DAMLEN KENNELS

Burke's Backyard - Fact Sheet

Breed		: Welsh Corgi - Cardigan
Temperament	: Friendly, even-natured
Cost		: From $300 to ???	(costs as at June, 1992.)
Cost to feed	: $6.00-$8.00 per week	(costs as at June, 1992.)
Lifespan	: 12-15 years
Recommended for	: Most situations

HISTORY:

The Welsh Corgi - Cardigan was developed as a cattle herding dog in the Cardiganshire district of Wales. Cardigan Corgis were bred with Pembroke Corgis until the 1930s when the U.K. Kennel Club registered them as a separate breed. The Cardigan Corgi has never had the popularity of the Pembroke, the latter benefitting from patronage by Queen Elizabeth.

APPEARANCE:

A small, long-backed dog around 31 cm (12") tall and sturdily built. The most obvious difference between the Cardigan Corgi and the Pembroke Corgi is that the Cardigan does not have it's tail docked. The Cardigan also has what breeders call cabriolet front legs which shape into the chest and then splay out to the paws. They have large ears. Any colour is permissible except predominantly white, i.e. various shades of brindle and white, red and white, sable, tricolour, black and white and the beautiful blue merle. The coat is generally double with a firm outer coat. There are occasional mutations producing "Fluffies" which have a long soft coat. It is considered attractive by pet owners, but is a fault in show dogs.

TEMPERAMENT:

According to pet owners and many vets, the Cardigan Corgi is a much under-rated breed for children, being typecast as an old person's dog. The Cardigan Corgi generally is a delightful dog with few vices, friendly and even-tempered. They are very loyal, kind and gentle and easily trained. They are not known wanderers or barkers.

HEALTH AND LIFESPAN:

This is generally a hardy breed with few problems. Puppies should be prevented from jumping down from chairs, stairs, etc., while their bones are still developing as the back and front legs can be injured by the impact.

LITTERS:

Cardigan Corgis can have 4-12 puppies per litter. They are usually easy whelpers.

FOOD:

Feeding programmes depend on age of puppy/adult. The breeders will provide you with a diet schedule.

CAR TRAVEL:

Most dogs are fine. Some individuals may get sick. Never feed your dog before travel and carry water with you at all times.

IDEAL OWNER:

The Cardigan Corgi adapts itself to most situations. It is not an "image" breed, but is very alert and makes an excellent watchdog.

SPACE AND EXERCISE REQUIREMENTS:

This is a medium sized breed suitable for flats, townhouses, suburban yards and farms. A few minutes ball play every day should be adequate exercise, although older owners say a daily walk keeps the dog and themselves fit.

HOUSEPET POTENTIAL:

Good size for housedog. Most are clean and easily housetrained and not considered typical barkers. Will shed hair heavily twice a year.

USEFUL QUALITIES:

Although developed as a working dog, Cardigan Corgis today are rarely used for this purpose and are now bought for pets. They have a reputation for being good watchdogs although unlikely to attack.

From Burke's Backyard Channel Nine Australia. Cardigans road tested at DAMLEN Kennels on 6th June, 1992.