Welsh corgi cardigan

Overall description of the breed

The Welsh Corgi Cardigan was developed and created in the United Kingdom, specifically in Wales. Part of its name originates from the term "Corgi," an expression inherited from ancient Welsh that means "working dog." In contrast to its cousin, the Welsh Corgi Pembroke, which, according to accounts, was crossed with Nordic breeds, the Welsh Corgi Cardigan is the result of a rigorous selection of crossbreeding between Welsh breeds, spitz-type dogs, and Bassets. This origin sets it apart radically from its cousin.

Highly appreciated by its owners for its courage and developed protective instinct, it demonstrates strong abilities in safeguarding the properties where it lives. The Corgi is renowned for its docility and exceptional performance as a herding dog. It excels in herding sheep and guarding poultry such as geese or ducks.

The Kennel Club of England definitively established the distinction between the Cardigan and the Pembroke in 1934, thanks to the establishment of strict and clear standards. This was followed by official recognition from the International Canine Federation a few years later. In fact, the breed was permanently registered on November 12, 1963, and its current standard was recently published on June 16, 2022.

Its medium-proportioned body presents a deep, high, and well-developed chest, in contrast to the rest of its slender body and elegant silhouette. One of its distinctive characteristics is a body notably longer than tall, forming a rectangle. The Welsh Corgi Cardigan is a natural worker; despite its compact and stocky appearance, it is swift and agile.

With its short legs, thick torso associated with a muscular neck set high in the shoulders, and its slightly sloping backline ending in a fox-like brush tail, the Cardigan is slightly larger than its close cousin, the Pembroke, while maintaining reduced dimensions. Its head shares many similarities with that of a fox: triangular and deep in shape, its skull is flat, its muzzle broad at the base tapering towards the end. Its ears are proportionally large compared to the rest of its body, well erect on the top of the head and discreetly rounded at their tips.

Its coat, whether short or medium-length, is dense and has a coarse texture. Its fur consists of a thick undercoat that provides effective protection against the elements. Coat colors permitted by the breed standards include blue merle, brindle, red, sable, as well as tricolor coats with brindle or red markings.

The Welsh Corgi Cardigan is primarily known for its excellent work abilities, yet it remains an endearing, affectionate, and playful everyday companion. Energetic and sociable, it is a reliable dog, close to humans, never aggressive or fearful. The Corgi Cardigan behaves well in a community setting while remaining attentive to its environment.

Despite its small size, it is agile and exceptionally fast, in addition to demonstrating high work intelligence. All these qualities make it a capable and trustworthy partner. Its training is straightforward; it is naturally obedient, a docile and relatively quiet pet, adapting easily to urban life. However, for its complete well-being, regular exercise is required.

Attached to its family, gentle, and loyal, its tender gaze could quickly captivate you. Its balanced temperament makes it an excellent choice for families eager to adopt their very first companion dog.

In adulthood, the Welsh Corgi Cardigan will weigh between 11 and 17 kg (24.2 to 37.5 lb) and its shoulder height will be approximately 25 to 33 cm (9.8" to 13"), with 30 cm (11.8") being the ideal height.