Welsh corgi cardigan

History of the Welsh Corgi cardigan breed

The history of the Welsh Corgi breed is a few hypotheses, a lot of speculation, a couple of legends and almost no reliable facts. For example, some experts believe that the ancestors of today's dogs appeared in the British Isles together with Scandinavian settlers in the Bronze Age. Others attribute the breeding of animals to the Celts who inhabited the territory of England around 1500 BC.

With the genetic base, too, not everything is clear, so someone calls the progenitors of the Welsh Corgi Icelandic dogs, and someone refers them to the descendants of the Swedish Walhunds. However, the Welsh would not be Welsh if they did not give this phenomenon their own, purely mystical justification. In the homeland of the breed, it is still believed that Welsh corgis were presented to the inhabitants of Wales by fabulous creatures (fairies) who used animals as horses, riding them and transporting their own belongings with their help.

As for specifically the Welsh corgi cardigans, this branch was born through the efforts of enthusiasts of the Welsh county of Cardiganshire (Ceredigion). It is generally believed that in order to breed an unassuming shepherd shepherd, local farmers crossed the ancestors of the Welsh Corgi with dachshund dogs, which greatly affected the exterior of the animals. In particular, the body of the Sheepdogs has become longer, and their paws are significantly shorter.

Appearance of the breed welsh corgi pembroke in the XIII century, the popularity of cardigans sharply decreased, since its representatives not only had the same short legs, but also had a more pleasant appearance. In particular, at the end of the XIX century, mostly natives of Pembrokeshire "lit up" at breeding exhibitions, which extremely irritated fans of Ceredigion sheepdogs. Further – more: the confrontation between the breeders of cardigans and Pembrokes turned into fights for exhibition places, so in 1934 KC (English Kennel Club) had to divide the animals into two independent breeds. In the same year, it was decided to stop the Pembroke tails, which became an additional differentiating factor between both Welsh corgi families.

Nevertheless, despite the long-awaited independence and the opportunity to exhibit separately at exhibitions, the Welsh corgi cardigans remained an underestimated breed for a long time, hiding in the shadow of their more spectacular and successful relative. And if these funny short-legs penetrated into other European countries several decades after the official announcement, then in Russia they were talked about only in the early 2000s.

Video: Welsh corgi cardigan

Why does the cardigan Welsh corgi have such short legs

Initially, the dog's job was to prevent the animal from straying from the herd, and she could do it only in one way: by slightly biting a cow or calf on the leg. It is not surprising that the response to such actions on the part of the herbivore was a hoof strike in the forehead. And since the Welsh corgi cardigan has always been extremely low-slung, the cow invariably missed.

The appearance of the cardigan Welsh corgi and its differences from the Pembroke

Welsh corgi cardigans are mobile, long-bodied "gentlemen" with a soft topline and miniature, strong paws. Outwardly, these squat sympathizers are noticeably larger and bony than the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. As an example: the average Pembroke weighs 10-12 kg, while the body weight of the natives of Ceredigion can reach 14-17 kg. In general, there are much more differences between these two breeds than it seems at first glance. So, for example, genes predominate in cardi dachshunds , so they have slightly curved legs, a massive chest and a smoother silhouette line.

Welsh corgi cardigans are hardworking dogs that were bred not for exhibitions, but for gray working days. It is not surprising that pembrokes, which were born a little later and were the "product" of crossing pomeranian with Welsh corgis, they are inferior in performance and endurance, but at the same time they win in terms of external charm.

Curious fact: until recently, a cardigan could be identified by a lush fox tail, which Pembrokes traditionally shortened. However, after European breeders abandoned cupping, it became more difficult to distinguish between animals. However, if you look closely, you will notice that the sheepdogs from Pembrokeshire have a shorter tail (the long-term crossing of short-tailed individuals with tailless ones has made itself felt) and less luxurious.

Head

The Welsh corgi cardigans have a very proportional head with a moderately elongated muzzle and a wide, narrowed skull towards the eyes.

Teeth and jaws

The jaws of the cardigan Welsh corgi are strong, strong, with a scissor-like or horizontal bite (the first option is preferable).

