Corgi: photo, character, advantages and disadvantages of the breed

general information

• Breed name: welsh corgi pembroke and welsh corgi cardigan.
• Country of origin: Great Britain.
• Weight: pembrokes - up to 13.5 kg, cardigans - up to 17 kg.
• Height at withers: on average up to 30 cm in both breeds.
• Average life expectancy: among the Pembrokes - 12-13 years old, among cardigans - 12-15 years old.
• Price: from 15,000 to 80,000 rubles and more.

What do corgi look like

Two breeds are hiding under the name "corgi"Meet Two Similar Yet Different Breeds: The Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi - pembroke welsh corgi and cardigan welsh corgi. These dogs are similar to each other, but there are differences between them.

Initially, both Cardigans and Pembrokes were herding dogs that helped keep track of livestock. Only some lived in the southwest of Wales, and the latter in its southern part. Their earlier history and origins also have little in common.

The Welsh Corgi Cardigan is one of the oldest breeds in the British Isles. Their ancestors were brought to Wales by the Celtic tribes before our era. The Pembrokes are much younger. Most likely, they came to the British Isles together with the Vikings, and the history of the breed can be traced back from about the 11th century to our millennium.

But the differences do not end with historical nuances - outwardly, they are also not exact copies of each other. Yes, representatives of both breeds are small in size, with large heads, elongated bodies on short and slender limbs. The ears of both are large enough, stand upright, but in cardigans they are somewhat larger and more noticeably rounded.

There are many other differences as well. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is slightly smaller. The weight of adult males is on average 13.5 kg, while more massive cardigans can weigh up to 17 kg.

The overall proportions of the body are also not identical. The Pembrokes have a straight topline, the front legs are straight and parallel, the hind legs are powerful and strong. In cardigans, the croup is slightly sloping, the front part of the body is more massive than the back, and the front legs are slightly turned outward.

Another important point: the representatives of the Welsh Corgi cardigans have low-set long fluffy tails. In Pembrokes, the tail is different: also long, docked or scanty from birth (natural bobtails). Different colors are allowed for dogs of both breeds, including red, sable and others.

What is the character of a corgi

Representatives of both breedsMeet Two Similar Yet Different Breeds: The Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi - loyal companions and loyal friends. They enjoy spending time in the company of adults and children. At the same time, corgi are very smart and learn well if you devote enough time to the process.

Nevertheless, there are differences in characters. Pembrokes are very active, impulsive, energetic - sometimes even excessively - friendly and affectionate. They are much more sociable, ready to immediately plunge into any fun and set off for a man in various adventures. These dogs will be happy to be together 24 hours a day, no matter what you have to do all this time.

Cardigans are more restrained and calm. It is common for them to first assess the situation before taking part in it. Dogs of this breed are often less energetic, although they are ready to enthusiastically support the fun game. It is equally good for Welsh Corgi cardigans to lie next to a person and go on long trips with him.

What conditions of detention are required for corgi

After the pet appears in the house, allocate its own place for it - a special bed or mattress, which you can buy at the pet store. Also, the dog will certainly enjoy having fun with balls and other toys.

Another must-see is walking with a corgi. Small dogs are quite active, and street promenades, classes on special grounds and active games in the forest or park will help them to throw out all the accumulated energy. In addition, regular exercise will help keep the animal in good physical shape.

From an early age, teach your pet to the rules of behavior on the street and educate him, and then the corgi will not cause problems for you or others.

How to feed a corgi

Pay special attention to your pet's diet, because its health and longevity largely depends on nutrition. After the purchase, check with the breeder what food the puppy is accustomed to, and feed it the same way at first. Otherwise, the baby may begin to have digestive problems or simply refuse to eat. Over time, the diet can be gradually changed, if necessary.

In general, feeding corgi is acceptable. different food. The easiest option is high-quality ready-made feed, which contains all the useful and nutrients that the animal's body needs. Choose a universal diet or special diets that are designed specifically for dogs with various health problems.

The alternative is natural food that you will prepare specifically for your corgi. This diet is based on meat, offal, vegetables. The usual food from our table for dogs is prohibited. Cutlets and sausages are not good for animals, and spicy, spicy, smoked and other food familiar to us is completely harmful.

Watch your dog's weight, as obesity can be dangerous for him. If in doubt whether everything is in order, consult your veterinarian and change your pet's diet if necessary. And make sure the corgi always has a bowl of clean drinking water.

How to care for a corgi

Dogs of both breeds need to be brushed regularly throughout the year. During seasonal molting, this should be done every day, because quite a lot of wool falls out. Bathing will help simplify the grooming process. But you can start combing only when the corgi is completely dry.

For bath procedures, you should use special shampoos and other products that are sold in specialized stores. They are safe for animals and provide adequate care.

Cutting these dogs short is not worth it. Their coat allows you to maintain an optimal body temperature, and if you shorten it too much, the animal can suffer from hypothermia or heatstroke. In addition, after clipping, the previous type of wool is not always completely restored.

Like dogs of other breeds, all corgis need regular trim clawsand also inspect the eyes and ears to keep them clean and healthy.

What are corgi sick

Representatives of both breeds are distinguished by good health, although they also have a tendency to some diseases, which are transmitted also at the genetic level. So the PembrokesPembroke welsh corgi may suffer from dysplasia of the elbow and hip joints, vision and heart problems, degenerative myelopathy and von Willebrand disease, in which blood clotting is impaired.

To the characteristic cardigansCardigan welsh corgi problems include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, which can lead to blindness, and degenerative myelopathy, which results in paralysis.

Another important point: it is undesirable for dogs of both breeds to jump from chairs, sofas and other high surfaces. Steep steps can also be dangerous: due to such acrobatic exercises, animals are at risk of back problems.

Monitor your pet's condition closely. If the corgi becomes lethargic and lethargic, refuses to eat, limps, or has other troubling symptoms, be sure to contact a veterinary clinic. Remember: the sooner a pet's health problems are identified, the better the chances of recovery.

What to look for when buying a corgi

Having decided whether you need a pembroke or a cardigan, decide on your plans for it. If you want to buy a purebred pet, pay attention to the pet class animals. These puppies are strong and healthy, but not suitable for shows and breeding. However, the price for them is lower.

Choose breed class puppies for breeding. Look for future exhibitors and even potential champions in the "show" class. Of course, the cost of such animals is high, but at the same time they are the most promising.

Be sure to visit the breeder before buying. Look at all the puppies and their mother, evaluate the housing conditions. All animals, not just the one you choose, should be clean, vigorous, well-fed and active.

Make sure they are well kept and cared for. Pay attention to the documents too. If in any doubt, double-check the information through the club listed on the papers.

The final stage is the transfer of documents to the animal. Together with the baby, you should be given his veterinary passport, which contains information about vaccinations, and a puppy card (metric), which can later be changed to a pedigree. It is also advisable to conclude a sales contract, which, among other things, will spell out the responsibility of the parties.

Of course, you can buy a dog without documents - such puppies are easy to find, for example, at sites with ads or bird markets. But there is a certain risk in this: no one can guarantee you that the puppy is a corgi, and not just a dog similar to it.

And even if the animal is from thoroughbred producers, there is no guarantee that it is healthy and has no problems with heredity. If you still bought such a dog, first of all contact your veterinarian, issue a veterinary passport and get vaccinated.