The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is the older of the two Corgi breeds, and is also larger than its cousin, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Standing up the 13 inches at the shoulder, and weighing 45 pounds, they are stocky, low-slung and somewhat longer than they are tall. The ears are erect, and the face fox-like.For all their cuteness though, these are tough little dogs. It’s easy to forget that they once earned their keep as drovers.

There are a number of theories regarding the origins of the Corgi. One is that the breed descends from dogs brought to Britain by the Celts, circa 1200 BC. Another theory is that the Vikings brought Swedish Vallhunds with them to Britain, and this is the progenitor of the Corgi breed.

In fact, either of these theories may have some validity. The Corgi bears a striking resemblance to the Vallhund, while the name “Corgi” means “dog”, in the Celtic language.

Corgis have been herding cattle in Britain for centuries, and it’s a job they perform exceptionally well. They may be small, but they make up for that with their energy, and bravery. A Corgi will stand his ground against a charging bull without blinking. In addition, they are very agile dogs, and along with their low-profile, this helps them avoid flying hooves as they nip at the ankles of the cattle.

These days you’re more likely to see a Corgi as a family pet than as a cattle dog. But they are well suited to companionship.These charming dogs are affectionate, gentle, and very bright. They absolutely love being around people, and love to please their owners, making them very easy to train.

These active, playful dogs are a joy to have around. They are very good with children, and get on with other dogs and non-canine pets. One small problem, is the tendency of some dogs to nip at the ankles, but this is easily corrected with training.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is very alert and makes an excellent watchdog. They are quick to raise the alarm whenever something doesn’t seem right, but can become problem barkers if left unchecked.

Grooming is simple. The coat is short and the dog is a seasonal shedder. All it takes is a good brushing every other day or so, and the coat will always look its best.

They are a particularly robust breed and suffer from very few inherited diseases. They do tend towards obesity, but with regular exercise this is easily avoided. A Corgi that is kept in a good environment and fed a healthy diet can easily live 12-15 years.

Because of their small size, Corgis adapt well to apartment living. They are however, active dogs, and require daily exercise. This should incorporate walks and games, as Corgis love to play. They also do well at various canine sports including obedience, tracking, agility, and herding trials.

If you’re looking for puppy names, for your Cardigan Welsh Corgi, I’d recommend Puppy Names HQ, a site with an extensive database of dog names, including thousands of cute dog names.