishment for misconduct - everything should be in moderation; too strict, demanding treatment can disrupt the dog’s immature psyche, making him angry, wary, cowardly;
- socialization - up to 3 months of age, you need to introduce the puppy to other animals, strangers, he must get used to public places, and not be afraid of street noise;
- behavior correction - at 6 months of age, puberty begins, males begin to try themselves as a leader - for the owner this is a test of strength.
The peak of activity occurs at 9-10 months; the dog should not be allowed in under any circumstances - pranks and bad behavior must be stopped immediately. If you do not have enough experience in training, it is recommended to invite an experienced dog handler to classes, who will select the correct training method for the puppy and implement it.
If you prefer video lessons from the Internet, be sure to pay attention to the age of the pet and the conditions of the classes.
When raising and training a Cardigan Welsh Corgi you should not:
- Showing cruelty and rudeness - the breed is quite smart and well trained, so kind words, encouragement in the form of strokes and treats are quite enough.
- Repeating the same thing in class for a very long time - the animal gets tired of the monotony, and the lessons learned are poorly learned. Something new needs to be constantly introduced into training, active tasks can be swapped, and it is better to dilute training with outdoor games.
- Completely trust your own knowledge and experience - it would not be a bad idea to seek advice from a specialist. This will allow you to avoid mistakes in independent training and not miss important moments in growing up.
A properly raised dog becomes a sociable and devoted friend for every family member. She can guard livestock on the farm, delight the owners with various tricks, but she is not suitable for protection - she can only give a voice, warning of approaching danger.
Looking for a Cardigan Welsh Corgi? Find your pet from 3 offers As a gift
Health and Diseases of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi
The breed is naturally in good health, but like other working dogs, Cardigan Welsh Corgis have some characteristic illnesses. All of them can be treated in a specialized clinic.
Possible diseases
Corgis are prone to the following pathologies:
- glaucoma, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy - eye problems are usually observed in old age, which can lead to complete or partial loss of vision;
- obesity – provoked by overeating, unbalanced diet or genetic predisposition; consequences are disruption of the digestive and cardiovascular systems and joint deformation;
- eczema – itchy and weeping areas of inflammation appear on the skin; the problem can be eliminated with long-term treatment, but it may return after a while; the dog must be constantly monitored;
- spinal cord injury that can lead to inability to control the muscles of the hind limbs;
- Hip dislocation is a hereditary disease that leads to lameness.
Particular attention should be paid to an elderly pet. If his activity begins to decline, do not attribute everything to age - be sure to check your pet for possible diseases. Talk to your veterinarian about reviewing your diet and remember to attend preventive examinations.
Reproductive health
In females, estrus lasts up to 26 days with a break of about 6 months. The best age for mating is considered to be 2-5 years old. The ideal time is on the 8th day of estrus. Readiness for mating is manifested as follows: the dog develops red discharge with a specific odor, the loop becomes larger.
The first mating is best done under the supervision of an experienced dog handler. It is recommended to repeat mating on the second or third day to accurately hit the period. By 45-50 days the belly is already noticeable, the puppies’ movements can be clearly felt.
It happens that pregnancy turns out to be “empty”. There are many reasons for this, but this does not mean that the bitch has serious health problems. False birth occurs in an acute form, the bitch is very worried about the lack of puppies. To distract her from this, a 3-day fast (only water) is effective, followed by a long walk with active games.
Childbirth in dogs is usually difficult, often requiring a caesarean section. Breeding the breed is not easy. When choosing a boy or girl, you should decide on the purpose of the pet’s stay in the house.
If breeding Welsh Corgi Cardigan puppies is not planned, it is worth performing sterilization or castration - with surgery, the animal will be deprived of reproductive function. Under anesthesia, the uterus and ovaries are removed from females, and the testes from males. The young animal quickly comes to its senses; after removing the stitches for 9-10 days, the owner completely forgets about the operation.
Features of feeding and diet
Cardigan Welsh Corgis are unpretentious in their diet and have an excellent appetite. But food must be given according to the load. So, with increasing activity, more food should be poured in - and vice versa. Balanced compressed feeds with a long shelf life and economical consumption are suitable.
Having given preference to natural food, remember that your daily diet must include proteins (one third of the diet), boiled and lean meat, sea fish, and liver. Carbohydrates will also be useful: cereal porridges, boiled and raw vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, carrots). Fermented milk products are useful: cottage cheese, kefir, yogurt, sour cream.
You should not feed your dog from the table. She should have a separate bowl for food and water; it is better to give food on a schedule. It is not recommended to give your pet sour, smoked and salty foods, sweets and baked goods.
Breed traits
Breed traits (on a 5-point scale)
Welsh Corgi Cardigan | |||
Activity | in the house | 3.1 | |
on the street | 3.9 | ||
Obedience | training | 4.3 | |
strangers | 3.6 | ||
Domination | in family | 1.6 | |
over dogs | 2.8 | ||
Defending your territory | from people | 2.1 | |
from dogs | 2.8 | ||
Sociability | in family | 4.9 | |
with strangers | 3.8 | ||
with dogs | 4.3 | ||
Concentration | in family | 1.3 | |
in front of strangers | 2.8 | ||
with dogs | 2 | ||
Aggressiveness | in family | 1.1 | |
to strangers | 1.5 | ||
to the dogs | 2 | ||
to cats | 2.1 | ||
Family behavior | calmness | 4.6 | |
demand for affection | 4.5 | ||
excitability | 3.5 | ||
playfulness | 4.5 | ||
excessive barking | 2.4 | ||
behavioral breakdowns | 2.3 | ||
Tolerance for children | up to 4 years | 4.4 | |
over 4 years old | 4.6 | ||
Institutional use | watchman | 4.6 | |
bodyguard | 1.8 |
This breed is often compared to the following dog breeds: Beagle, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Pomeranian, Akita Inu, Basenji.
