Subject: rec.pets.dogs:  Cardigan Welsh Corgis  Breed-FAQ
Supersedes: <dogs-faq/breeds/cardigans_826083322@rtfm.mit.edu>
Date: 5 Apr 1996 15:28:47 GMT
X-Last-Updated: 1995/05/04

Posting-frequency: 30 days

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                             CARDIGAN WELSH CORGIS
                                       
Author

   Perrine Crampton, perrine_crampton@colpal.com. Copyright 1995.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Table of Contents

     * A Brief History
     * Physical Appearance
     * Care
     * Buying a Puppy
     * Beyond the Home
     * The Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America
     * Online Resources
     * Additional Resources
       
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
A Brief History

   The Corgi with a Tail:
   A small but hardy dog was found centuries ago in the remote, misty
   green hills of Cardiganshire in Wales. He was a "Corgi," "Cor" for
   dwarf (or perhaps "cur" for working dog) and "gi" (with a hard G
   sound) for dog. This "ci" or yard-long dog was highly valued by his
   family as affectionate companion, guard, general farm worker, and
   driver of cattle. In fact, ancient Welsh law provided for severe
   penalties to those who harmed or stole one of the little "corgwn,"
   because the corgi's talents could help determine his family's economic
   status.
   
   Never numerous and sometimes confused with the more common tailless
   Pembroke Welsh Corgi, the Cardigan is a separate breed of ancient
   lineage, descended from the Teckel or Dachshund family. The earliest
   Cardigans were heavy, golden or blue merle with perhaps drop ears.
   Careful crosses were made with working qualities in mind, probably
   with brindle and red herders; the result was also more refined,
   dignified and foxy-looking.
   
   Although the Cardigan Welsh Corgi was first shown in England in 1919
   and the English Cardigan Welsh Corgi Association was founded in 1926,
   the Cardigans and Pembrokes were not finally declared to be separate
   breeds by the English Kennel Club until 1934. The first pair of
   Cardigans was imported to the United States by Mrs. B.P. Bole in 1931,
   with the Welsh Corgi recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1934,
   and the Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgis recognized separately in
   December, 1934. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America was founded
   in 1935. The Cardigan has gone from the Non-Sporting to the Working to
   the Herding Group.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Physical Appearance

   The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a long, low fox-like dog with large
   upright ears, a brushy tail, moderate bone, and front legs slightly
   bowed around a deep chest. His appearance should conform as closely as
   possible to the AKC Standard, which states, "...a small, sturdy but
   powerful dog capable of endurance and speed." The average size is
   handy, approximately twelve inches at the shoulder with females
   ideally ranging from 25-34 pounds and males from 30-38 pounds. The
   Cardigan's practical coat is medium length and double with a variety
   of colors, shades and patterns: brindle (which gives a wood grain
   effect), red (brown or golden), sable (with black hair tips), blue
   merle (black and grey marbled) and black. Blues and blacks can have
   "points" (cheeks and eyebrows) in either tan (for a tricolor) or
   brindle. White flashings are usual on the neck (as a partial or full
   collar), chest, legs, muzzle, underparts, tip of tail and blaze. Black
   masks are acceptable along with some ticking (freckles).
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Care

   With reasonable care, the average lifespan of a Cardigan is around
   12-15 years, with 16 and 17 not unheard of. All Corgis deserve good
   care, which includes a secure place, a good diet and water, exercise,
   veterinary visits and vaccinations, general grooming (including nails
   and teeth), socialization, training and love. If not show quality,
   he/she should be neutered or spayed; a litter requires many
   considerations including genetics, time, effort (!) and expense.
   
   Owners should be careful about allowing puppy Cardis, with their very
   distinctive front assembly, to jump down. Note that a very young puppy
   has drop ears; usually those big ears will come "up" on their own, but
   occasionally ears are temporarily supported with tape. A Cardigan
   should be picked up by placing one hand under the chest behind the
   front legs with the other hand supporting the hindquarters.
   
   The Cardigan is generally an active dog, but in adulthood he doesn't
   get carried away with it. He has stamina and LOVES walks and romps,
   but doesn't absolutely require more exercise than he gets around the
   house and yard. With exercise, he can be quite athletic with
   surprising ball-chasing speed.
   
   The Cardigan's coat is all-weather and generally clean and odorless.
   It is best if brushed once a week to remove dead hair. Like most dogs,
   he does shed roughly twice a year; in keeping with his moderate coat,
   the amount isn't extreme.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Buying a Puppy

   A puppy is a long-term, emotion-filled investment and should be
   purchased carefully. With needs including proper health care and
   socialization, a puppy should NOT be purchased from a pet shop. A
   responsible and knowledgeable breeder is important. Breeders
   directories can be obtained from the CWCCA. If you need a contact
   address or telephone number, contact the American Kennel Club at 51
   Madison Ave., New York, NY 10010 or 1-900-407-PUPS. In looking for a
   Cardigan, expect to be interviewed by a reputable breeder as to your
   qualifications to own and care for a special puppy.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Beyond the Home

   As a recognized AKC breed, the Cardigan can compete in AKC dog shows.
   However, he does not have to be limited to conformation. In keeping
   with their Welsh farm heritage and intelligence, Cardigans do well in
   obedience, tracking, agility and, of course, herding trials. If you
   would like to participate in these activities, your dog's breeder, the
   CWCCA or the AKC can offer advice.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America

   The CWCCA is devoted to the appreciation and advancement of the
   Cardigan Welsh Corgi. To that end, Specialty Shows with seminars are
   held yearly in different regions of the country, the Cardigan
   News-Bulletin and Newsletter are published several times a year, and a
   Yearbook is published every other year. In addition, the Club has many
   committees, including Rescue and general education. A current Breeders
   Directory is available through olynmawr@aol.com.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Online Resources

     * There is a mailing list for Corgi owners ( see the Complete List
       of Dog-Related Mailing Lists).
     * Elizabeth Cheney's (echeney@csat.gatech.edu) Welsh Corgi Homepage
       at http://eoeml-www.gtri.gatech.edu/~echeney/corgi.html
     * Mark Turner's (markt@nebrook.com) Welsh Corgi Homepage at
       http://www.nebook.com/corgi/home.html
       
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Additional Resources

   Although not all are easily obtainable, there are several resources
   written or produced on the Cardigan:
    1. The American Kennel Club has a video tape available on the
       Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
    2. Your Welsh Corgi by Robt. J. Berndt, Denlingers, Fairfax, VA., c.
       1978...This book deals with both Corgis.
    3. The Cardiganshire Corgi by Clifford Hubbard, Nicholson and Watson,
       England, c. 1952 (Out of print, but might be found in some
       libraries)
    4. The Welsh Corgi by Charles Lister-Kaye and Welsh Corgis by Charles
       Lister-Kaye and M. Migliorini, both Arco Publishing Co., NY, c.
       1970 and 1971
    5. Welsh Corgis by Charles Lister-Kaye, W. and G. Foyle Ltd.,
       England, c.1969
    6. How To Raise and Train a Cardigan Welsh Corgi by Mrs. Henning
       Nelms and Mrs. Michael Pym, TFH Publications, NJ, c.1965
    7. The Cardigan Handbook by Pat Santi, Denlingers, c. 1980
       
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
   
    Cardigan Welsh Corgi FAQ
    Perrine Crampton, perrine_crampton@colpal.com
