The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is one of two separate dog breeds known as Welsh Corgis that originated in Wales, the other being the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. It is one of the oldest herding breeds.
Appearance
The Cardigan is a long, low dog with upright ears and a fox-like appearance. The old American Kennel Club standard called it an “Alsatian on short legs”. Unlike the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, whose tail is naturally short almost appearing docked the Cardigan’s tail is long. Cardigans can be any shade of red, sable, or brindle; they can also be black with or without tan brindle or blue merle with or without tan or brindle points. They usually have white on the neck, chest, legs, muzzle, underneath, tip of the tail, and as a blaze on the head. Other markings include ticking on the legs and muzzle, smutty muzzles, monk’s hoods, and others. A few other unofficial colours can occur, such as red merle. An average Cardigan is around 10.5 to 12.5 inches (260 to 315 mm) tall at the withers and weighs from 30 to 38 lb. (13.6 to 17.2 kg) for the male and 25 to 34 lb. (11.3 to 15.4 kg) for the female.
Temperament
Originally bred for herding sheep and cattle, they have proven themselves as excellent companion animals and are also competitive in sheepdog trials and dog agility. Cardigan Welsh Corgis were bred long and low to make sure that any kicks by cattle would travel safely over the dogs’ heads without touching them. Like most herding breeds, Cardigans are highly intelligent, active, athletic dogs. Affectionately known as “a big dog in a small package,” Cardigans are affectionate, devoted companions that can also be alert and responsible guardians. Cardigan Corgis are typically a ‘one-man dog’. They tend to be wary of strangers and to reserve their affection for a select few with whom they are familiar. If socialised at a young age, they can be nice with other dogs and housepets.
Cardigans are typically excellent watchdogs, as they are highly alert to the approach of strangers to their territory, and will be very vocal until they and/or their owner are assured that the stranger poses no threat.
Cardigans are also known for using their judgement, even to the point where even a well-trained Cardigan will deliberately disobey a command if the dog feels that his own assessment of a situation calls for a different action than the command.
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