Best photos of Cardigan Welsh Corgis:
Care and maintenance
Due to its unpretentiousness and cleanliness by nature, maintaining and caring for the Cardigan Welsh Corgi does not cause any particular difficulties. Recommended:
- Regular walks outside - with active games and a training program (the dog will quickly remember commands).
- Bathing - frequency depends on the degree of pollution. The ears are covered with a cotton pad to prevent water from entering. Drying is done with a hairdryer. The chest and paws are washed after each walk.
- Brushing the coat daily will prevent the formation of tangles. During molting, it is better to use a slicker brush; combing should be done straight up along the fur.
- Due to the long and elongated spine of the Corgi, you should not jump from great heights.
- Nutrition control - measured amounts of food to avoid obesity. Mandatory presence of natural products in the diet: fish, meat, vegetables, fruits. Dry food is best introduced from 3 months of age. Puppies need to soak it in milk and give it in small portions. At 6 months of age, the dog should eat 3 times a day, by 1 year - 2 times.
After feeding, the animal needs to rest so that the food is well absorbed. After walking, feeding should occur no earlier than an hour and a half later.
Don't forget to check your eyes and ears for cleanliness. If your cardigan eats something other than dry food, he needs his teeth brushed.
During the summer, do not forget to use anti-tick medications to prevent your pet from getting an infection. Vaccination is also important - it is performed annually.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi (Description and prices)
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small dog, whose height ranges between 25 and 30 centimeters, and its weight reaches 12-14 kilograms. The low body and shortened paws do not in any way interfere with the animal’s nimble movement. The medium-length coat can come in several colors : deep golden with white spots, black-white-gold, in rare cases completely black and fawn. Representatives of this breed are born with both a short and a long tail. The pet's appearance is often compared to the image of a fox.
Dogs of this breed are characterized by a cheerful and cheerful disposition, which goes well with a child’s worldview. This similarity allows kids to easily find a common language with the animal. The shepherd's instincts have also left their mark - puppies can bite your leg, trying to point you in the right direction in order to gather all the familiar people nearby into a group. Dogs are easy to train, quickly learn the rules of behavior and stop causing mischief.
The dog's long coat requires constant care, and twice a year it even begins to shed. The pet should be brushed twice a week, and bathing should be kept to a minimum. The health of your teeth and ears deserves special attention; they should be cleaned regularly.
The price for a Pembroke Welsh Corgi starts from 20 thousand rubles and reaches 80 thousand . Many nuances influence the cost: the popularity of a particular color, the title of the parents and their suitability for exhibition.
The price is significantly reduced by the presence of rock defects that do not meet the standards. Unless you plan to attend various dog shows and compete for titles, then this last point should not be a concern.
Tips for choosing a puppy
The choice of a Welsh Corgi Cardigan puppy should be approached responsibly and seriously. Babies are separated from their mother at the age of 4-5 weeks. Show dogs are adopted at 7-8 weeks, when their behavioral and anatomical characteristics appear.
Which gender do you prefer? Both girls and boys Cardigan Welsh Corgis make loving and devoted companions that everyone in the family is delighted with. But males and females have some characteristics:
- Boys
– have a stubborn and assertive character, they are usually bred for sports or exhibitions. They do not go into heat, give birth, or care for puppies. On the street, a dog can break off its leash and run after a female dog in heat.
- Girls
– more good-natured and more compliant. When in heat, they become disobedient and irritable - or, on the contrary, overly affectionate and intrusive. At this time, it is better to protect the female from communication with males, which will prevent accidental mating.
When choosing a puppy, pay attention to:
- appearance - the baby should be moderately well-fed, healthy, active;
- living conditions – in professional kennels, dogs are kept in spacious, clean rooms;
- documents - a veterinary passport with all vaccinations and a puppy's birth certificate.
Healthy Welsh Corgi Cardigan puppies have clean ears and eyes, skin without ulcers or wounds, and white teeth. In males, the testes should be lowered into the scrotum.
Important! Puppies may have docked or whole tails. If you plan to participate in international exhibitions where circumcision is prohibited, then buy a long-tailed pet. Pay attention to the movement of the puppy - it should not be constrained or lame.
How to choose a puppy
Cardigan Welsh Corgis are somewhat less popular and in demand than Pembrokes, which is why there are not many kennels breeding them. Take this fact into account and approach the choice of a pet carefully, armed with a standard of appearance, or even better, with the support of a specialist from the canine association.
Welsh corgi cardigan on stump
When choosing a Cardigan puppy, we recommend following several rules.
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi males are more trusting and efficient and are more willing to learn. Bitches are more cunning and flexible, so it’s easier for them to adapt to their owner’s mood.
- Cardies inherit the athletic abilities of their parents, so if you need a future agility champion, ask the breeder for working diplomas of his ancestors.
- Responsible breeders usually test the bitches and dogs they plan to breed for dysplasia. Play it safe and ask the seller for test results to protect yourself from buying a puppy with poor heredity.
- The optimal age for selling/buying a Welsh Corgi puppy is 8-12 weeks. Despite the fact that kennel clubs allow 45-day-old babies to be put up for sale, self-respecting kennels do not enjoy this privilege, preferring to keep the dog a little longer so that it receives the necessary vaccinations and gets stronger.
- It is best to take puppies from nurseries that practice country breeding. This means that babies will not be locked in cramped cages and will have enough space to play and develop.
Remember: experienced breeders and nurseries take the sale of their dogs very seriously and rarely offer auctions or puppies for reservation. The seller’s offer to “negotiate” the price is an alarming signal, because such concessions are usually made if the dog has serious defects that you have not yet had time to discern.