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Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a Herder

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is related to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, both having originated in South Wales, with a history as herding dogs. The Cardigan is the older of the two breeds, having originated in Cardiganshire many centuries ago. He is a powerfully built small dog, standing about twelve inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between twenty-five and thirty-eight pounds. He is an expert drover, primarily of cattle, notwithstanding his size. His low-slung shape is an advantage because any kick from the cattle will pass over his head

cardigan welsh corgi

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is known as "the corgi with the tail" because the Pembroke Welsh Corgi does not have a tail. This is a very intelligent dog, like most of the Herding Group. He is ranked 26th in intelligence, out of 157 dog breeds researched by Dr Stanley Coren and is included in the group of "excellent working dogs, with exceptional understanding of new commands".

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is not nearly such a popular breed as the Pembroke, although they share many attributes in terms of size, history, temperament and intelligence.

The popularity of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is undoubtedly much influenced by the fact that the British Royal Family always have four or five of these dogs and they are favorites of Queen Elizabeth. It is also very popular in America, being ranked 27th out of 157 breeds which were registered by The American Kennel Club in the year 2010.

Surprisingly, The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is not rated in the top seventy most popular breeds in the USA. He is a loyal, loving, protective dog, who is adaptable to an urban or rural environment. He is an excellent watchdog, who is always alert.

Grooming The Cardigan Welsh Corgi

 The Cardigan Welsh Corgi has a double coat, of medium length. The undercoat is short, thick and soft, while the top coat is longer and harsher. This breed sheds heavily and requires regular brushing. If this can be performed outdoors, or in a place where the hair can be easily collected afterwards, it can then be disposed of before it gets all over carpets and furnishings. Sensible brushing reduces vacuuming!

 Exercising and Training The Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi has a history as a strong and energetic working dog, so he needs regular daily exercise, such as a good walk on a leash. If he can run free in some secure, enclosed area, then so much the better. Because he is so intelligent, he needs mental stimulation as well, combining his training into his exercise will keep him fit and happy. He is eager to please and enthusiastic, with a very quick understanding of new commands. He is an obedient student who will try to learn anything you teach him. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi performs extremely well in obedience and agility competitions and sheep-dog trials. He has abundant energy and stamina, so he needs an energetic family - or, at least, some of the members.

This FREE email mini-course  Training Your Cardigan Corgi can be of immense help in your training efforts. 

 The Cardigan Welsh Corgi's Temperament

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a loving, devoted family pet that is very protective and watchful, as befits a herding dog. He is very good with small children and loves to romp and play. He is very strong for his size and may be too robust for very small children but if he is socialized from an early age he can be very calm and gentle. He is not overly aggressive but he can be reserved with strangers until he is sure they do not pose a threat.