Nose

The lobe is black, not too large, but not miniature either.

Eyes

The shepherd's eyes are wide-set, with well-defined corners, not round. The shade of the iris is dark. For individuals with marble-colored hair, blue or bluish-spotted eye color is acceptable.

Ears

The cardigan Welsh corgi has large erect ears with rounded tips, which are tilted forward in a wary dog, and slightly apart in a resting dog.

Neck

Decent length, muscular, turning into raised shoulders.

Housing

Cardi's body should be long, with a well-defined loin line, without bulge or sagging.

Limbs

Despite the fact that the legs of representatives of this breed give the impression of toys, they have sufficient strength and provide a good push when running. The paws of the Welsh corgi cardigans are large, rounded, with plump pads. The front paws are slightly turned outwards, which is especially noticeable when examining the dog from the front.

Tail

The correct tail for a Welsh corgi cardigan is low-set, lowered down. In an excited dog, the tail may be slightly raised (the best option is to the level of the croup or slightly higher), while it should not curl up into a bagel and be thrown on its back.

Wool

Smooth, tight-fitting "fur coats" of Welsh corgi cardigans are formed by moderately stiff medium-length hair and a thick layer of undercoat. The dog's coat should be smooth, but not silky, and certainly not stiff, like a wire. A shepherd dog whose coat is too fluffy and soft is considered defective and is called fluffy.

Color

Breed standards are less demanding for the coat color of cardigans than for the color of pembrokes. Simply put, representatives of this variety of Welsh corgi are entitled to any type of color, including brindle and blue merle. The presence of white marks on the body by exhibition specialists is also not punishable. The main thing is that they do not dominate the main shade.

Disqualifying vices

• Drooping down or hanging ears.
• White spots on the body, prevailing over the main color.
• Completely blue or unevenly colored iris (does not work in the case of individuals of marble color).
• Lobe of any color except black.

Photo of Welsh corgi cardigans

The character of the cardigan Welsh corgi

Calmness bordering on a slight phlegm, good nature, excellent sense of humor – these are the three main qualities that define the character of the Welsh corgi cardigans. These pretty short-legs easily get along with anyone, and they are almost not familiar with such a feeling as jealousy. The only thing is, unlike the same Pembrokes, Cardi does not really trust strangers and sometimes does not mind barking at them at all. At the same time, in ordinary life, shepherds, if they are properly brought up, rarely make noise and only for good reasons.

Against the background of impulsive Pembrokes, Welsh corgi cardigans are restraint itself. They are quite energetic, but not hyperactive, contact, but not intrusive, accommodating, but not to the detriment of self-esteem. The best friends for a dog are members of the family in which she lives, so the Welsh corgi cardigan is always happy to fool around with the kids, lie next to the owner on the couch watching a TV series or run around the park with him. In general, cardi is very dependent on its own owner, but do not associate this feature with a lack of intellectual abilities. In fact, Welsh corgi cardigans are smart and astute creatures, just working side by side with a person for centuries, they have practically lost the desire for independence. But these sympathizers are not characterized by ambition, and they will never try to put themselves above the owner.

Despite the fact that today's Welsh corgi cardigans have practically said goodbye to pastoral activity, the instincts of their ancestors will remind them of themselves. In particular, modern cardi now guard not cows and sheep, but family members. This is especially evident in relationships with children. A kid who deviated from the desired trajectory and went beyond the boundaries existing in the dog's imagination is waiting for a slight nibble on the legs. From the outside it looks funny, but it's better not to forget that while you are laughing and filming the "great confrontation" on video, the Welsh corgi cardigan perceives this as encouragement and will try and bite even more next time.

Education and training

In the study of Welsh corgi cardigans manifest themselves from the most positive side. The main thing is not to overdo it with seriousness and monotony. Due to their moderately lively temperament, cardi is happy to learn what is presented to them in a relaxed, entertaining way and quickly lose interest in commands and actions that imply stupid fulfillment of the host's requirements. Do not forget that the Welsh Corgi cardigan is a highly specialized shepherd dog, which is absolutely not intended for official and security activities.

