The Corgi Pembroke and the Corgi Cardigan have a similar appearance and a size of around 30 cm at the withers for a weight of 9 to 12 kg depending on the sex. They both have a medium length coat and a thick undercoat. In the Pembroke the colors are uniform: red or fawn mainly with or without white variegation and in the Cardigan all colors exist. The Cardigan’s resembling tail resembles that of the fox, while that of the Pembroke is short. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale classifies them among the sheepdogs and Bouviers.

The historical origins of the Corgi are obscure and debatable. Some suggest that Corgi derives from “cur” which would mean dog in the Celtic language, while others think that the term derives rather from “cor” which means dwarf in Welsh. Pembrokeshire and Cardigan were agricultural areas in Wales.

Corgis have historically been used as herding dogs, especially for cattle. The English refer to this type of herding dog as “heelers,” which means they bite the heels of larger animals to keep them moving. (2)

The Welsh Corgis have retained several important character traits from their past as a herding dog. First of all, they are easy to train dogs and extremely devoted to their owners. Second, since they have been selected to keep and herd herds of much larger animals, Corgis are not shy with strangers or other animals. Finally, a small defect, the Corgi can have a tendency to nibble the heels of small children, as it would with cattle … But, this natural behavior can be completely controlled by a few good education lessons!

Generally speaking, Corgis are dogs who like to please their owners and are therefore very caring and affectionate.

According to the latest Kennel Club Dog Breed Health Survey 2014 in England, Corgis Pembroke and Cardigan each have an average life expectancy of around 12 years. The main causes of death reported for Cardigan Corgis were myelomalacia or old age. In contrast, the main cause of death in Corgis Pembrokes is unknown. (4)

Myelomalacia (Corgi Cardigan)

Myelomalacia is a very serious complication of hernia which causes necrosis of the spinal cord and quickly leads to the death of the animal from respiratory paralysis. (5)

Degenerative myelopathy

According to a recent study published by researchers at the University of Missouri, Corgis Pembroke dogs are the most affected by degenerative myelopathy.

It is a canine disease very similar to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in humans. It is a progressive disease of the spinal cord. The disease generally begins beyond 5 years in dogs. The first symptoms are loss of coordination (ataxia) in the hind limbs and weakness (paresis). The affected dog will sway when walking. Usually both hind limbs are affected, but the first signs may appear in one limb before the second is affected As the disease progresses the limbs become weaker and the dog has difficulty standing until that the dog is gradually unable to walk. The clinical course can range from 6 months to 1 year before dogs become paraplegic. It’s a disease

The disease is still poorly understood and at present and the diagnosis consists first of all, by magnetic resonance imaging, in excluding other pathologies that can affect the spinal cord. A histological examination of the spinal cord is then necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

In some cases, it is possible to perform a genetic test by taking a small sample of DNA. Indeed, the inbreeding of purebred dogs has favored the transmission of the mutated SOD1 gene and dogs homozygous for this mutation (that is to say that the mutation is presented on the two alleles of the gene) are likely to develop this disease with age. On the other hand, dogs which carry the mutation only on one allele (heterozygous) will not develop the disease, but are likely to transmit it.

Currently, the outcome of this disease is fatal and there is no known cure. (6)

Corgi can suffer from eye conditions such as cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy.

Progressive retinal atrophy

As the name suggests, this disease is characterized by progressive degeneration of the retina which results in loss of vision. both eyes are affected, more or less simultaneously and equally. Diagnosis is made by eye examination. A DNA test can also be used to determine if the dog carries the mutation responsible for the disease. Unfortunately there is no cure for this disease and blindness is currently inevitable. (7)

Cataract

Cataracts are clouding of the lens. In the normal state, the lens is a transparent lens in the normal state located in the anterior third of the eye. Clouding prevents light from reaching the retina which ultimately causes blindness.

Usually an ophthalmologic examination is sufficient for the diagnosis. There is then no drug treatment, but, as in humans, it is possible to intervene by surgery to correct the clouding.

Corgis are lively dogs and demonstrate a strong aptitude for work. The Welsh Corgi easily adapts to city life, but remember that it is originally a sheepdog. He is therefore small but athletic. Exercise in the great outdoors is essential and a long daily outing will allow him to temper his lively character and natural energy.

He is a good companion dog and easy to train. It will easily adapt to a family environment with children. With his passive herd guardian, he is also an excellent guardian who will not fail to warn you of the presence of an intruder in the family perimeter.