For information on Welsh Corgi Cardigans or Welsh Corgi Pemborkes please contact the secretary of the Welsh Corgi Club of Victoria.
About Welsh Corgi (Cardigan)
Background
The Pembroke Corgi originated from the small, hardy naturally bob-tailed cattle dogs of Pembrokeshire area in Wales. Due to being chosen as a pet by the British Royal Family in 1935, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is now one of the best known breeds in the world. Particularly in Commonwealth countries. It is highly succesful in both show and obedience rings worldwide, and extremely popular as a family pet.
The Cardigan Corgi - the Corgi with the tail - is one of the oldest of the Welsh dog breeds and is generally acknoweldged as being the original Corgi or small "dwarf dog" of Wales. Since very ancient times it was used as a sheep and cattle herder, guard dog, general purpose farm dog, friend and companion in the lonely crofters huts of the remote Welsh hillside country of Cardiganshire. No official pedigree records exist for the original Cardigan Corgi and it was not until about 1930 that separate show registers for both Cardigan and Pembroke types were recognised by the English Kennel Club.
Average Lifespan
When considering a dog, please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime. Corgi live from between 14 to 17 years of age.
Breed Personality/Characteristics/Temperament
Pembroke
The breeds heritage endows it with all those valuable instincts of a working dog and the independent spirit that originally enabled it to control the Welsh cattle without undue direction from its masters. It is truly an indispensable friend and helper to man and a wonderful companion animal.
Cardigan
The Cardigan Corgi with its ancient lineage has dominantly retained its individual characteristics, particularly the steady, sensible temperament and tractable nature signified always by its expressive wagging tail. Very adaptable, a Cardigan is equally at home on a large property or in a smaller suburban yard, and with its exceptionally sensitive hearing makes a wonderful watchdog.
Compatibility with other pets
Good.
Care Requirements
Their beautiful short coat requires only a quick brush to keep it clean and shiny, plus an occasional comb to keep the undercoat and skin in good condition. Puppies require long periods of undisturbed sleep, plus close supervision when at play. In particular, owners need to ensure that children do no inadvertantly drop them.
Please Take Note
When bored, Corgi can become noisy, so responsible owners should always ensure that their dog has activities to occupy its day.
Ideal Owner/s
The Corgi is definitley a compatible canine companion for the person who desires a big dog but for whatever reason is limited by size. They make delightful childrens pets, however do not buy a pup if you have young children but not the time to supervise these early formative days. Owners should be prepared to train their dogs to be disciplined in play and not get over-excited.
In Conclusion
Now you know a little about the Corgi and have decided this is the dog for you or you want more information, make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs.
