Welsh Corgi (Cardigan)

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Brindle and white Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Common nicknames	Cardigan CWC Cardi
Origin	Wales
Classification / standards FCI Group 1, Section 1 Sheepdogs #38 standard AKC Herding standard ANKC Group 5 (Working Dogs) standard CKC Group 7 - Herding Dogs standard KC (UK) Pastoral standard NZKC Working standard UKC Herding Dog standard
Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi /ˈkɔːrɡi/ is one of two separate dog breeds known as Welsh corgis that originated in Wales, predating the other breed, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. It is one of the oldest breeds of the British Isles.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are known to be an extremely loyal dog breed. A versatile breed and a wonderful companion, they are able to live in a variety of settings. However, they benefit from regular physical and mental stimulation.

Pembrokes and Cardigans first appeared together in dog shows in 1925 when they were shown under the rules of The Kennel Club in Britain. The Corgi Club was founded in December, 1925 in Carmarthen in South Wales. It is reported that the local members favored the Pembroke breed, so a club for Cardigan enthusiasts was founded a year later (1926). Both groups have worked hard to ensure the appearance and type of breed are standardized through careful selective breeding. Pembrokes and Cardigans were officially recognized by the Kennel Club in 1928 and were lumped together under the heading Welsh Corgis. In 1934, the two breeds were recognized individually and shown separately.

Cardigans are said to originate from the Teckel family of dogs, which also produced Dachshunds. They are claimed to be among the oldest of all herding breeds; believed to have been in existence in Wales for over 3,000 years.

The phrase "cor gi" is sometimes translated as "dwarf dog" in Welsh. The breed was often called "yard-long dogs" in older times. Today's name comes from their area of origin: Ceredigion in Wales.

Originally used only as a farm guardian, they eventually took on the traits of a cattle drover, herder, and many more. They are still highly valued for their herding, working, and guarding skills, as well as their companionship.

The Cardigan is a long, low dog with upright ears and a fox brush tail. The old American Kennel Club standard called it an "Alsatian on short legs". The Cardigan's tail is long (unlike the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, whose tail may be long,naturally bobbed or docked).