Corgi are cheerful and energetic dogs that, despite their cute appearance, have a strong disposition and endurance. Representatives of the breed can be described as loyal companions suitable for living in a large family in an urban apartment (house).
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Description of species of breed
Welsh Corgi herding dogs have been human helpers for a long time. They found their application in various household works. The small size of dwarf shepherds today does not interfere with their working qualities.
These are affectionate and positive dogs, devoid of any hint of aggression. There are no signs of timidity and cowardice. From the first days of appearance in the house, Welsh Corgi will become the favorites of the whole family. But since dogs are very mobile and need long runs, dictated by the shepherd’s innate instincts, it is not recommended to start them for busy people who are not able to provide dwarf shepherd dogs with long-term outdoor training.
Within the breed, two varieties were identified that belong to different standards:
- Welsh Corgi Pembroke (standard 39) - the distinctive characteristics of the appearance include a narrower body compared to a cardigan, as well as squat and almost absent tail. The color of the hair on the body is most often sable-white, and the head is painted in red or black.
- Welsh Corgi Cardigan (standard 38) - the exterior of this species suggests an elongated tail, more rounded, larger auricles. The lower limit of growth is 30 cm, and the weight ranges from 14-15 kg. The characteristic color is brindle, blue merle.
Origin history
The homeland of a cute mini-shepherd is Wales, where it appeared in the X century. The dog was assigned the duties of a shepherd for a cow herd.
There are several versions of the origin of the breed of short-legged dogs:
- According to some scholars, the Celts still engaged in breeding of the breed, which were used as shepherd dogs, in the 15th century BC
- Welsh legend says that small representatives of the breed that the fairies used for riding were donated to people. A kind of confirmation of this version is the mark on the back of pedigree dogs, resembling a saddle.
But despite such a long history, the breed gained real popularity in the XX century, when in 1925 its representatives were presented at the exhibition. After this event, continuous breeding work was carried out for another 10 years, until in 1934 two varieties were bred: Welsh Corgi Pembroke and Welsh Corgi Cardigan
The nature and behavior of Corgi dogs
Friendly and flexible Welsh Corgi babies are distinguished by a stable psyche and unquestioning loyalty to their owner. They capture the moods and feelings of people, while remaining energetic and positive, able to cheer even on the most gloomy day.
Because of their shepherd’s instinct, they perceive their family as a “herd”, looking after and playing with children, treating the latter with great love. But since puppies have the habit of slightly biting household members by the legs, thus collecting them together, you should not leave preschool kids alone with the corgi.
Balance and good nature allow the Corgi to easily get along with other representatives of the animal world living in the house. They are friendly to both cats and rodents, feeling comfortable in a large, complete family. However, due to the activity and unrestrained energy that they need to constantly throw away, older people should not opt for Welsh Corgi puppies.
Breed standard and puppy selection
According to the current edition of the Standard, the breed must comply with the following exterior parameters:
- The head is elongated, wedge-shaped.
- The skull is wide.
- The nose is black.
- Muzzle - slightly elongated and narrowed with a pronounced transition from the forehead.
- Jaws - strong with scissor bite.
- Eyes - medium sized, oval
- Ears are erect, triangular (Welsh Corgi Cardigan's are larger and slightly rounded).
- Build - a strong, oblong body with a rounded chest.
- The limbs are strong and short.
- Weight - 13-15 kg.
- Growth - 26-32 cm.
- Coat - medium length with a stiff, dense structure and short undercoat (slight waviness is acceptable).
- Color - reddish, brownish-yellow, fawn-black and sable-colored hair color with white spots in the neck, chest and muzzle.
- Tail - does not stop (the Welsh Corgi Pembroke variety is practically absent).
How to choose a puppy
When deciding to purchase a corgi puppy, the future owner needs to follow several important rules:
- It must be sent to a trusted breeder with a good reputation or to a famous nursery.
- It is necessary to evaluate the place and conditions of the future pet.
- It is important to look at the bitch: most of the qualities are inherited by the puppy from the mother.
- The chosen baby must have a metric and a veterinary passport.
Features of keeping a dog
The breed of Welsh Corgi dogs is unpretentious to the conditions of detention and can perfectly live both in the apartment and in the house with the land.
Before you bring a puppy home, you must:
- tiled floors to lay.The paws of the dog will disperse on them, contributing to an increase in the injuries of the animal;
- raise all the wires and electrical appliances that may be the target of the corgi;
- stock up on rubber toys to help avoid problems with spoiled things;
- if you plan to subsequently leave the dog at home alone, then equip the sleeping place with a special carrying cage, where the mattress spreads and a bowl of clean water is placed.
Care, health and feeding
Corgi does not require special care. It is enough to fulfill a set of standard requirements.
Walks
For shepherd dogs, walks are very important, on which a puppy can be bred only after all vaccinations by age and the end of quarantine. In order not to overwork the dog, the length of time on the street increases gradually. From 8 months, when the pet is physically stronger, you can start training, in which he must necessarily run a lot at a different pace.
Combing
Since the Welsh Corgi have a dense undercoat, during the molting period, combing is carried out daily with the help of a furminator or sash. The rest of the time, it is enough to comb the hair once a week with a brush with a natural pile.
Bathing
Bathing often dogs is not worth it. Water procedures are recommended to be carried out before participating in the exhibition and as necessary, if the four-legged friend is very dirty.
Eye, ear care
Inspect and clean both ears and eyes twice a week with cotton pads (sticks) dipped in special lotions. Accumulations of sulfur, which can lead to inflammatory processes, must not be allowed.
Claw and teeth care
Twice a month, Corgi's claws are cut using a special tool, which can be purchased at a pet store. Also, wool should be cut around the horn formations every month.
Of no small importance is the cleanliness of the teeth, supported by toothpaste and a special brush. To the procedure, which should be carried out twice a week, it is necessary to teach a dog from an early age.
Food
A balanced diet is the key to good health and longevity of the dog.
Welsh Corgi can be fed with both ready-made dry food and natural food, the menu of which will help the veterinarian to make a menu. Mixed nutrition for the animal is unacceptable.
Health
Welsh Corgi dog is strong, has good health. However, it is prone to diseases such as glaucoma, eczema, retinal atrophy, and periodontal disease. In order to timely diagnose and cure a pet, you should regularly visit a veterinary clinic.
Parenting and training
The process of educating the corgi begins immediately after its appearance and lasts a lifetime. First, the dog goes through the process of socialization, after which you can begin to train in a playful way. The breed is active, energetic and loves to perform new tricks. The basic rules are to give moderate loads without overworking the pet, and never raise a hand on it. Otherwise, the owner will lose credibility in the eyes of the dog. For the correct execution of the team, the corgi should definitely be encouraged with a treat.
Pros and cons of the breed
The indisputable advantages of the breed are:
- sensitivity due to which the dog easily captures the mood of the owner and does not bother if he is not in the spirit;
- a nanny dog, ready to forgive the children all their leprosy;
- thanks to the sharp mind, Corgis are easy to train;
- equilibrium.
Among the minuses are:
- intense molting;
- loud voice;
- excessive activity.
How much is a Corgi dog
Despite the wide popularity in Western Europe, in the CIS countries, the breed is quite rare.
Corgi puppies cost between $ 350-1000 depending on the pedigree and the exterior.
Many people who want to have a pet of this breed are scared away by the high cost. In the pursuit of cheapness, you should be vigilant: for a lower price, you can buy a mestizo with fraudulent documents from a scammer or a sick puppy with genetic diseases.
Welsh Corgi is an energetic dog with a balanced character, which will easily become another favorite member of a large family.
