A Brief History- 01 Corgis of the Past. The Tail of Two Corgis- 02 So I Heard You Like Herding- 03 General temperament and expected behavior- 03a Keeping the Corgi happy and fulfilled- 03b A Short Dog’s Shortcomings- 04 The joints in a dwarfed dog are very different from the joints in a standard dog—like the rest of the dog’s skeletal system, they are deformed.  In fact, if the same joints were on an average dog, they would certainly be considered dysplastic.  In a Corgi, these types of seemingly dysplastic joints are "normal" and allow easy, pain-free movement.  As in standard dogs, dwarves have varying degrees of joint quality and are capable of developing hip or elbow dysplasia.  The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, or the OFA, evaluates the joint health of any breed of dog.  All dogs should be OFA tested and pass with “excellent”,  “good”, or "fair" evaluations before being bred to reduce the occurrence of crippling joint disorders in the offspring and, ultimately, the population at large.

 with the AKC registration name or number in question.  If the tests were done through OFA, the results will show on the website. At the twilight of a Corgi’s life, obese or not, there is one last problem owners need to worry about: degenerative myleopathy, or DM.  DM is the doggy version of ALS.  The age of onset is usually 8 and above.  When symptoms are noticed, life expectancy is 6 to 12 months as the paralysis works its way up the spine.  True DM is also completely painless.  Currently, 51% of Pembrokes test “at risk” for the disease. Most “at risk” dogs do not come down with DM, which indicates something else is afoot in the onset of the disease.  Until researchers identify what that “something else” is, DM is best avoided by caring for your Corgi the best way you can and hoping it doesn’t strike.  All things considered, DM isn’t the most terrible way for a Corgi to end its life provided both you and the dog have the proper support you need. A Hairy Situation- 05

Remember, all dogs are individuals and may not conform to breed standard.  To maximize the chances of getting what you want out of your Corgi, and to minimize the occurrence of health problems, seek responsible, reputable breeders.  Never buy a dog from anyone or anywhere else.  If at all possible, rescue your pal from a local shelter or Corgi rescue organization!  For additional help in deciding if, what, where, why, and how to adopt, please feel free to browse my other posts. A note About "blue merle Pembrokes"- 06a There is a trend to produce and sell "blue merle Pembrokes" to unsuspecting buyers who think the merle color is unique and want the eye-catching merle coat in their Pembroke Welsh Corgi.  The truth is that there is no such thing as a blue merle Pembroke!  Let me say that again, because it's important: there is no such thing as a merle Pembroke!  Anyone producing and selling "merle Pembrokes" is mixing them with some other breed of dog.  Merle does not occur naturally within the Pembroke population.  

In order to get a merle dog, the dog must be mixed with another breed of dog to get that color. Any person purposefully producing "blue merle Pembrokes" is an unscrupulous breeder looking to make some fast cash.  If you are interested in a well-bred Pembroke, never under any circumstances acquire a dog from someone who also breeds "blue merle Pembrokes" or crosses their Pembrokes with other breeds.  There is absolutely no reason to do so other than to sell as many dogs as fast as possible.  Bug Puppies For Sale In NhSimilarly, there's no reason to purchase a "blue merle Pembroke".Hardwood Flooring Staple RemoverIf you do not understand why it's a problem that "blue merle Pembrokes" are being produced and sold, then consider why you want a Corgi in the first place. Homes For Sale Mission Hills Northbrook Il

Corgis are so much more than their outward appearance and color is the least important part of the dog.  If the breeder makes color an important factor in breeding, imagine what traits are being lost to the pursuit of color--good health, stable temperaments, predictable behavior, and much more are lost when the breeder breeds for color.  Mixing the Pembroke with other breeds makes the behavior, temperament, and health of the animal much less predictable. Buyers of "blue merle Pembrokes" have not done their due diligence and research. The "blue merle Pembroke" trend is a great disservice to the breed, and continuing to call the dogs "blue merle Pembrokes" spreads a great deal of misinformation. There is no such thing as a "blue merle Pembroke".  Call it what it is: a mixed breed.Find a Cardigan Welsh Corgi Breeder Rescue a Cardigan Welsh Corgi The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a long, low to the ground dog. Their backs are actually not longer than most dogs’, their legs are just very short in comparison.

