The Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi are two separate breeds now but at one time were considered as one breed and in a single litter both types could be born. The Cardigan Welsh differs from the Pembroke in several respects, the major one being that it has a tail. The Pembroke is supposed to be born tail-less but this has not always been the case and the possibility of being born WITH a tail was more prevalent when the two breeds were treated as one, so since 1934 the breeds have been separated. The two breeds are now quite different also in the matter of coat color.
The Cardigan's colors may be quite varied in nature, with or without white markings. The most favored color for the Cardigan is Blue Merle, which may also include two separate eye colors.
The Pembroke on the other hand must be a shade of red ranging from light honey gold to deep mahogany with white markings. The coat is dense with a thick undercoat and weather resistant outer guard hairs. The Pembroke's ears are set a bit closer together than in the Cardigan and are a bit sharper at the tip. The head of the Cardigan is somewhat heavier and less refined than the Pembroke, who has a more foxlike appearance to the face.
Both breeds are short, no taller than 10 inches at the shoulder and quite long, nearly a yard long as a matter of fact. Legs are sturdy and slightly bowed in the front. Both breeds also have strong herding instincts and should have fluid movement, covering a lot of ground with one stride. Their length of body and strong rear quarters enable them to do a respectable job of cornering as is required when herding livestock.
The Welsh Corgis are wonderful "kid" dogs, putting up with almost anything from children. They are a bit suspicious of strangers and make good watchdogs. Neither breed is happy for long when left alone and they do not make good kennel dogs. For centuries they have worked in partnership with people, being with their family is necessary for their happiness. Loyal and affectionate, they make good family pets and yet have maintained a strong herding ability through the generations.
However, they are as happy in an apartment as they are on a farm and if exercised daily they will be quite content. They are comical dogs and love to be the center of attention, being a clown is part of their nature. Early obedience is a must however for they do have a strong tendency to believe that they can be the boss, this is no doubt because of their inherited desire to herd anything and everything.
The health of these two breeds is generally strong, except for the Cardigan's tendency towards obesity. A watchful diet program is essential for he is a real chow hound. Both of these breeds should be checked for hip dysphasia and care must be taken because of the length of the back that they do not pull their backs out by jumping down from heights.
*Good With Children? Excellent with children. As a reminder, never leave a young child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.
*Good With Other Pets? Can be good with other pets but may fight dogs. Early socialization may be one key.
*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Cardigan Welsh Corgi is 10 to 13 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 25 to 30 pounds. The female ranges from 10 to 13 inches to the withers and 25 to 30 pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is no exception. Be on the lookout for back problems, eye problems, a bleeding disorder and glaucoma. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.
*Grooming. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi has a medium length double with the outer layer being harsh and close to the body. The inner coat is soft and the combination makes her pretty weather and water resistant. She sheds twice a year. Bathe her only when dirty and brush weekly or so. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.
*Life Span. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi can live between 12 and 15 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
Some Registries: *Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America *UKC United Kennel Club *NKC National Kennel Club *CKC Continental Kennel Club *APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc. *AKC American Kennel Club *FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale *NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club *KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain *ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club *ACR = American Canine Registry
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS Good watch dog. Good guard dog. Even tempered. She wants to please.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS May bark a lot. May try to herd people and nip at heels.
*Other Names Known By: Ci Llathaid
*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.
Mitch Endick has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home, Puppies Dogs and Education. Mitch Endick is a short article writer, editor and website developer for the popular pet site petpages.com.