Start raising and socializing a puppy from the first minutes of his appearance in your house, and not at the age of 6 months, as would-be experts from Internet forums advise. The training of a 2-month-old baby is arranged approximately in the following sequence:

• familiarity with the home toilet (tray, diaper) and the ability to use it;
• getting used to the leash and collar;
• the education of obedience and the establishment of the boundaries of what is permissible.

At 3 months old, a puppy can and should begin to get acquainted with the world around him, so that he does not get the impression that he is the only four-legged creature on the planet. To do this, walk more often in places where other animals (cats, dogs) run, and also arrange meetings with people for your pet. At the same time, clearly explain to the baby that now the toilet for him is not only a tray and a diaper, but also the nearest bushes.

In 4-5 months, the Welsh corgi cardigan is smart enough to learn a minimal set of commands: "Next!", "Sit!", "Lie down!". In addition, a 4-month–old puppy should understand that barking without a reason is the height of bad manners, and picking up foreign objects from the ground, even if they smell tempting, is an occupation unworthy of a real Welsh Shepherd.

Important: it is not forbidden to teach a cardigan circus and acrobatic numbers, unless it is jumping. Climbing on horizontal surfaces and diving down from them is strictly contraindicated for representatives of this breed (they have paws, if you remember).

In the process of training half-year-old individuals, take into account the peculiarities of transitional age. During this period, the Welsh Corgi cardigan may intentionally disobey you and pretend to misunderstand. This breed is not inclined to dominance, but a 6-month-old puppy will definitely try to bargain for himself. In addition, he may start spoiling shoes again, although three months ago he showed complete indifference to such things.

Maintenance and care

Like any shepherd dog, the Welsh Corgi cardigan will certainly prefer a rustic house with a lawn to the most comfortable apartment. On the other hand, if you put a representative of this breed in a modest two-bedroom apartment, he will not be offended with you, provided that you are not too lazy to go to the park with him a couple of times a day or to pick mushrooms in the nearest grove.

When arranging a corner for a dog in a house or apartment, take into account the anatomical features of the breed. For example, a mattress-bed for a cardigan Welsh corgi should be strictly orthopedic, and a food bowl - equipped with an adjustable stand so that the animal does not have to bend too much.

Hygiene

The smooth, tough coat of the cardigan Welsh corgi has dirt- and water-repellent functions, so it is better not to abuse full-fledged bathing with this breed. It is recommended to arrange bath days no more than once every three months (if you do not have a show dog), and shampoo for washing should be selected specifically for hard hair.

Twice a year, Welsh corgi cardigans shed intensively. Especially impressive in its scale is the first adult "woolfall" of a teenage puppy, often plunging an inexperienced owner into a state of shock. Do not be afraid of this: with age, everything will settle down, and the cardigan will shed no more and no less than the average shepherd. As for the daily care of the pet's hair, the arsenal of combs will help you. A massage brush, a rake, a comb with long teeth - you will have to spend money on these items already because you will have to comb the representatives of this breed every day. In addition, once a week, Cardi is also supposed to work out the undercoat thoroughly.

Ears are cleaned as needed with good old veterinary lotion and cotton swabs. But the claws of the Welsh corgi cardigans will have to be cut more often (optimally – 2 times a month), since they grow quickly and often layer. It is not necessary to throw such an unpleasant procedure for both the owner and the dog, as brushing teeth. But it is better to conduct it as carefully as possible, since the teeth of shepherds are very sensitive.

Walking and physical activity

The Welsh corgi cardigan is an energetic and mobile dog, but even its internal "battery" has its limit, so do not bring the pet to exhaustion with daily workouts. The optimal exercise option: walking at a lively, relaxed pace twice a day and three times a week, agility classes, freestyle or just active outdoor games.

In summer, you will have to look for a shady place for walking, because because of too thick and dense wool, cardi can overheat in the sun. During the off–season, another problem comes out - dirt accumulating on the dog's stomach during walks (thanks to the short paws). So if you don't want to drag your ward to the bathroom after each outing, sew a raincoat for him according to individual sizes - in pet stores the range of clothes for representatives of this breed is extremely poor.