The head is in good proportion to the rest of the dog. The broad, flat skull is rounded and tapered. The muzzle is parallel with the skull and has a moderate stop. The nose is black in all colors but may be butterfly in merle-colored dogs. The wide-set eyes are medium to large in size with dark rims. The oval eyes are shades of brown depending on the dog’s coat color. Dogs with a blue merle coat may have blue eyes, either both eyes, or one of each. The eye rims are black. The erect ears are large in proportion with the rest of the dog, moderately large at the base and slightly rounded at the tips. The chest is deep with a prominent breastbone. The legs are very short. The tail is low-set and long. The round paws are relatively large and the front feet turn out slightly. The double coat has a short, thick, weather resistant undercoat with a longer, coarser outer coat. The coat is longer at the ruff, back of the legs and on the underside of the tail. Some Corgis are born with longer coats called the "fluffy Corgi" or "long-haired Corgi."

These dogs do not make the written standard and cannot be shown. Coat colors include red, sable, fawn, brindle, black and brindle, blue merle (black and gray; marbled), black and tan with white markings. There are often white markings on the legs, chest, neck and parts of the muzzle. Some differences between the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is that the Pembroke's tail is often bobbed or cropped at birth. Cropping tails is illegal in a lot of countries, and even in countries where it is legal, a lot of people opt out of cutting of the tail leaving it natually long. Whereas the Cardigan natually has a long tail and cropping the tail is not accepted in the written standard. The Pembroke usually has straighter legs as it is not quite as long-bodied as a Cardigan; the Pembroke's head is generally more wedge-shaped; the ears are smaller and closer together than the Cardigan’s; also the Pembroke tends to be lighter than the Cardigan. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is highly intelligent and obedient, able and willing to please its owner.

Reliable, dedicated and loving, but can be wary of strangers. Socialize well, preferably when young. Corgis are extremely active and devoted little dogs, and are good with considerate children so long as the dog sees himself below humans in the pack order. Protective and sturdy, they make fine guards, and excellent show and obedience dogs. Good with other non-canine animals, but can be combative with other dogs if the owners do not properly communicate to the dog that aggressiveness is an unwanted behavior. They sometimes attempt to herd people by nipping at their heels, and should be taught not to do this. The Pembroke tends to bark a lot and makes a good watchdog. If you find your dog is barking at you in order to communicate, you need to hush the dog and look into your leadership skills. A dog that is barking at you in that manner is showing signs of dominancy issues.If you can treat your Corgi in such a way that he is mentally sound, he makes a wonderful companion. Issues will arise if the dog is above the humans in the pack order and if he does not receive enough daily exercise.

Do not allow the Corgi to developed Small Dog Syndrome. Height: Males 10 - 13 inches (25 – 33 cm) Females 10 - 13 inches (25 – 33 cm) Weight: Males 25 - 30 pounds (11 – 14 kg) Females 25 - 30 pounds (11 – 14 kg) Prone to PRA, glaucoma and back disorders. Do not overfeed for if they become fat it can cause back problems. Corgis will do fine in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. With enough exercise they can be calm indoors, but will be very active if they are lacking. Will do okay without a yard so long as they are taken for daily walks. Even more active that the Pembroke; Cardigans must have regular exercise, including a daily, long walk. The wiry, medium-length water-resistant coat is easy to groom. The coat is shed two times per year. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is older than the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, with the Pembroke being bred out of the Cardigan. Both Corgi varieties may be a descendant of the Keeshond, Pomeranian, Schipperkes and the Swedish Vallhund.

Some say the older Cardigan was from Cardiganshire, brought there by the Celts in 1200 BC, whereas the Pembroke's ancestors were introduced by Flemish weavers to the Celts in the 1100s. Whatever the case may be, the Cardigan and the Pembroke Welsh Corgis were interbred and considered the same breed up until 1934 when a show judge thought they were too different and separated them into two different breeds. After they were separated the Pembroke gained in popularity and is to this day more popular than the Cardigan. The name "corgi" is specific to that type of dog breed in Cymreig (Welsh). Dog in Cymreig (Welsh) is 'Ci' or if it is softly mutated 'Gi,' hence Corgi. The Pembroke was actually recognized by the AKC a year before the Cardigan. The Cardigan was recognized in 1935 and the Pembroke in 1934. Corgis were used as cattle drivers, vermin hunters and farm guards. They drove cattle by barking and nipping at the cattle's heels rather than just herding them. The dog's low stature helped him roll out of the way of kicking cows.