Cardigan Welsh Corgi Dogs

A healthy adult Cardigan Welsh Corgi, showing off it's beautiful, long body

A Cardigan Welsh Corgi showing off it's typically large ears

A beautiful, little Cardigan Welsh Corgi puppy, sitting very neatly

A close up of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi's wonderful, big ears

An adult Cardigan Welsh Corgi with a lovely, brown and white coat

A Cardigan Welsh Corgi on an Afghan stamp

A Cardigan Welsh Corgi's lovely, thick, light brown and white coat

A beautiful, little Cardigan Welsh Corgi puppy with a soft, thick coat

A black and white Cardigan Welsh Corgi, showing off it's beautiful, long body

A black and white adult Cardigan Welsh Corgi, enjoying some exercise

A close up of a Cardigan Welsh Corgi's beautiful, big ears

A healthy, brown and white Cardigan Welsh Corgi standing tall in the grass

A healthy adult Cardigan Welsh Corgi enjoying the snow

A wonderful brown and white Cardigan Welsh Corgi playing outside

History

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi was brought to Britain centuries ago, but it's exact origin remains unknown. It was used primarily as a farm dog to drive and herd cattle. Being so short, it would avoid being kicked by cows and sheep. Crown lands were later divided up and fenced, so the Corgi was no longer needed. It nearly became extinct but the breed was saved and it is now mainly kept as a pet. It is known as 'a big dog in a small package'.

Behaviour

The Cardigan is a fun loving, active little dog with a big personality. They are a very loyal, devoted dog, well suited to family life. They make good watch dogs as they are always on alert and will warn you as soon as someone approaches. They need lots of socialising to stop them herding other dogs and people. For such a small dog, they do need a lot of exercise. They can run for miles and have a lot of stamina. Many Cardigans take part in agility training, flyball and herding trials as they love to work and please their owner. With high intelligence, this breed needs to do something to keep it's mind active. As with most dogs, without mental stimulation, they can become destructive in the home. Welsh Corgis are quick to learn, so training is relatively straight forward and fun. They will never tire of playing and running around and love long walks. They are very obedient, making them ideal companions for hikers. They are a hardy breed and rarely suffer major health concerns, although Canine Hip Dysplasia should be watched for. Corgis might have a short coat, but they do shed a fair amount of fur. A quick daily brush will prevent you finding hair all over the house.

Temperament

Cardigan Welsh Corgis have a fun loving and devoted temperament. Loving their families and wanting to be in contact with them as much as possible is ingrained in these dogs. Being a herding dog you will sometimes see them nipping at heels and being fairly noisy but they do make amusing companions.

Most get on well with household pets but will be territorial when it comes to foreign cats and dogs. Keep a watchful eye on them with other dogs as they can be aggressive.

Health Problems

Health problems that may affect Cardigan Welsh Corgis include canine hip dysplasia (CHD), progressive retinal atrophy (degeneration of the retina that can lead to blindness) and back disorders (can be exacerbated in obese dogs).