Two breeds belonging to the group of sheep-dogs with straight hair are known - Welsh Corgi Pembroke and Cardigan. These dogs are close in similarity to the Welsh short-legged breeds. Welsh Corgi is official, shepherd, the smallest sheepdog.
Historical background
The exact origin of Welsh Corgi Cardigan is not known. There is evidence that this dog was bred in the territory of South Wales. According to experts, Cardigan was withdrawn much earlier than the related Pembroke. It is believed that Corgi is a descendant of a family of wild Stone Age dogs that were brought to Wales in the 10th century. BC. e. Celts. There is also the view that the ancestors of this breed during the immigration of the Flemish weavers were brought to Wales in the 12th century, this is mentioned in the book "Domesday Book" created by William the Conqueror, which is a land inventory book of England in 1086. Welsh Cardigan has an external resemblance to the Swedish Walhounds, therefore, there is an assumption that Corgi is a descendant of Walhound, consequently he was brought by merchants from Sweden. Also there is a historical evidence of Corgi's entrance into kinship with Skye terrier. And they also assume that the Kardigan descendant can be Kern-terriers.
Since the XI century AD. e. Welsh Corgi Cardigan was very much appreciated among farmers and was recognized as an excellent shepherd of sheep, goats, cattle, and ponies. Smaller dogs guarded the yard, exterminated rodents and guarded domesticated birds. The cost of one trained dog was tantamount to the cost of a bull. The law also punished the murderer of Corgi with the death penalty.
A long period of time, Corgi was not known beyond the boundaries of historical habitat. For the first time Welsh Corgi Cardigan was introduced to the general public in Wales in the competition of shepherd dogs in 1892, and four years later this breed of dogs took part in the agricultural exhibition.
In 1933 Welsh Corgi Cardigan was recognized as a salon dog. The Duke of York presented as a gift Corgy puppy to the English Queen Elizabeth II, who was still a little girl and since then this breed has become a favorite in the palace. Soon a whole company of relatives of this dog appeared on the royal court. The royal family represented their favorites at exhibitions, and these dogs accompanied family members on travel. Thanks to the love of the queen for this breed, this dog has become popular not only in the Kingdom of England, but also in other countries. The International Cynological Organization (FCI) in 1934 determined the characteristics of the Welsh Corgi Cardigan and the breed was recognized as independent.
The main differences of the breed are Welsh Corgi Cardigan and Welsh Corgi Pemborque
The most significant difference is the tail. At birth, Pembroke is not available, and if there are newborns, it is stopped. At Corgi Cardigan, he must be available - this is in line with the breed standards. Cardigans look stronger, athletic and powerful than the lightweight and elegant Pembroke.
These dogs have different appearance histories. There are no specific sources of occurrence in any of these breeds. But experts believe Corgi Cardigan is more ancient than Pembroke. There is information from the annals that the Pembrokes from western Wales and left the county of Pembrokeshire in 1107, and the Cardigans in 1086 from the county of Cardiganshire, the southern side of Wales.
Pembroke ancestors are dogs of the Spitz breed, and the Cardigans are the terriers.
Professional cynologists easily distinguish the branch of Corgi's origin according to the motor way of dogs. Because of the difference in the structure of the physique, their movements also differ. During the running of Corgi, the ancient instincts of the shepherd dog show up to some extent. Pembroke moves swiftly, sharply and impetuously, more often along a straight path, and the Cardigan moves in zigzag dashes, clinging to the ground.
Corgi Pemborter has a famous distinctive feature - it's his famous smile.
Character
Welsh Corgi Cardigan of a calm and restrained temper. Strongly attached to the owners. Sociable, with intelligent manners of behavior. Surprise and delight owners cheerful behavior, show cleverness, good nature and joy. They are excellent companions, very fond of children.
Care instructions
Corgi excessively shed. During moulting, which happens twice a year, you need a more thorough washing and daily combing. In the absence of molting, a ten-minute brushing twice a week is enough.
Physical development
These dogs are prone to fatness, so moderation in nutrition is required.