Choosing four-legged friends on the playground for your Welsh corgi cardigan, make sure that they are dogs of medium-sized breeds. The fact is that cardigans are very brave by nature, and in the event of a conflict, the size of the enemy does not deter them at all. Accordingly, if your ward walks in the company of a "Caucasian", you run a big risk, since for a wolfhound such a short-leg is an annoying misunderstanding that is easy to get out of the way with one click of the jaws.

Feeding

Welsh corgi cardigans are happy to absorb dry food, so if the owner has neither the time nor the desire to make a balanced diet for his pet, this option can help out quite well. However, in some cases, the dog's body may react to store-bought "drying" with allergies, a change in the color of the coat (white hair turns pink) and intestinal problems.

Things are easier with natural food. Feed the cardigan with lean frozen meat at the rate of 20 g of the product per kilogram of the dog's body weight, as well as liquid cereal porridges cooked in meat broth, and your ward will be healthy and happy. Just don't overdo it, because Welsh corgi cardigans are still gluttons who love to fill their stomachs to excess and ask for supplements.

Products that should be included in the diet of the cardigan Welsh corgi:

• low-fat kefir, ryazhenka, cottage cheese;
• vegetables (carrots, squash);
• apples;
• vegetable oil (as an additive, but no more than 1 tablespoon per day);
• rice and buckwheat groats.

1-2 times a week, the cardigan menu can be varied with offal, boiled chicken, fish fillet, egg and breadcrumbs.

Banned:

• tomatoes, eggplants, grapes;
• mushrooms;
• baking;
• nuts;
• sausage products;
• sour cream and any fatty dairy products;
• millet and semolina;
• bird bones;
• pasta;
• sweets.

Health and diseases of the Welsh corgi cardigan

One of the weakest points of the breed is the teeth, which are often affected by periodontal disease. The metabolism of the Welsh corgi cardigans is also not the most outstanding, so they often overeat and, as a result, get fat quickly. As for genetic ailments, there are few of them in shepherds. Basically, animals inherit eye diseases from their parents (cataracts, dislocation of the lens, glaucoma, keratitis), as well as hip dysplasia. Among other things, the Welsh corgi cardigans have a predisposition to food allergies and various kinds of eczema.

How to choose a puppy

Welsh corgi cardigans are somewhat inferior in popularity and demand to Pembrokes, so there are not so many nurseries engaged in their breeding. Take this fact into account and approach the choice of a pet carefully, armed with a standard of appearance, and even better, enlisting the support of a specialist from the cynological association.

When choosing a cardigan puppy, we recommend following several rules.

• Cardigan Welsh corgi males are more trusting and executive and more willing to learn. Bitches are more cunning and flexible, so it's easier for them to adjust to the mood of the owner.
• Cardi inherits the athletic abilities of their parents, so if you need a future agility champion, ask the breeder for the working diplomas of his ancestors.
• Responsible breeders usually test for dysplasia a bitch and a male that they plan to tie up. Be safe and ask the seller for the test results to protect yourself from buying a puppy with bad heredity.
• The optimal age for the sale/purchase of 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 use this privilege, preferring to keep the dog a little longer so that she gets the necessary vaccinations and gets stronger.
• It is best to take puppies in kennels practicing suburban cultivation. This means that the kids will not be locked in cramped cages and they will have enough space to play and develop.

Remember: experienced breeders and kennels approach the sale of their wards very seriously and very rarely offer bargaining or puppies for reservation. The seller's offer to "negotiate" about the cost is an alarming signal, because such concessions are usually made if the dog has serious defects that you have not yet had time to see.

Photos of cardigan Welsh corgi puppies

How much does a Welsh corgi cardigan cost

A Welsh corgi cardigan with a normal pedigree, all the necessary vaccinations and a chip (brand) by definition cannot be cheap. You will have to get used to the fact that prices for this breed start from $400 and end somewhere in the area $800 - $1000.