The West Highland Corgi is an adorable and small size hybrid dog breed. This dog is playful and can easily live in any environment.
Want to know more about the West Highland Corgi? Then look no further as below we have discussed information related to the dog breed.
West Highland Corgi’s History
The West Highland Corgi is a hybrid, so its history is a mystery. However, his parents: the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the West Highland white terrier, have plenty of recorded history.
The West Highland white terrier was developed in Scotland in the 1700s. The breed was developed as a working dog and was used for hunting different animals such as foxes, rats and badgers.
The West Highland white terrier, also known as the ‘Westie’, was officially recognized by the AKC in 1908. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi’s origins can be traced back to 3000 years old.
The dog is descended from the Pomeranian, Collie, Vallhund and Dachshund dog breeds.
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi was developed in Welsh and was typically kept as a farm dog. However, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi has been kept as a pet over the past few decades.
The AKC recognized the Cardigan Welsh Corgi in 1935.
West Highland Corgi Characteristics
The West Highland Corgi is a medium-sized canine and has coarse fur. The coat is mostly white but sometimes might have patches of different colors.
The patches can be blue merle, fawn, red, brindle, sable and black. Usually, the Corgi has dark-colored eyes but sometimes comes with blue eyes.
The body is short and rectangular in shape, the legs are stocky, and the tail is always held high. The dog has a straight back, a deep chest and a strong build.
The expression of the Corgi is friendly and alert, and the ears are usually folded forward.
How Big Can A West Highland Corgi Get?
The average weight for the West Highland Corgi is:
- Male: 24 to 31 Pounds (10 to 14 Kg)
- Female: 24 to 28 Pounds (11 to 13 Kg)
The average height of the dog is:
- Male: 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm)
- Female: 9 to 11 inches (23 to 28 cm)
How Long Can A West Highland Corgi Live?
The typical lifespan of a West Highland Corgi is 12 to 16 years.
How Much Does A West Highland Corgi Cost?
The average cost of the West Highland Corgi puppy is $ 900 to 1200.
West Highland Corgi Personality/Temperament
The West Highland Corgi is an active and friendly dog and is a great pet to keep. These dogs are perfect watchdogs because they raise the alarm whenever they spot a stranger.
However, the dog is not aggressive towards strangers and will be friends once he realizes they are not a threat.
The West Highland Corgi may inherit the herding capabilities of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, leading to nipping and mouthing, especially at a young age.
You can correct the nipping with proper training. While the West Highland Corgi is generally friendly with other canines, you should properly socialize them at a young age.
The Corgi can also develop a tendency for herding animals, and while this is usually a problematic behaviour, socialization will end the behaviour.
Like the West Highland Corgi, the West Highland white terrier has a strong prey drive, which means it is not suited for households with small animals or cats as pets.
West Highland Corgi’s Nutrition
The West Highland Corgi requires 1 to 1/5 cups of quality dog food daily. You should divide the food into several meals. You can feed the West Highland Corgi Instinct dog food and Nutro dog food.
If you want to feed your dog a natural or organic diet, give him organic dog food.
How Do You Groom A West Highland Corgi?
The West Highland Corgi has medium to long hair and an undercoat. The West Highland Corgi is known for constant shedding, so you will need to brush the coat weekly with the help of a dog brush.
The dog has thick fur in the hindquarters and chest and doesn’t have a strong odour like other dog breeds.
You will also need to clean the eyes and ears weekly to prevent infection and clip the nails with nail clippers for dogs. Tooth brushing is also recommended to prevent gum infections and tartar buildup.
Activity Levels of the West Highland Corgi
The West Highland Corgi is a playful and active dog breed. The dog needs to take his energy out daily and requires almost 30 to 45 minutes of exercise every day.
Always give the dog plenty of chances to burn his energy. Since the West Highland Corgi is highly intelligent, they enjoy playing fetch and taking part in obedience training.
The West Highland Corgi is adaptable and easy-going and can thrive in all types of environments. However, if the dog is not given a chance to exercise, he can become vocal.
Health Concerns for West Highland Corgi
The West Highland Corgi usually lives a long and healthy life. However, there are a few health concerns you need to be aware of:
- Legg-Calves-Perthes
- Canine Glaucoma
- Epilepsy
Legg-Calves-Perthes
This is a deformity in the hip joint. The condition causes a decrease in the blood supply to the femur bone until the bone becomes deformed and collapses.
This condition can lead to inflammation or arthritis of the hip joint. The reasons why Legg-Calves-Perthes occurs are still unclear.
Canine Glaucoma
Canine Glaucoma is an eye condition that creates intraocular pressure in the eye. The condition is caused by insufficient fluid in the eyes.
Glaucoma can spread rapidly in the eyes and affects almost 40 % of the global dog population. There are two main varieties of Glaucoma:
- Primary Glaucoma
- Secondary Glaucoma
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a type of neurological disorder and is common in canines. The condition affects almost 0.75 % of the global canine population.
Epilepsy is a heterogeneous condition that can cause consistent and unprovoked seizures in the brain. The condition can also cause abnormality in the brain.
Breeds Similar To a West Highland Corgi
Best Dog Food for West Highland Corgis
The best dog food for West Highland Corgi is Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food. Blue Buffalo has crafted this food with a rice and chicken recipe to make it highly nourishing for your pal’s overall growth and development. The manufacturer has not used any ingredients like corn, soy, wheat, and by-product meals.
- Supports a better immune system through chelated minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins.
- Improves mobility and joints health with added glucosamine.
- Omega fatty acids nourish skin and coat.
Best Puppy Food for West Highland Corgis
The best puppy food for West Highland Corgi is Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Healthy Development Small Bites Dry Dog Food. This puppy food has been produced with wholesome ingredients, which include barley and savory chicken meal. It is free from artificial ingredients like flavors, colors, and preservatives.
- Vitamins and antioxidants enhance the immune system.
- Promotes easy eating with the kibble size food.
- DHA in the recipe develops vision and brain.
Best Dog Crate for West Highland Corgis
The best dog crate for West Highland Corgi is MidWest iCrate Fold & Carry Single Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate. This crate has a strong construction to provide ultimate safety to your canine.
- Offers easy relocation and transportation due to fold-and-carry design.
- Equipped with a replaceable plastic pan.
- Adjust size using divider panel.
Best Dog Bed for West Highland Corgis
The best dog bed for West Highland Corgi is Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Shag Fur Donut Cuddler Cat & Dog Bed. This donut-shaped bed offers a very comfortable and relaxing sleep to your dog, while its faux fur covers make it cozier.
- Contains raised edges for the headrest.
- Relives muscles and joints pain with extra filling.
- Dryer-safe and machine-washable.
Best Dog Harness for West Highland Corgis
The best dog harness for West Highland Corgi is Best Pet Supplies Voyager Black Trim, Mesh Dog Harness. This harness has comfortable and soft material with a breathable design to make your dog’s walk stress-free.
- Includes 2D rings for attaching a leash.
- Easy operation through step-in style.
- Features snap-in buckles for higher security.
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