Cardigans are powerful workers of surprising speed and grace. Cardigan Welsh Corgis were named for the medieval kingdom of Cardiganshire, Wales, and is the oldest of all British breeds. The Cardigan’s original work was to go before his master’s cattle herd and clear the way by chasing off potential predators and trespassing herds.
Later, the Cardi began to act as a herder driving cattle. Cardigans are built low to the ground to best nip at the heels of cattle and avoid being kicked. The first pair of breeding Cardigans arrived in the United States in June 1931. The AKC granted full recognition to the breed four years later.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Appearance
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a long, low foxlike dog with large upright ears, a brushy tail, with front legs slightly bowed around a deep chest. They are 10.5 to 12.5 inches tall, with a longer body weighing 25 to 38 pounds. Their coat is medium length and double with a variety of colors, shades and patterns: brindle, red, sable, blue merle, and black. Blues and blacks can have cheeks and eyebrows in either tan or brindle.
Cardigan’s coat is all-weather and generally clean and odorless. A good brushing at least once a week to remove dead hair should keep the Cardigan’s coat healthy and looking its best. Keeping the hair trimmed on the bottom of the feet helps to reduce the amount of dirt they can bring into the house every day. Like most dogs, he does shed roughly twice a year; in keeping with his moderate coat, the amount isn’t extreme.
Temperament/Personality
Cardigan’s life expectancy is 12 to 15 years. One of the best features about a Cardigan is his personality. A big dog with a matching bark in a small package, his temperament is based upon his original life as a companion and valuable farm helper and vigilant guardian, all of which make him an adaptable and outstanding house pet.
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a dog who wants to be truly involved with his family; his family should want to become involved with him too. These athletic, rugged herders have a love for the outdoors, and they thrive on mental stimulation and physical activity. He is full of fun and will shower family with devotion and sensible affection, although some Cardigans withhold their approval from strangers until they get to know them better, then they are all the more loving. Caring for his people (including children) comes naturally to this intelligent, alert and responsible dog.
Well-socialized Cardis are especially fond of kids and agreeable with other large or small animals, as long as they are raised together. However, he does have a herding instinct, and so he may try to herd animals and children smaller than him. They need to be taught that while herding is good for farm living, it’s not necessary in the home. Also due to the herding instinct, some Cardigans may act more stubborn and independent. This is because their ancestors had to stand up for themselves against the large animals they were trying to herd.
Caring for a Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Next, we’ll go into how you should care for a Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
Nutrition
Cardigans are known to become overweight very easily. Careful monitoring of their weight is essential. It is vital that he is fed a high-quality dog food based on the Cardigan’s activity level and nutritional needs. Two smaller meals a day rather than one large one will make for a better digestive process. In addition, don’t overdo giving treats. Yes, Cardigans can hear a cheese wrapper from 50 yards but that doesn’t mean you give them an entire piece. Feel the ribs, and if you can’t feel them easily with your fingertips, then your dog in most likely overweight. Clean water should be available at all times.
Exercise
The Cardigan is noted for being a very adaptable dog. If you want to hike and go on adventures, they are all for that. Or if you want to watch TV and eat popcorn, no problem. Cardigans thrive on regular socialization, so going for walks in the neighborhood is important for many reasons. It provides fun for both you and the dog, as well as much-needed exercise to avoid becoming overweight. When your Cardigan starts to do “power runs” through the house and over the couch, it is his way of showing that he desperately needs exercise. They also love playing with balls.
Training
Early and regular socialization is of the utmost importance in developing a happy, healthy Cardigan. Gently expose the pup to a wide range of people, places, and situations. This process goes on for a lifetime, but the rewards of a well-socialized dog are wonderful. Go to training classes, and let all members of the family participate. Don’t tolerate inappropriate behavior, and don’t hesitate to seek the help of a qualified trainer or behaviorist if there’s a problem you can’t correct. A little effort early on will reward you with a dog whom you and all who meet him will love.
Health
While the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is in general a very healthy breed, there a several diseases that can be of concern, and all of which in fact, can affect many other purebred and crossbred dogs. These include hip dysplasia, a malformation of the hip joints that causes arthritis and pain, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a disease that causes blindness and for which there is a genetic test and degenerative myelopathy (DM), a disease that causes progressive paralysis and seems to only affect very old Cardigans. And as with any “long and low” canine, one must be aware of potential back issues. Avoid letting the Cardigan jump down off the bed or couch, and stairs can also be a hazard. At the first sign of any distress or discomfort, see the vet right away. The sooner a problem is caught, the quicker the recovery.
Cleaning ears weekly can be done using commercially-available ear cleaning liquid, such as Vibram Epi-Otic, and a soft cloth or cotton balls. Never use cotton swabs as they may cause damage; only a veterinarian should perform cleaning with swabs. Teeth should be cleaned a couple of times a week. Gum disease can lead to heart, liver, and kidney problems. Nails need to be trimmed regularly. Nails that aren’t trimmed can splinter and infect the quick or grow and curl into the flesh. This can be painful for your dog to walk on. Nails should never touch the ground. Trimming is past due if nails are clicking on the kitchen floor.
Similar Breeds
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Lancashire Heeler
- Dachshund
- Drever
- Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Best Dog Food For Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food is the best available dog food for the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. The food contains all the necessary nutrients essential for the healthy growth of the dogs; also, it is rich in minerals, proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, fats, antioxidants. The product doesn’t contain any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives and has no added corn, soy, or wheat.
- The product contains calcium, phosphorus, vitamins for strong bones and teeth.
- It has added glucosamine for joint health and mobility support.
- Vitamins, chelated minerals, antioxidants help in good immunity building.
Best Puppy Food For Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Purine ONE SmartBlend Healthy Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food is the best puppy food for the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. The formula contains real chicken, with added vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates. The meal is tender with smaller kibble-size, meaty morsels for delicious taste; the meal contains 100% nutrition and no fillers.
- It contains omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
- It contains high-quality ingredients providing wholesome nutrition.
- The formula is vet recommended and made in Purina-owned, US facilities.
Best Dog Crate For Cardigan Welsh Corgi
MidWest iCrate Fold & Carry Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate is the best crate for the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. It is easy to make and fold so that you can carry it everywhere you go; it is comfortable, safe, and secured for your Cardigan Welsh Corgi. It contains a divider panel to allow your pet to grow up.
- It has two doors for easy access.
- It contains a composite plastic pan at the base for easy cleaning.
- It has two plastic carrying handles helping you to move the crate.
Best Dog Bed For Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Shag Fur Donut Cuddler Cat & Dog Bed is the best dog bed for the Cardigan Welsh Corgi breed. It features bolstered edges giving it special orthopedic support and headrest; it radiates the pet’s own warmth. It is the ultimate cozy and comfortable bed for the breed.
- It is machine-washable.
- It has an extra filling providing relief from joint and muscle pain.
- It is made out of water-resistant nylon.
Best Dog Harness For Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Sporn Mesh No Pull Dog Harness is the best dog harness for the Cardigan Welsh Corgi breed. The harness is designed to humanely control your dog without choking. It allows you to take control of your Cardigan Welsh Corgi but comfortably, it is made with high-quality nylon and is durable.
- It is veterinarian recommended.
- It is easy to put on and take off.
- It is provided with extra padding to provide comfort.
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