Welsh Corgi (Cardigan)

General Information - Welsh Corgi (Cardigan)

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History

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is distantly related to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, probably sharing a common ancestor, the Swedish Vallhund. Despite this however, the Cardigan is regarded as being of Teckel (dwarf dogs such as Basset, Dachshund, etc) descent whereas the Pembroke is regarded as being of Spitz descent. The Welsh farmers of Cardiganshire developed and kept the breed as a valuable working companion. Their small stature made them ideal to live with in the small cottages, and when herding and protecting flocks and herds they could go in under the stock to bite the heels, never getting injured, as the heels would fly well above their heads. The name Corgi as applied to the Cardigan means cur dog. Not derogatory, but 'Cur' being simply a working dog – or dwarf dog. It has been suggested that all small working dogs in Wales were once referred to as Corgi. Logically this suggestion has some merit and can be confirmed by the situation of the Cardigan and Pembroke – both small Welsh dogs, originally of no relation, but still both Corgis.

Upkeep

The Cardigan is easy to feed, not being known as fussy dogs, but it is extremely important that they are not allowed to become overweight as this puts a strain on their long backs and short legs. To keep in neat condition, an occasional bath is advised and a weekly brush or comb to remove shedding coat. Like all working breeds, they do need good exercise but can be kept on quite a small section if given regular exercise. Their working instinct is still very obvious and they are very capable farm helpers.

Welsh Corgi (cardigan)

A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions and exaggerations, as well as being mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

Breed Standard - Welsh Corgi (Cardigan)

Characteristics: Alert, active and intelligent.

Temperament: Alert, intelligent, steady, not shy or aggressive.

General Appearance: Sturdy, tough, mobile, capable of endurance. Long in proportion to height, terminating in fox:like brush, set in line with body.

Head and Skull:Head foxy in shape and appearance, skull wide and flat between ears tapering towards eyes above which it is slightly domed. Moderate stop. Length of foreface in proportion to head 3 to 5, muzzle tapering moderately towards nose which projects slightly and in no sense blunt. Under-jaw clean cut. Strong but without prominence. Nose black.

Eyes: Medium size, clear, giving kindly, alert but watchful expression. Rather widely set with corners clearly defined. Preferably dark, to blend with coat, eye rims must be black. One or both eyes pale blue, blue or blue flecked, permissible only in blue merles.

Ears: Erect, proportionately rather large to size of dog. Tips slightly rounded, moderately wide at base and set about 8 cms (31/2 ins) apart. Carried so that tips are slightly wide of straight line drawn from tip of nose through centre of eyes, and set well back so that they can be laid flat along neck.

Mouth: Teeth strong, with scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck: Muscular, well developed, in proportion to dog’s build, fitting into well sloping shoulders.

Forequarters: Shoulders well laid, angulated at approximately 90 degrees to upper arm; muscular, elbows close to sides. Strong bone carried down to feet. Legs short but body well clear of the ground, forearms slightly bowed to mold round the chest. Feet turned slightly outwards.

Body: Chest moderately broad with prominent breast bone. Body fairly long and strong, with deep brisket, well sprung ribs. Clearly defined waist. Topline level.

Hindquarters: Strong, well angulated and aligned with muscular thighs and second thighs, strong bone carried down to feet, legs short; when standing, hocks vertical, viewed from side and rear.

Feet: Round, tight, rather large and well padded.

Gait/movement: Free and active, elbows fitting close to sides, neither loose nor tied. Forelegs reaching well forward without too much lift, in unison with thrusting action of hindlegs.

Tail: Like a fox’s brush, set in line with the body and moderately long (to touch or nearly touch ground). Carried low when standing but may be lifted a little above body when moving, not curled over back.

Coat: Short or medium of hard texture. Weather:proof, with good undercoat. Preferably straight.

Colour: Acceptable colours are blue merle, brindle, red, sable, tri colour with brindle points and tri colour with red points.
All of the above with or without the typical white markings on head, neck, chest, underparts, legs and feet, white tail tip. White should not predominate on body or head where it should never surround the eyes. Nose and eye rims must be black. Liver and dilute colours highly undesirable.

Size: Height ideal 30 cms (12 ins) at shoulder. Weight in proportion to size with overall balance the prime consideration.

Faults: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.

Note: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
Copyright Dogs New Zealand
30 May 2018

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.